REM

Deux-Montagnes council closes mandate with REM update, new regulations and farewell to councillor Mendes

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By Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

The municipal council of Deux-Montagnes held its final meeting of the mandate on Thursday, October 2, drawing more than 20 citizens to town hall on chemin d’Oka. The evening mixed routine agenda items with concerns from residents, updates on infrastructure and a moment of recognition for a departing councillor.

Mayor Denis Martin began the session by once again addressing the long-awaited arrival of the REM commuter train. He joked that he had now been told for the “sixth time” that service was coming soon, but added this time the assurances seem more serious. “They seem very serious about starting November,” Martin told the crowd, striking a cautiously optimistic note.

Council quickly moved through the adoption of several agenda items, including confirming the 2026 schedule of council meetings. Starting next year, meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month, with a new 7 p.m. start time instead of the usual 7:30 p.m. The mayor also shared encouraging news on the city’s financial position, saying Deux-Montagnes is currently in surplus and expressing hope it will remain that way through year’s end.

Fraud was also amongst one of the talking points for the council. Some citizens in Deux-Montagnes had been sold fake bus and grocery cards, prompting the city to step in with support. 

In the question period, residents raised a variety of concerns. Former councillor Martin Bigras took the floor, expressing unease about a building near his business that was the site of a shooting in late September. Citing years of problems in the area, he worried the incident could hurt nearby businesses, including his own.

Other concerns were more local in nature. A resident warned that pickleball courts situated next to a baseball field posed a safety risk, noting that a friend had been struck by a ball. Mayor Martin responded that protective nets were supposed to be installed already and assured those present that they should be going up shortly.

The meeting closed on a more personal note. With municipal elections looming, Mayor Martin said he was proud of the work accomplished with his current team and expressed his hope for re-election. He offered a special thank you to councillor Michel Mendes, who will not be seeking another mandate. Recalling the early basement meetings where their political movement first took shape, Martin presented Mendes with a gift and warm words of appreciation.

The applause that followed marked both an ending and a transition, as Deux-Montagnes looks ahead to the next chapter in its municipal life

Furthermore, two sets of regulatory changes were adopted during the evening. One amends the tariff bylaw, setting new rental fees for community spaces such as the Salle Annette-Savoie and the Salle des Vétérans, as well as introducing a rate for hosting children’s parties in the arena’s off-ice room — $325 for residents and $400 for non-residents. The bylaw also revises rental costs based on duration of use, with longer events now facing higher fees. A second amendment updates the internal rules governing how council meetings are conducted, ensuring the city’s regulations align with provincial law.

Deux-Montagnes council closes mandate with REM update, new regulations and farewell to councillor Mendes Read More »

Dogs and bicycles can go on the REM through August

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By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Since last summer REM riders have been allowed to travel with their pets, under certain conditions, but only during specific times. As of last week, dogs are now permitted on the train at all times, but only during the summer months.

The Réseau express métropolitain announced earlier this month that starting on May 19 riders can now bring their dogs with them at all times. They must, of course, be leashed at all times, or in a cage or carrier.

Last August it allowed pets as part of a pilot project, but only outside of rush hour. Pets were not allowed Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m., or from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The restrictions will come back into effect starting on August 18. (The REM will be closed from July 5 to August 17, and dogs will not be allowed on the bus shuttles that will be made available. Exceptions are in place for service dogs).

The rules and conditions dictate that all dogs must be muzzled, even while in the station, and must be leashed. The leash must be no more than 1.25 metres (or 49 inches). Only one dog per passenger is allowed, and they are not allowed on seats or benches.

The REM cautions that some of their stations – notably Du Quartier and Gare Centrale – are located in buildings that do not belong to the Réseau. The policies of these buildings’ owners would apply, for instance, if pets are allowed only in certain areas. It is up to travellers to be informed ahead of time.

The same rules and dates have applied to bicycles since last August, and the same allowances will also apply through August 17. In other words, bicycles will be allowed on REM trains. The rules are that cyclists may not ride their bicycles either in the REM stations or cars. Riders are only allowed to park their bicycles in racks provided, and are not permitted to park them outside of the REM’s operating hours.

REM riders with bicycles must be at least 14 years old or accompanied by an adult.

There can be no more than two bicycles on an REM car.

Cyclists must let other riders get on and off the train first, and must hold their bicycles securely and not lean them against the car, the seats, doors, etc.

The rules apply regardless of the style of bike – bicycle, electric cycle, scooter, unicycle, or tricycle. Gas-powered scooters are not allowed. Folding scooters are fine as long as they don’t disturb anyone or cause a safety issue. n

Dogs and bicycles can go on the REM through August Read More »

Deux-Montagnes Council Highlights: Sound Finances, REM Update, and Community Concerns Addressed  

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by Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

The City of Deux-Montagnes held its regular monthly council meeting this Wednesday at City Hall on chemin d’Oka. Presided over by Mayor Denis Martin, the evening covered a full agenda, with a focus on financial transparency, infrastructure priorities, and updates on the long-anticipated REM light rail system.

City Posts $1.3M Surplus in 2024

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 financial report by city treasurer Julie Guindon. Citizens in the gallery applauded after hearing that Deux-Montagnes ended the fiscal year with a $1.3 million surplus, outperforming its initial expenditure budget of $30.42 million, finishing the year at approximately $30.53 million.

Mayor Martin praised the city’s “rigorous and responsible” financial management, noting that while costs—especially infrastructure—continue to rise, the city is strategically investing where most needed. For example, road repairs sometimes require full underground rebuilds rather than simple patches, prompting the city to reallocate budgets toward more impactful projects.

The surplus was primarily attributed to stronger-than-expected real estate transfer taxes (+$900,000) and additional provincial subsidies (+$225,000). The city now holds $4 million in uncommitted operating surplus, and $3.5 million in reserves for future projects like water services, flood protection, and public transit infrastructure.

Key Investments in 2024 and Priorities for 2025

In 2024, the city invested nearly $13.9 million, including:

$9M – Retention basin and dike

$1.64M – Street repairs

$1.16M – Park improvements

$780K – Sound barrier phase 1

$840K – Vehicle purchases

$330K – Public works and leisure equipment

Looking ahead to 2025, Deux-Montagnes plans to complete the Centennial Park project, phase 2 of the sound barrier, major library renovations, stormwater infrastructure upgrades, and more street rehabilitation.

REM Update: Optimism for October Opening

During the reading of the order of the day, the council gave an update on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) station. Mayor Martin said about the REM that, “for now, they’re optimistic” that the Deux-Montagnes REM stop will open as scheduled in October 2025.

When asked by a resident, Mr. Turgeon, about costs related to the REM, the mayor noted that a new agreement was recently signed that is more favorable to the city compared to previous versions.

Elections, Staffing Changes, and Labour Agreements

With municipal elections coming in November, council approved salaries for electoral staff. Other notable decisions included the hiring of Martin Racine as assistant city clerk, and ratifying the new 2024–2028 collective agreement with the city’s blue-collar union (CUPE Local 985). Mayor Martin called it a “win-win for all parties” and jokingly offered to send their negotiators to resolve the STM strike in Montreal.

Disciplinary actions were issued for two employees, and several staffing confirmations and hirings were also finalized.

Citizens Raise Concerns on Safety and Transit

During the public question period, Gina Parente expressed concern about an abandoned building where she’s seen suspicious activity. The council responded that although they can’t immediately demolish it, they will ensure it’s more securely barricaded.

Andrew Brown, another resident, asked about adding bicycle parking at the town hall, highlighting the city’s own efforts to promote sustainable transport. The council responded positively, acknowledging the idea’s value.

From healthy finances to steady REM progress and citizen engagement, the June 2025 Deux-Montagnes council meeting reflected a city preparing responsibly for growth while addressing the day-to-day concerns of its residents.

Deux-Montagnes Council Highlights: Sound Finances, REM Update, and Community Concerns Addressed   Read More »

Deux-Montagnes Council Meeting: Swift Approvals and Minimal Debate

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By Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

The latest Deux-Montagnes municipal council meeting was a relatively uneventful session, marked by swift approvals of agenda items and an absence of formal citizen questions during the designated question period. However, the discussion briefly stalled due to concerns over tax increases related to the REM project and an unexpected modification to the agenda.  

Tax Increases Due to REM Project

Mayor Denis Martin opened the meeting by addressing the financial burden imposed on Deux-Montagnes due to the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) project. He noted that the city has been hit particularly hard by tax increases stemming from the project, a point of ongoing frustration for residents and city officials alike.  

The Mayor stated that the council is in intense discussions to find a way to appease these increases. 

Following this, the council moved swiftly through the agenda, approving financial aid distributions to various organizations, renewing partnerships, and greenlighting several urban planning and public works projects.  

Uninterrupted Approvals Raise Questions

By the time the meeting reached halfway through the order of the day, every item had been approved without much discussion. A newcomer to the meeting voiced his concerns, questioning why decisions were being made so quickly without debate. As he continued speaking over the proceedings, Mayor Martin reminded him that there was a designated question period at the end of the session.  

Shortly after, an unusual moment occurred when the mayor and the city clerk briefly left the room. Upon their return, they explained that an agenda item had been mistakenly omitted. The necessary modification was made and swiftly approved.  

A Silent Question Period

When the meeting reached the question period, not a single citizen formally addressed the council. The only disruption came from a man named Miguel, who made frustrated comments from his seat. His words were difficult to understand, prompting Mayor Martin to assure him that they could discuss his concerns privately after the meeting.  

Conclusion

With all agenda items approved and no formal citizen participation in the question period, the meeting wrapped up in an efficient, uneventful, manner. While the tax increases related to the REM project remain a pressing issue, the lack of public engagement suggests either growing frustration or resignation among residents. The next council meeting may reveal whether this trend continues or if citizens begin voicing their concerns more actively.

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West Island REM delayed to 2025

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The construction for the Metropolitan Light Rail System (REM) lines slated to be in operation for the West Island and the North Shore has been delayed to 2025.

The initial target date set for the REM was in 2021. Following the opening of the first REM line in the summer of 2023, construction costs rose from $6.4 billion to $8 billion. Delays and the rise in costs raised eyebrows at the Quebec legislature last week. “The only thing I can say is it won’t be in 2024,” Philippe Batani, executive vice-president of public affairs, communications and strategy at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ Infra) responded to questions asked by Members of the National Assembly.

REM officials announced that the Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme stations that were planned for 2024 are facing delays as a result of the “complex work” to modernize the Mont Royal Tunnel. The Mount Royal Tunnel work was originally slated to be closed for two years with the reopening set for 2022. According to a statement issued by the CDPQ the new scheduled opening of the tunnel is postponed to late 2024 which will in turn postpone the commissioning of the Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme branches. When the tunnel was built in the early 1900s, the digging work took six years. Over a century later, it is taking nearly the same amount of time for crews to complete the work that was promised to be completed in a two-year time period. Over the coming months, work on bollard and sensor installations as well as the laying of 600 kilometres worth of electrical cables is left to be completed at the Mount Royal Tunnel.

While technical tests on the new lines are scheduled to begin in the next few weeks, Quebec Liberal Party MNA Frédéric Beauchemin stated at the National Assembly that the execution of the project should follow a proper planning process. “You can have a great plan but if you don’t execute properly, you’re going to have issues,” he said

Parti Québécois MNA Joël Arseneau openly questioned whether CDPQ Infra is the right player to develop collective transport. “When the previous Liberal government announced the REM project, it was said that budgets and timetables would be respected,” Arseau told reporters.

Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault said she is unbothered by the delays, stating that reliability and safety are primordial. “The fundamental criteria is the safety and reliability of the system. If more time is needed for more trials of the system before it is put into operation, I believe that it is the right thing to do.”n

West Island REM delayed to 2025 Read More »

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