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By Dylan Adams Lemaçon, LJI Reporter

The Rosemère City Council gathered for its first meeting of the year on January 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Mayor Eric Westram began the session with a light comment about the return of colder winters after a few unseasonably warm years, setting the tone for a productive evening.  

New Online Platform for Urban Planning Appointments  

“We’re kicking off the year with some excellent news,” announced Mayor Westram as he introduced GOrendezvous, a new online platform designed to streamline appointment scheduling with the urban planning, finance and other town clerk departments. The system is expected to launch in the coming days, promising improved accessibility and efficiency for residents.  

Honoring Rosemère’s Exceptional Citizens  

The mayor also announced that the city will recognize outstanding citizens and organizations during a special event in May 2025. Residents are encouraged to submit nominations by February 15, ensuring the community’s unsung heroes receive the recognition they deserve.  

Questions from the Public  

The meeting’s first question period saw a few spirited exchanges.  

One resident, who did not provide her name, raised concerns about point 5.1.4 of the agenda, which referred to the expansion of a commercial parking lot. Council clarified that the project involves the enlargement of the building itself, with a redesigned parking layout to follow.  

She also brought up waste management, suggesting the city reduce garbage pickup to once a month during the winter to save costs and reduce environmental impact. She noted there would be less odor in colder months, making the change viable. While Mayor Westram agreed with the suggestion’s logic, he reminded her of the backlash when a similar approach was attempted three to four years ago. Still, he acknowledged the need for internal council discussions to revisit the idea.  

Sophie Cardinal, another resident, sought clarification on point 11.8, which addressed plans for climate change adaptation. Mayor Westram emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to handle extreme weather, citing last summer’s sewer flooding as a wake-up call. “We need to be conscious of strong precipitation that will become more current than in the past—and we must look at our infrastructures and what must be done at that level,” he explained. Cardinal expressed frustration about repeated evaluations of her waterfront property without prior notice.  

Another attendee asked if Rosemère planned to develop smaller housing projects, potentially utilizing the local golf course. Mayor Westram responded that while most of the city’s territory is already built, some rental housing projects are under review.  

Ongoing Legal Dispute over Golf Course Development  

The mayor took the opportunity to address a high-profile legal battle involving the former golf course. In 2023, the city rejected a proposed residential development from Immobilier Quartier Melrose, prompting a $278 million lawsuit from the developers.  

“There will be a decision to be made by the council eventually of what is to become of that land,” said Mayor Westram, noting that the city remains divided on the issue. So far, the legal defense has cost Rosemère approximately $1 million in fees.  

A resident asked for further updates on the lawsuit. The mayor admitted that the city was at a standstill, defending itself in court while deliberating on the land’s future.  

Agenda Items Approved Without Objection  

Following public discussions, the council proceeded with the order of the day. All points were approved without significant debate, allowing the meeting to progress efficiently. Council members continue to acknowledge the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2025. Mayor Westram’s remarks emphasized the city’s focus on community engagement and infrastructure improvements, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead.