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Deux-Montagnes City Council Meeting Tackles Housing Projects, Transparency, and Public Concerns  

Dylan Adams Lemaçon, LJI Reporter

The Deux-Montagnes municipal council meeting drew numerous citizens to the Town Hall on Thursday evening, as key issues such as housing projects, municipal transparency, and flood preparedness dominated discussions.  

Housing Projects Stir Citizen Concerns  

The most heated topic of the evening revolved around new apartment and condo developments, particularly on 15th Avenue. Citizens expressed surprise and frustration over the size and scope of the project, with several saying they were not adequately informed.  

Mayor Denis Martin acknowledged the challenges of unanimous agreement on urbanization projects, stating, “There will never be unanimous agreement for projects like these.” He highlighted that the council had reduced the amount of land originally intended for the developments after negotiations with the provincial government. Still, some residents were not appeased.  Council members reassured residents that a traffic study was underway and suggested the future REM line would help alleviate potential traffic issues caused by the influx of new residents.

One resident, Mr. Turgeon, criticized the lack of consultation, saying the project details were not clear and the city’s website lacked sufficient information. He emphasized the need for transparency and proposed broadcasting council meetings online to ensure broader access for citizens.  

Calls for Greater Transparency

Residents voiced recurring demands for improved communication between the council and the public. Beyond the housing projects, several attendees pressed for the filming and online posting of council meetings. They pointed out that while this was standard practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative was discontinued.  

The mayor acknowledged these concerns, stating that the city’s website needed improvement to provide better access to municipal rules and meeting details.

REM and Municipal Taxes

The council provided an update on the REM commuter rail line, now scheduled to reach Deux-Montagnes by fall 2025. Testing has already begun. Mayor Martin also noted that municipal taxes have risen due to the REM project, something that the council and locals already expected.

Flood Preparedness and Environmental Concerns

Flood preparedness was another topic raised during the question period, with citizens inquiring about support for potential spring flooding. Although the discussions lacked specific details, the council mentioned measures and special boards approved to address future flooding concerns.  

Council Business and Approvals

During the meeting, the council swiftly addressed other agenda items, including the approval of winter activities at Parc Olympia for the 2025 winter period and the authorization of funding requests for local organizations, including the Deux-Montagnes Ringette Association amongst other things.

Looking Ahead  

The meeting wrapped up with ongoing concerns about urbanization dominating citizen discussions. While the mayor emphasized efforts to balance growth with community needs, the sentiment among residents suggested lingering apprehension about transparency and the potential impacts of large-scale projects.  

As Deux-Montagnes continues to navigate these challenges, the call for open communication and greater public engagement remains loud and clear.

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Rosemère Town Council November Meeting Highlights Local Projects, Finance, and Community Recognition

Dylan Adams Lemaçon, LJI Reporter

The Rosemère City Council gathered for its regular monthly meeting on November 11, 2024, at the Town Hall, where Mayor Eric Westram and council members reviewed a full agenda, covering urban planning, finance, public works, and community projects. The meeting opened on a reflective note, with Mayor Westram honoring the significance of Remembrance Day.

A Moment for Remembrance and Community Spirit

Opening the session, Mayor Westram delivered remarks commemorating Remembrance Day, urging attendees to honor the past while looking toward the future. “It’s not only a time to commemorate the past but also a call to the future,” he stated. This was followed by a solemn moment of silence in memory of those who served and sacrificed.

The mayor also highlighted Rosemère’s recent win of the Gardien de l’eau 2024 award this past week at the Flamb’Eau Gala which took place in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac. The prize, symbolized by a drop-shaped trophy, recognizes the town’s excellence in water conservation efforts, reflecting the council’s ongoing commitment to sustainable resource management.

Zoning, Development, and a Question of Housing

After Mayor Westram’s remarks, the meeting turned to the order of the day, with discussions on various urban planning items. A notable part of the question period centered around a resident’s inquiry regarding housing development. The resident, who has repeatedly applied to build mini homes on land that she bought, voiced frustration over the city’s refusals. She expressed that smaller homes were more appropriate for the location, situated near a school bus parking lot, but noted that the city continued to push for a single larger home.

City Council has previously upheld zoning preferences in areas like these, favoring single-family homes on larger lots, though the resident argued that demand for smaller housing units is present. Despite her consultation with professionals who confirmed her rights to pursue the project, the council remained firm on its stance for this property.

Urban and Financial Approvals

Throughout the session, council members presented and approved a series of plans, bylaws, and budget allocations that had been set in advance. Council member Stéphanie Nantel led approvals for signage on several local business properties along Boulevard Labelle, including Chez Ferg and Dormez Vous. Councillor René Villeneuve reviewed regulatory updates and bylaws, ensuring alignment with Rosemere’s broader urban and financial strategies.

Villeneuve also outlined the council’s financial authorizations. All financial points were approved, including a $6.77 million bond issue and the adoption of the 2025 budget for the Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville, which provides policing services to Rosemere and surrounding communities.

Public Works and Development Projects Move Forward

Councillor Philip Panet-Raymond took the floor to discuss updates on infrastructure and public works, with several projects approved unanimously. Noteworthy points included the upcoming refurbishment of streets, pump station improvements, and the renewal of recycling contracts to enhance waste management services.

Panet-Raymond’s approvals also included a sustainable water use report, highlighting Rosemère’s progress in water-saving initiatives, a fitting follow-up to the Gardien de l’eau award.

Community Services: Support for the Local Library

Councillor Roseanna Cirino presented the council’s agenda on community services, with approvals for November sponsorships and donations. Among the items was an authorization for the Rosemère Library to sell deaccessioned books to residents for $2 each, encouraging local readership and extending the life of old books.

A Quiet Meeting

As the council wrapped up its agenda, only a small handful of residents remained in attendance, and just one had posed a question during the entirety of the meeting. Despite the light public participation, the council concluded its work with a series of important approvals aimed at balancing development, fiscal responsibility, and environmental stewardship for the town of Rosemere.

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