Cannabis in Saint-Lazare: where is it prohibited?

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Tuesday, October 9, 2018 – The legalization of cannabis, which comes into force on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, raises questions and concerns. In an effort to clarify certain aspects of the Act, the Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to specify the locations where cannabis use is prohibited.

This provincial law provides a framework for the possession and use of cannabis in public places notably by prohibiting the smoking of cannabis everywhere that smoking tobacco or vaping is already prohibited. Smoking cannabis will therefore be prohibited in any public place, most notably, but not limited to:  

• municipal parks, including nature parks, La Pinière, school parks, skate parks; bike paths, recreational trails, athletic tracks; outdoor pools, playgrounds for children, including water games;  sports fields including tennis, pickleball and basketball courts as well as soccer, football and softball fields; day camp fields, skating rinks and ice rings, for example;  
• during activities, holidays, events and municipal gatherings; and, in general,
• less than 9 metres from public buildings;
• at all times on the lots of:
  • child care centres and daycares;
  • educational institutions:
    • preschools;
    • elementary schools;
    • secondary schools, including adult education centres and vocational training centres.
• on the terraces of restaurants and bars;
• common areas of residential buildings with 2 to 3 units.

The Town has been informed that no cannabis point of sale is expected in Saint-Lazare at this time. As such, the town will not be affected from a commercial perspective for the time being.

In a context other than personal usage, regulations pertaining to the cultivation and transformation of cannabis are those stipulated in the agricultural and industrial zoning by-law. Sanctions for violations are those currently provided for.

The Town of Saint-Lazare invites residents to visit both federal and provincial websites here www.canada.ca/cannabis and https://encadrementcannabis.gouv.qc.ca/en/.

Notice to residents

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), on Friday, October 12, 2018  -  The City of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform Vallée-Chaline residents that H4G, the company mandated by the Ministry of Transport, Urban Mobility and Electrification of Transportation of Quebec, will resume its drone inspections on October, 13^th, 2018 until December, 14^th, 2018. These drone inspections are conducted in the sectors concerned by the stabilization work along the Quinchien River. These inspections will continue until the work is realized. 

H4G will fly at 10-day intervals, if the weather permits. Shots where properties or people are recognizable will not be used. The drone flies as to not disrupt or disturb human activity and wildlife.

For all the information concerning this work, residents are invited to visit the website at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/zonesdecontraintes, and to subscribe to the Vallée-Chaline online newsletter at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infolettres. Furthermore, residents, who wish to be quickly informed of any emergency situations on our territory or of situations which affect their quality of life, can subscribe, free of charge, to the Community alert system at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/alertealacommunaute. Those registered will receive health and safety alerts based on their communication preferences, either by e-mail, text, mobile or landline, or all of these at once.

For any other question concerning these activities, Vallée-Chaline residents can contact the line which is dedicated to them at 514-250-0964.

Invitation to the residents de Saint-Lazare

SAINT-LAZARE (QUÉBEC),  Friday, October 5, 2018  - Hydro-Québec representatives will join us on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Saint-Lazare Community Centre to update residents on the Saint-Lazare 2017-2019 vegetation control project.

Let us recall that, since April 2017, Hydro-Québec has been conducting a major vegetation control project on the Town’s territory, above and beyond the 5 years cyclic maintenance program. The project aims at reducing the electrical network’s vulnerability by pruning or cutting down weakened trees near high voltage power lines, reducing power outages caused by vegetation.

Everywhere across Québec, the majority of power outages are caused by vegetation interacting with the network.  The denser the vegetation, the harder it is for the Hydro-Québec crew to intervene. Since the beginning of the Saint-Lazare project, numerous residents already enjoy a better service.

A map of areas to be visited by Hydro-Quebec is accessible here http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/hydroquebec.

Detail of the evening and confirm your presence:

Please confirm your presence with Rachel Gauthier-Langlois by email at rgauthier@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca or by calling at 450 424-8000 ext. 214.

Work begins in the Cité-des-champs sector in Saint-Lazare

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Friday, September 28, 2018 - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform residents that the street lights, street curbs and paving work is beginning this Monday, October 1^st, 2018 in the Cité-des-champs sector in Saint-Lazare.

No traffic interruptions are planned on a short-term. The work should end mid-November, or at the beginning of December, 2018.

We invite motorists to show caution and patience at the approach of work sites for the safety of the workers and the children walking or biking to school.

Question / concern 
For questions concerning this works, do not hesitate to contact the Infrastructure Department at  450-424-8000, ext. 235.

Over thirty organizations will be on hand to speak about their social and community mission, available services such as food banks, meals on wheels, frozen meals available for purchase, rental of orthopedic devices, income tax services, friendly visits, medical transportation accompaniment, phone help lines, defence of individual rights, retirement homes and care centres, respite for caregivers, homecare, palliative care, activities, programs and group outings for the English-speaking community! You’ll even have the chance to win an Android tablet or iPad and the opportunity to meet your elected officials! 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mayor Grimaudo’s Blood Drive: Thanks to the 168 donors

Pictured: The mayor Robert Grimaudo together with Héma-Québec volunteers.

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Thursday, September 13^th, 2018  -The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to thank Héma-Québec, the blood donors and volunteers who made the Mayor Grimaudo Blood Drive possible. The event was held on Wednesday, September 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A record number of 168 donors registered to give blood, allowing organizers to surpass their initial goal of 135 donations. The outcome of this particular blood drive is truly a record when compared with those held at the same time in previous years!

Hopefully these additional donations help compensate for the decrease in donations recorded during blood drives carried out by Héma-Québec over the last few weeks.

About Héma-Québec

The organization must receive 1,000 blood donations per day in order to keep the collective blood supply at an optimal level. No matter what time of year it is, the need for blood donation is always a concern.

Héma-Québec’s mission is to efficiently meet the needs of the Quebec population for optimal quality blood and blood products, human tissues, cord blood, breast milk and cellular products; and to develop and provide expertise and specialized, innovative services in the field of human biological products.

Next blood drive : wintry blood drive

Note that the next blood drive will be the wintry blood drive, plannend on Monday, January 21^st, 2019 at the Community center.

For more information on blood donation, visit www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.

Thanks to all donors!

Doors open wide for our visitors  

Saint-Lazare (QUEBEC), Tuesday, September 11, 2018  -  On Saturday, September 8, the Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Robert Grimaudo, and the majority of the members of the council welcomed residents to the Open House at Town Hall. 

A total of 191 visitors took the opportunity to explore the different levels of the building and have a look at the rooms that are generally not accessible to the public—mechanical and electrical rooms, the server room, the property records room and archives room, which contains over 22,000 files. 

A few of our animators Marie-Maude Lalonde, Marc-André Bouchard and Emmanuel Reyes.	A group of cyclists riding for preventing suicide, 1 km at a time «La prévention du suicide...1 km à la fois.»

Approximately 30 educational guided visits (45 minutes or less) were held, giving the curious a chance to discover the technical aspects of the  39,660 square-foot building, most notably the earthquake-resistant aspects, the building’s complete autonomy, which enables it to transform into an emergency centre, as well as the fire-protection systems, energy-saving lighting, aerothermal management, low-flow plumbing, the unique specifications of the roof, and its limited-access terrace, and the additional 4,165 square feet reserved for community rooms and facilities. 

Express visits and future politicians  

A young visitor sitting in the Mayor's seat for a very special photo opportunity!

Among the visitors, elected officials got to meet with cyclists riding through the region for the 15^th World Suicide Prevention Day as part of the 2018 fundraising campaign for Ressource de transition Le Tournant entitled  La prévention du suicide…1 km à la fois (preventing suicide, one kilometre at a time). They were entitled to an “express” version of the visit to prevent delaying their ride.

The day also gave smaller visitors a chance to sit in the Mayor’s seat for a very special photo opportunity! 

Not too late for a virtual visit

Missed the visit? Visit us online :

• the stages of construction
• the informative banners 
• the virtual visit 

About the new Town Hall building  

The new Town Hall building replaces the former building, originally constructed in 1952, which was occupied to full capacity. The latter no longer met the minimal requirements of the Construction Code of Quebec.

The maximum amount of the loan borne by taxpayers will be no more than $8,222,032. The maximum impact for the average taxpayer in 2019 and subsequent years, for a residence valued at $370,000, is $53 /year. The  property tax for the construction of the new Town Hall building is included in the residual property tax in accordance with By-Law 966.

Invitation to Saint-Lazare residents on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saint-Lazare (Quebec), Thursday, September 6^th, 2018  -  The Town of Saint-Lazare invites the public to its Open House at the Town Hall building on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  (1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique). 

Participants will be invited to take part in visits led by a tour guide. The latter will help you discover all of the different employee work areas as well as the many departments located throughout the building. This visit, of approximately 45 minutes, will take you through the building’s three levels (Ground Floor, 1^st Floor and Basement) before ending in the Sainte-Angélique Community Room. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour.

Countless new developments

Special branch collection in Saint-Lazare on Monday, August 20^th

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Tuesday, August 14 ^th, 2018  -  Following the strong winds and the violent thunderstorms arisen in the evening of Monday, August 6^th, 2018 in Saint-Lazare, the City will proceed with a special branch collection.

The collection :

Conditions must be respected :

For more information, please contact the public work division at 450 424-8000 ext. 250 or by email at travauxpublics@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca.

Vallée-Chaline: partial relocation of the Hydro-Québec, Bell and Videotron networks  

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform Vallée-Chaline residents that, during the Tuesday, August 14^th  council session, Hydro-Québec, Vidéotron, Bell Canada and other telecommunications entreprises were mandated to relocate part of their respective network for a few selected properties on the West side of Vallée-Chaline.

Property owners have already been contacted. Please note that the work for the East Side has already been authorized on July 10th, 2018, and have started.

Let’s recall that this work is just another step in preparing for the eventual stabilizing work of the Vallée-Chaline sector.

The Vallée-Chaline project files can be accessed on the website at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/zonesdecontraintes. For any question pertaining to these activities, Vallée-Chaline residents may call their dedicated phone line at 514-250-0964. 

Vallée-Chaline: partial relocation of the Hydro-Québec, Bell and Videotron networks 

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Thursday, August 9, 2018  -  The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform Vallée-Chaline residents that a mandate has been given by mutual agreement to Stantec Experts Conseil Ltée to relocate part of the Hydro-Québec, Vidéotron and Bell networks in the front of few selected properties on Rue Charbonneau.

Residents concerned have been contacted. In the coming days, engineers and specialists will conduct assessments, field surveys and take pictures, with the aim of directing the private connections to the front of the selected homes.

This study, the first in a series of preparatory interventions over the next few months, will allow, in particular, the development of plans and specifications for the completion of the work, next fall, at no cost for the affected property owners.

Note that the personnel mandated to study targeted areas will carry appropriate identification and will be dully authorized by the Town of Saint Lazare. Work will be carried out from Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. The Vallée-Chaline project files can be accessed on the website at https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/zonesdecontraintes. For any question pertaining to these activities, Vallée-Chaline residents may call their dedicated phone line at 514-250-0964. 

Short-survey intended for parents of minor or adult children, living with a disability, from Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 17, 2018 at 4:30 p.m.

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Monday, August 6, 2018  - Saint-Lazare’s Service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire wishes to assess the needs of minor and adult children living with a disability within its territory.

The data gathered, as part of this survey, will serve to assess the extent of these needs and develop recreational activities and offerings based on different types of disabilities and different age groups, all in collaboration with local organizations specialized in providing services to disabled individuals.

As a first step, a pilot project is slated to begin in the Fall of 2018. This project will offer periods of activity adapted to children under 18 years of age, living with disabilities, accompanied by their siblings (brothers and sisters) who are also under 18 years of age. Other forms of leisure could be developed and adapted to various age groups, according to the needs expressed by the community.

Note that this survey is intended for parents whose children (either minors or adults) meet the legal definition of a disabled person set out in the Act to secure handicapped persons in the exercise of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplace integration (CQLR, c.E-20.1). Disabilities must be have been demonstrated through an assessment carried out by a professional or health professional.

The survey consists of a maximum of 18 questions. It takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete the survey. Any parent who requires more information before completing the survey is asked to contact the communications department at 450 424-8000, extension 214. To participate simply follow the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/loisiradapte_ENG. 

We thank parents for their collaboration.

Complete outdoor watering ban lifted

SAINT-LAZARE, Québec, Wednesday July 25, 2018  –  City of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform its residents located in the Saddlebrook area that the complete outdoor watering of Saddlebrook aqueduct network ban has been lifted.

The City of Saint-Lazare wishes to thank is residents for their great cooperation. We invite all our residents to continue to make sensible use of water. On this matter, please note the by-law on the outdoor use of water distributed by the municipal aqueduct is still in force until October 1^st. Read the by-law details at https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/eauaqueduc

For additional information on water use in Saint-Lazare or for useful tips and advice, take a look at Saint-Lazare website:

• Video on saving drinking water: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/eauvideo
• Wise use of drinking water: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/eauaqueduc 
• Ecological lawn maintenance https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/doc/pdf/FicheVerte/Fiche-verte-1-EN.pdf

Water stream maintenance work in Saint-Lazare 

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Wednesday, July 25, 2018 – Ville de Saint-Lazare wishes to inform Saint-Lazare residents that the MRC of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, responsible for the maintenance of water streams and rivers on its territory, will proceeds to field surveys and the maintenance of the « Décharge Saint-Lazare »  (water stream) in order to facilitate the flow of water, prevent obstructions and prevent flooding. This stream crosses down town. The work will not impact traffic.

The work will continue throughout 2018.

Major traffic obstruction in downtown Saint-Lazare starting at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), on Monday, July 16, 2018 –The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to advise motorists and cyclists of a major traffic obstruction on Chemin Sainte-Angélique in the downtown core starting at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2017 for a scheduled 12 hours-work. Despite the detour signs, businesses will remain accessible.

Nature of work and preventive boiling advisory

The work seeks to repair a water main break.

Owners of properties aimed by the preventative boil water advisory will receive a door-hanger for that purpose.

Detour

Motorists will be invited to follow the detour signs on Montée Saint-Lazare, rue des Loisirs as well as Avenue Bédard.

Paving work

This work will be following by paving work if the weather conditions are favorable. Should this not be the case, Chemin Sainte-Angélique will be reopened to traffic and paving will be done subsequently. At that time, traffic will be directed one lane at a time.

Local deliveries and access to businesses

Businesses remain accessible. The Town encourages business owners and daycares to inform their suppliers should they expect the delivery of goods and services on that day.

Public transit – delays to be expected on circuit #51

Delays are to be expected. We encourage transit users to leave earlier on Thursday, July, 19^th.

Questions / preoccupations

For any question or preoccupation, do not hesitate to contact the Infrastruct

ure department at 450-424-8000, ext. 235. To follow this work: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux

The Town apologises for the inconveniences this work may cause and thanks you in advance for your understanding and collaboration.

Air-conditioned places opened to the public

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Monday July 16, 2018  –  With the recent heatwave announcement, the Town is providing an air-conditioned hall (Sainte-Angélique Community room) at its Town Hall (1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique ) for anyone who wishes to cool down for a few hours, especially those at risk, starting Monday, July 16 from noon to 6 p.m., in addition to the regular drop-in schedules.

Residents can also enjoy the library and the pool during regular hours as well as the water games at Parc Bédard between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.: http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/parcbedard.

Transportation

Starting Monday, July 16, those without transportation means can call the fire department for transportation arrangements at 450-424-8000 ext. 317, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Here is the schedule of the installations offered to the residents:

If the heat wave persists beyond Wednesday, July 18, the Town will update you.

The information is available in the public health section of the Town’s website at: https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/santepublique.

Humidex values will reach or exceed the warning threshold of 40. In such circumstances, we encourage everyone to follow these guidelines:

• Spend at least 2 hours per day in an air-conditioned or cool place;
• Drink a lot of water even before you feel thirsty;
• Reduce physical effort;
• Take cool showers or baths as often as needed or cool off using a damp facecloth;
• Let someone know how you are on a regular basis or call your loved-ones (especially seniors);
• Check the overall condition of your children, make sure they drink often and never leave them in a car or closed room without ventilation. The same applies for your pets;
• If you don't feel well, contact a doctor or call Info-Santé at 8-1-1 for health advice;
• In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Day camp: we strongly suggest your send kids with an extra frozen water bottle. Water fountains are available. Calm activities and resting periods will be added. Daily visits will be made at the pool.

More info is available here:

https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/health-and-environment/preventing-the-effects-of-oppressive-and-extreme-heat/.

Thank you to "Burger," one of the day camp animators present at the blood drive, for donating!

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Friday, July 13, 2018  -  The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to thank Héma-Québec, the blood donors, day camp animators and volunteers who made the day camp blood drive possible. The event was held on Wednesday, July 11 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m.

During a particularly hot day, a record number of 204 donors registered to give blood, allowing organizers to surpass their initial goal of 155 donations. Hopefully these additional donations help compensate for the decrease in donations recorded during blood drives carried out by Héma-Québec over the last few weeks.  

The outcome of this particular blood drive is truly a record when compared with those held at the same time in previous years!

A few of the dynamic animators from the day camp held at Parc nature Les-Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare .

About Héma-Québec

The organization must receive 1,000 blood donations per day in order to keep the collective blood supply at an optimal level. No matter what time of year it is, the need for blood donation is always a concern.

Héma-Québec’s mission is to efficiently meet the needs of the Quebec population for optimal quality blood and blood products, human tissues, cord blood, breast milk and cellular products; and to develop and provide expertise and specialized, innovative services in the field of human biological products.

Next blood drive

Note that the next blood drive will be the Mayor’s Blood Drive, held on September 12, 2018.

For more information on blood donation, visit www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.

Vallée-Chaline: partial relocation of the Hydro-Québec, Bell and Videotron networks  

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Wednesday, July 11, 2018 - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform Vallée-Chaline residents that, during the Tuesday, July 10 council session, Hydro-Québec, Vidéotron and Bell Canada were mandated to relocate part of their respective network for a few selected properties on Place Cardin. Property owners have already been contacted.

Let’s recall that this work is just another step in preparing for the eventual stabilizing work of the Vallée-Chaline sector.

The Vallée-Chaline project files can be accessed on the website at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/zonesdecontraintes. For any question pertaining to these activities, Vallée-Chaline residents may call their dedicated phone line at 514-250-0964. 

Overconsumption of the outdoor use of water distributed by the Town’s aqueduct networks

Inquire about subsidies offered for the acquisition or the construction of a rain barrel http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/baril.

A summary of the by-law is accessible on the website http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/eauaqueduc. 

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), on Thursday, July 5, 2018. – In an effort to better understand the opinions of Saint-Lazare voters, mainly with regards to the construction of a roundabout, the holding of the Au Galop equestrian festival and the attractiveness of the town centre, the Council mandated Léger Marketing to conduct a survey in May 2018.

Elected officials will analyze these results over the next few months to help them steer certain projects and will follow up on them during the next budgetary process in the fall.

Based on the information gathered by Léger Marketing, the reconfiguration of the Avenue Bédard and Chemin Saint-Louis intersection is the main priority for Saint-Lazare residents (38%). Note that when considering only those who live less than 2 km away from the intersection, this number jumps to 60%. Most residents are aware of the traffic issues in this area (77%) and the majority of the town’s population is aware of the project for the construction of a roundabout at this intersection (79%). A large majority of respondents supports the idea of a roundabout (65%); of this number, the majority (71%) believes it is the best way to resolve traffic issues in this particular area. Those least in favour of the idea believe there are other ways, such as traffic lights, to address this problem (51%).

Residents who visit the downtown area most often do so mainly for grocery shopping, running errands or making other purchases (83%) while those who visit it less than once a week say they live too far from the town centre / that it is not part of their commute (55%). More than a third of these respondents (36%) find the commercial options in this part of town unsatisfactory.

Most residents are in favor (76%) of a social housing project for low-income individuals—for example, families in need, single-parent families and individuals with disabilities.

Nearly all respondents (91%) know about the Parc nature les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare. Many of the respondents claim that, although they are aware of the park, they do not visit it—either because they do not practice any outdoor activities (26%) or because the activities held there do not suit their needs (23%).

Almost all of the respondents (96%) heard about the Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival over the course of the last year. A decrease in the event’s attendance was noted between 2016 and 2017. Although 63% of respondents are in favour of the Saint-Lazare equestrian festival being held, 54% of them believe that its allocated budget should be reduced. Their opinion is that an amount of $20 per household would be considered reasonable (41%).

The complete results of the survey conducted by the Léger firm are available on the City’s Web site at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/sondagescompletes.

Methodology

The Léger firm interviewed 400 residents 18 years of age or older randomly selected from the entire Saint-Lazare territory. For a population of 20,000 inhabitants, the sample size provides a trend and a margin of error of ±4.9%. Beyond this sample size, the trend and margin of error varies only slightly (for example, 0.07% less for a sample of 600). Note that samples of 1,000 people are generally used for Quebec overall, which has a population of 8 million, and 1,500 for Canada, which has a population of over 35 million.

About the survey

When adopting its first budget on January 30, 2018, the new council agreed to survey citizens to find out more about their views on these issues and the level of priority they want to grant each of them.

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 – Due to a water main break, the Town of Saint-Lazare must completely close Chemin Sainte-Angélique in front of the address number 1810, starting 7 a.m. on Tuesday July 10, 2018. The work should be completed by 4 p.m. on the same day.

Detour
Motorists will be invited to follow the detour signs on rue des Violettes, des Lilas, des Véroniques as well as Avenue Bédard.

Paving work
Once the repair work is complete, the paving work will be done one lane at a time so as to least impact the traffic flow.
 

Local deliveries and access to businesses
Businesses remain accessible. The Town encourages business owners and daycares to inform their suppliers should they expect the delivery of goods and services on that day.

Public transit – delays to be expected on circuit #51
Delays are to be expected. We encourage transit users to leave earlier that day.
 

Questions / preoccupations
For any question or preoccupation, do not hesitate to contact the Infrastructure department at 450-424-8000, ext. 235.

To follow this work: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux

Sport-Plus Inc online registration software: Saint-Lazare not affected

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Tuesday, July 3, 2018 – Following the announcement of an IT security breach to the online registration software Sport-Plus exposing the data of more than 130 000 citizens, the Town of Saint-Lazare received the confirmation that none of the Saint-Lazare resident files have been consulted.

The breach has since been fixed.

Let’s recall the Town uses this software to allow residents to register online for Town activities. More than 140 Quebec municipalities use it.

Air-conditioned places opened to the public

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Friday June 29, 2018  –  With the recent heatwave announcement, the Town is providing an air-conditioned hall (Sainte-Angélique Community room) at its Town Hall  (1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique ) for anyone who wishes to cool down for a few hours, especially those at risk, starting Saturday, June 30^th from noon to 6 p.m., in addition to the regular drop-in schedules.

Residents can also enjoy the library and the pool during regular hours as well as the water games at Parc Bédard between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.: http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/parcbedard.

Transportation

Starting Saturday, June 30^th, those without transportation means can call the fire department for transportation arrangements at 450-424-8000 ext. 317, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Here is the schedule of the installations offered to the residents:

If the heat wave persists beyond Friday, July 6th, the Town will update you.

The information is available in the public health section of the Town’s website at: https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/santepublique.

Humidex values will reach or exceed the warning threshold of 40. In such circumstances, we encourage everyone to follow these guidelines:

• Spend at least 2 hours per day in an air-conditioned or cool place;
• Drink a lot of water even before you feel thirsty;
• Reduce physical effort;
• Take cool showers or baths as often as needed or cool off using a damp facecloth;
• Let someone know how you are on a regular basis or call your loved-ones (especially seniors);
• Check the overall condition of your children, make sure they drink often and never leave them in a car or closed room without ventilation. The same applies for your pets;
• If you don't feel well, contact a doctor or call Info-Santé at 8-1-1 for health advice;
• In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Day camp: we strongly suggest your send kids with an extra frozen water bottle. Water fountains are available. Calm activities and resting periods will be added. Daily visits will be made at the pool.

More info is available here:

https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/health-and-environment/preventing-the-effects-of-oppressive-and-extreme-heat/.

Ado’Zone kicks off its summer activities!

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), June 27, 2018  -  On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, during a camping-themed celebration, the Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Robert Grimaudo, along with the members of the municipal council including in particular the youth representatives, Mr. Martin Couture as well as Ms. Geneviève Lachance and Ms. Pamela Tremblay, unveiled the summer programming for Ado’Zone.

The counsellors together with the youth Coordinator and some of the Ado'Zone teens.

Programming perfectly designed for teens  

Ado-Zone’s Youth Coordinator and camp animators were largely inspired by the results of the survey carried out in the Spring of 2017 among Saint-Lazare’s young people to create an incredible summer line-up of activities for teens between the ages of 12 and 17!  

The activities include a Camper’s Christmas, a board game night, cooking workshops, a Harry Potter evening, a Hunger Games v 2.0 evening, a visit to an alpaca farm, an improv tournament, JLAN party, Slip’n’slide activity, several outings… and so much more!

The way Ado’Zone works is simple: young people can arrive and leave at different times based on their needs.  A calendar of activities is available online so they can choose what they want to attend. Certain activities and outings required advanced registration, which can be done on the City’s Web site (http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/adozone). Note that all activities are provided free of charge, with the exception of outings.

Camp animators

There are always several camp animators available on site to listen to young people and provide them with guidance. They will be there to share laughs and perhaps even be a confidant.  

Ado’Zone

Located at 1591 Bédard Avenue, Ado’Zone offers dynamic programming for young people between 12 and 17 years of age. From June 29 to August 29, 2018, teens will enjoy a wide range of activities focused on promoting a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, exercise and fun! Don’t have a way to get to and from Ado’Zone? No problem!  Ado’Zone has a mini-van that fits up to 6 passengers.

For more details on Ado’Zone’s activity programming:

http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/adozone

Priority granted to pedestrians from the moment they indicate their intention to cross

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Wednesday, June 27, 2018 -  On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, the Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Robert Grimaudo, accompanied by members of the municipal council, inaugurated one of the three new Kali-Flash type devices that will provide added safety at crosswalks on the Town’s busiest streets. 

The mayor and consellors test the new Kali-Flash recently installed in the crossbar situated in front of the city hall.

These three new devices serve to complement the ones installed in 2017, which means Saint-Lazare now has a total of 6 Kali-Flash devices in key sectors of the town. The new systems are located at the intersection of Daniel / Des Cèdres / Saint-Angélique, at the corner of  Bédard / Des Véroniques and in front of Town Hall at the corner of  Saint Jean Baptiste and Sainte-Angélique.

These devices are essentially rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) that complement the static signs used at crosswalks and help better indicate when a person is prepared to cross the road. The flashing lights easily attract the attention of drivers.

Pedestrians at crosswalks have priority over all other road users. In fact, since May 18, 2018—the date on which the road safety reform came into effect—pedestrians now have priority at crosswalks as soon as they show their intention to engage at this location.[1]

Drivers and cyclists are obligated to yield to pedestrians. The Town invites all road users and pedestrians to demonstrate increased caution and vigilance at crosswalks by:

• observing traffic;
• ensuring that drivers and cyclists stop and respect priority;
• establishing visual contact with users before starting to cross;
• looking left, right and left again to assess the time required to cross safely.

For more details: http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/securiteroutiere

2018 event programming

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Wednesday, June 13, 2018  –  The Town of Saint-Lazare invites residents to take part in the Fêtes de Saint-Lazare festivities organized as part of Quebec’s Fête Nationale and Canada Day: Let’s celebrate!

Fête nationale

Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Équestre Park (1330 Montée Saint-Lazare)

Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Bédard Park (1591 Bédard Avenue)

Partner of the Government of Quebec and the Mouvement national des Québécoises et Québécois, June 23-24

 The following streets will be closed to traffic to ensure the safety of festivalgoers during the Fête Nationale celebrations: 

Family fun night

Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Bédard Park (1591 Bédard Avenue)

Family fun day

Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Bédard Park(1591 Bédard Avenue)

Bike path closures:

The bike path along Bédard Avenue will be closed between the intersection of Des Véroniques and Bédard streets and cyclists are invited to detour by taking Des Véroniques Street followed by Du Tournesol to access the path that will take them to Bédard Park. 

Canada Day

Sunday, July 1, 2018 at Équestre Park (1330 Montée Saint-Lazare)

Road closures 

The following streets will be closed to traffic to ensure the safety of festivalgoers during the Canada Day celebrations: 

Amusement rides – new location in Équestre Park (1330 Montée Saint-Lazare)

Visit Fun Show Amusement for the pre-sale of bracelets providing access to 2 days of rides or more and for 1-day bracelets ($5 off when purchased online).

https://www.funshowamusement.com/en/horaire-et-billeterie/ 

Community project at Saint-Lazare's Community Centre

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Monday, June 11, 2018 – The Town of Saint-Lazare would like to thank all of the volunteers who participated in the tree-planting day along with Lucie Charlebois, MNA for Soulanges, Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living and Minister responsible for the Montérégie area, at Saint-Lazare's Community Centre on Saturday, June 9^th, 2018.

Under sunny skies and the guidance of the Town’s staff members, the volunteers who gathered for the occasion, accompanied by elected officials and the Minister, planted a total of 27 trees and 58 berry bushes at Saint-Lazare's Community Centre, in front of the building as well as in periphery of the visitors parking.The plantation 2018 was improved by the addition of ilôts food to the residents who can stock up there for years to come. Thanks to the collaboration of those involved, the abundance of good cheer and the smiles on everyone’s faces, the event was a huge success.

Altogether, thirty or so people took part in this community effort showcasing sustainable development and the environment. This was the ninth edition of the Planting Together event. 

The Montréal Impact will practice on the Westwood Junior field on June 5 at 6:00 p.m.  

Saint-Lazare (Quebec), Monday, May 28, 2018  –  Soccer fans will be thrilled to learn that the Montreal Impact will be stepping foot on the Westwood Junior soccer field, located at 2876 St-Louis in St-Lazare, on Tuesday, June 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. As part of their public training tour, a group of 11 players from the Montreal Impact will play short soccer games with young players from the local soccer club as well as take time to meet fans and sign autographs under the partner tents. 

The activity, organized by the Saint-Lazare / Hudson soccer club, is sure to attract quite the crowd. As such, the Town invites participants to adopt a mode of active transportation (i.e.: walking or cycling) to make their way to the soccer celebration site. Residents, for their part, are invited to exercise extreme caution when driving alongside Westwood Park during the late afternoon and early evening of Tuesday, June 5. The main streets affected include Bordelais and Saint-Louis to the north, all the way up to Evergreen Elementary to the south as well as perpendicular streets, namely Westwood, Hunt, Nice, Sportifs and Érables, as shown on the map below:

For more information, you can visit the website of Saint-Lazare / Hudson at: http://slhsoccer.com/ and the website of The Montréal Impact at : https://www.impactmontreal.com/en/community/community-initiatives.

Getting involved… for My community!

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Wednesday, May 23^rd, 2018  -  The City of Saint-Lazare issues a call for applications to fill citizen positions on the committees handling such issues as :  

• Municipal safety;
• Environment;
• Culture;
• Family Policy  - youth 12-17 years old.

Municipal committees are advisory in nature and have no decision-making authority. They are created by the Town to examine certain municipal matters and requests. They give citizens, elected representatives and civil servants the opportunity to exchange ideas and draw up recommendations which will be submitted to the municipal council. The frequency of meetings and the number of members vary from one committee to the next.

All the details about the committees as well as the positions to fill, including the person in charge of the committee is available on the web site of the City at: https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/comites .

Anyone interested in applying must email a letter of motivation to the person in charge of the committee no later than Friday, June 1st, 2018 at 4:30 p.m..

We look forward to hear from you!

SAINT-LAZARE, Québec, Friday May 18^th, 2018. - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to thank Héma-Québec and the blood donors, and volunteers who made possible the firefighters Blood Drive held on Wednesday, May 16 from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. No less than 143 people rolled up their sleeves during this event. The blood recipients and their families will be forever grateful.

Thanks to this charming lady and her granddaughter, who struck the pose together with Mrs St-Hilaire, Collect supervisor  as well as firefighters and prevention officers of the City of Saint-Lazare.

The mission of Héma-Québec is to efficiently meet the needs of the Québec population for safe and optimal-quality blood and blood products, human tissues, cord blood, mother’s milk and cellular products and to develop and provide expertise and specialised innovative services in the field of human biological products.

Next blood drive

Mark your calendars: Day camp Blood drive will take place on Wednesday, July 11th, 2018.

For additional information on blood donations, go to www.hema-quebec.qc.ca   

Outdoor pool activities

Thank you for sharing your expectations with us!

Links to the online survey:

• Outdoor pool activities : https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/survey_seniors_pool
• Activités aquatiques dans la piscine extérieure : https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/sondage_aines_piscine

NEW CLOSURE of part of Chemin Sainte-Angélique in downtown Saint-Lazare
from Tuesday, May 22 to Friday, May 25, 2018 for permanent road paving work

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Wednesday, May 16, 2018 – The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to advise motorists, cyclists, business owners, parents as well as public transit users of a major traffic obstruction on Chemin Sainte-Angélique in the downtown core starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 for a scheduled for a maximum of 4 days, ending approximately Friday, May 25, 2018, if weather conditions are favorable.

Since the work will again require the downtown core to be cut-off in two (2) sectors: the sector « east of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres » and the sector « west of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres », the Town of Saint-Lazare asks all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive, to follow one of two (2) major detours starting Tuesday, May 22 until Friday, May 25.

After this date, downtown Saint-Lazare will reopen completely to traffic.

Work possibly postponed

If the weather conditions are not favorable, the work could possibly be postponed to a later date. For this reason, we invite residents to subscribe to the Town’s newsletter www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/abonnement, its Twitter account at www.twitter.com/ville_stlazare, to visit its website www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux or to visit its Facebook page www.facebook.com/villesaintlazare to get the latest developments.

Local deliveries and access to businesses

Businesses remain accessible. The Town encourages business owners, daycares and schools to inform their suppliers of these important detours should they deliver goods during the work.

School transport, access to schools and daycares

School boards have been informed and bus transportation adjusted.  Parents who usually drive through downtown to drop-off their kids at school or daycare should plan to leave earlier and take these delays into account.  

Three (3) bus stops (RTM secteur La Presqu’île) suspended / delays to be expected

From Tuesday, May 22 to noon on Friday, May 25, 2018, three (3) bus stops will be suspended: Sainte-Angélique/des Marguerites, Sainte-Angélique /rue Leroux and Sainte-Angélique/rue Daniel (a.m.) rue des Cèdres (p.m.). Public transit users will be invited to wait for the bus at the corner of Chemin Sainte-Angélique /Avenue Bédard or Chemin Sainte-Angélique/rue Brazeau. Delays from 7 at 12 minutes are planned in the morning for the arrivals to the station Vaudreuil station. We recommend you to take the bus earlier during this period. Bus # 51 will use the detour via Avenue Bédard, Chemin Saint-Louis and Chemin Chevrier to get back onto Chemin Sainte-Angélique during the major obstruction period.

Parking for residents / businesses on rue Daniel and rue des Cèdres

Parking remains accessible for residents, as well as visitors and customers.

Emergency services

Emergency services, including ambulances have been advised.

Question / preoccupations

The Town and its partners wish to thank residents, business owners and drivers for the great patience and collaboration during the work and apologize for the inconveniences this work caused. For any question or preoccupation, do not hesitate to contact the Infrastructure department at 450-424-8000, ext. 235 or 311.

To follow this work: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux

Service de la sécurité publique et de la sécurité incendie

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Monday, May 14, 2018  -  On Tuesday, May 22, 2018 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saint-Lazare firefighters will carry out a second firefighting exercise in a house on Chemin Sainte-Angélique (1614 Chemin Sainte-Angélique).

The first firefighting exercise on this home was held on Monday, May 8, 2018. All required authorizations to this effect were obtained. Note that the smoke used for such exercises is synthetic and therefore harmless. Such simulation exercises are essential for the ongoing training of our firefighters.  

For more information on fire prevention visits or the practice exercises carried out by the Service de la sécurité publique et de la sécurité incendie, visit: https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/visitesdeprevention.

Live from City Hall

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Thursday, May 10, 2018 – Starting on Tuesday, June 12th, 2018, Saint-Lazare residents will be able to follow council sessions from the comfort of their home, on their tablet, their computer, and their cellphones or even on their smart television!

Given today’s technology, and the fact that many residents cannot, for different reasons, attend council sessions in person, more and more cities step up to offer alternative ways for residents to access the  democratic process.

To provide streaming and videotaping guidelines, Policy number 031 was adopted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2018. The policy outlines, among other things, that the videotaping is offered as a courtesy and does not replace the final council minutes, the only official document recognized by the Law.

A verbal live streaming and videotaping notice will be mentioned prior to the official opening of each council session. Written notices will also be posted at the entrance of the council room and on walls. Videotaping, which will be done by a member of the communication team, will include the question period and will conclude at the end of each council session. Identified off-camera areas will be provided for those who do not wish to be filmed.

The possibility of adding subtitles for the hearing-impaired is also being analyzed. Ongoing improvements will be made.

To view the first live session on Tuesday, June 12th, 2018, visit the Town’s YouTube channel accessible from Saint-Lazare’s website homepage at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/bienvenue.

The link to the videotaped council sessions will also be made accessible for differed viewing along with the council minutes and agenda at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/seances.

From Wednesday, May 9 to Sunday, May 20, 2018  

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Wednesday, May 9, 2018 – Between Wednesday, May 9 and Sunday, May 20, 2018, Saint-Lazare residents can expect to receive a call from the firm of Léger Marketing as part of a survey on the municipal issues that divided electors during the 2017 municipal election.  

In order to obtain significant results among our population of 20,000 inhabitants, Léger Marketing will survey 400 randomly chosen residents 18 years of age or older within the territory of Saint-Lazare. The size of the sample will enable us to identify a trend with a margin of error of ±4%. Outside of this sample, the trend and margin of error vary only slightly (0.07% less with a sample of 600 persons, for comparison). Note that samples of 1,000 respondents are generally used for Quebec overall (population of 8 million) and 1,500 for Canada (population of 36 million).   

This survey, which takes approximately 7 minutes to complete, will take into consideration the usual sociodemographic variables and will be weighted in order to provide a picture that is representative of our residents.

Recall that, upon adopting its first budget on January 30, 2018, the new municipal council had committed to surveying the town’s citizens in an effort to identify their perceptions of these issues and how they rank them in terms of priority. The results of this study will enable elected officials to better understand the needs and expectations of its citizens.

Results of the 2017 surveillance activities in Saint-Lazare

Saint-Lazare (Quebec), Tuesday, May 8, 2018 –  During the 2017 summer season, a team composed of students from Université de Montréal’s faculty of veterinary medicine collected ticks from Parc nature Les-Forestiers-de Saint-Lazare as part of the Institut national de santé publique’s Lyme disease surveillance activities.

Ticks were collected using a flanel (a piece of white fabric tied to a stick) and the collected ticks were sent to the Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec (LSPQ of the INSPQ) for identification. Following this, ticks belonging to the Ixodes scapularis species (carriers of Lyme disease) were sent to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for detection, most notably of the Borrelia burgdorferi pathogen.

The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform its residents that no ticks of the Ixodes scapularis species (carriers of Lyme disease) were collected from our park. Regardless, the Town continues to recommend that citizens adhere to the following public health guidelines: http://sante.gouv.qc.ca/problemes-de-sante/maladie-de-lyme/.

On your mark, get set, register…  starting Monday, May 7!  

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Wednesday, May 2^nd, 2018 –  Weekends too busy? You’re not alone! In fact, countless Saint-Lazare residents agree that their weekends are too short to get everything done! In response, this spring, we invite both young and old to shine up their bikes and get ready for the Express version of the Cyclo-Tour on Sunday, June 3, 2018 leaving Parc Bédard at 10 a.m. Our objective: enable the greatest number of people to take a break and get some exercise in—without interfering with their plans for the rest of the day! This new formula is also free for all participants. Note, however, that the “walk and run” option is not available. The Bryan Liew race is slated to be held in September 2018.  

Pre-register for your chance to win…

Courtesy of the Town of Saint-Lazare, you have a chance to win a $400 bike shop gift certificate by registering online at https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/cyclotour or by phone at 450 424-8000, extension 220 between Monday, May 7 and Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Choose one of two cycling circuits: 15 km or 23 km, including water stations along the course. By pre-registering, you are automatically entered for the draw!

Not sure yet if you can join us for the event? Don’t worry! Registration continues until the day of the event. All participants will be treated to a snack at the finish line!

Cyclo-Tour Michel-Gauthier

In 2017, as part of Saint-Lazare’s policy relating to toponymic designation and odonyms, the Cyclo-Tour was named in honour of the late Michel Gauthier, Saint-Lazare resident, founder of the Cyclo-Tour in 1994, and outstanding volunteer for over 10 years. Appreciated by all, Mr. Gauthier shared his boundless passion for sport, writing and teaching. In 1993, his desire to create a unique and rallying family-focused sporting event became a reality with the Cyclo-Tour, which is now an annual not-to-be-missed event for the Saint-Lazare community. 

For more information about the Michel-Gauthier Cyclo-Tour, visit: https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/cyclotour.

Saint-Lazare (Quebec), Thursday, April 26, 2018 – The City of Saint-Lazare is aware that the larger quantity of blended abrasives that was spread this year as a result of difficult weather conditions has caused some frustration for many residents since the arrival of the spring season. Although motorists appreciate this abrasive when road conditions are made difficult by alternating snow, sleet, rain and freezing rain, we understand that it can be much less enjoyable once the winter is over. Despite this, sand and stone help the Town keep roadways safe for its residents; indeed, these abrasives are the best ally against icy roads and a better alternative to salt. In fact, not only is salt unsafe for the environment, particularly because it alters water’s salinity and pH and disrupts aquatic life, it also loses its effectiveness since water dissolves and dilutes it (rendering it useless).

Although it began last week, the spring cleaning operation consists mainly of moving leftover stone and sand onto the municipal right-of-way. Teams are working alternately in order to maximize clean-up using a mechanical sweeper in areas that have curbs and sidewalks. Note that the municipal right-of-way consists of the stretch of land located alongside paved roadways, approximately 10 feet wide, that belongs to the town and which must be kept free of all non-conforming obstacles, set-ups or equipment such as landscaping features, decorative stone and sprinkler heads.

The Town does not have the equipment required to collect stone over the 400 km of roadway along its over 7,000 properties. Different options will be considered this fall for possible implementation in 2019.

As such, this year, the Town is again inviting homeowners who are inconvenienced by leftover stone to gather it up in boxes and bring it to the Vaudreuil Ecocentre, where this type of material is collected.

Registrations starts April, 25^th !   
Training course offered to seniors 60 +

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Wednesday, April 25^th, 2018  –  Again this year, the Saint-Lazare Service de la sécurité publique et la sécurité incendie is offering free “Hero in Thirty” training courses to seniors aged 60 +.

Offered in French (with bilingual trainors), the training courses will be given at the fire station (1800 Avenue Bédard) in the morning on Wednesday, May 23 and, in the evening on May, 30, 2018.

Registration begins on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 online at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/heros or by phone at 450-424-8000, extension 215.

To date, the fire department has trained over 1 000 residents and students. Don’t miss it!

Should the courses be too popular, additional sessions will be planned at a later date. The Fire Department will offer you the possibility to be added on a waiting list, if anyone cancels or additional training courses are offered.

For more information on the Hero in thirty training : https://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/heros.

Vallée-Chaline: start of the environmental study

Notice to residents

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), on Thursday, March 22nd, 2018. - The City of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform Vallée-Chaline residents that Drone Box, the company mandated by the Ministry of Transport, Urban Mobility and Electrification of Transportation of Quebec, will resume its drone inspections in the week of April 2nd, 2018 until the end of May, 2018. These inspections of the banks concerned by the stabilization work along the Quinchien River are done during spring and fall, the more critical periods for landslides. These inspections will continue until the work is realized. 

Drone Box will fly at 10-day intervals, if the weather permits. Shots where properties or people are recognizable will not be used. The drone flies as to not disrupt or disturb human activity and wildlife.

For all the information concerning this work, residents are invited to visit the website at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/zonesdecontraintes, to subscribe to the Vallée-Chaline online newsletter at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infolettres and to the Community alert system at http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/alertealacommunaute, where you can choose to receive important notices by landline, mobile phone, text, email or all of the above at once.

For any other question concerning these activities, Vallée-Chaline residents can contact the line which is dedicated to them at 514-250-0964.

Free iPad training for Saint-Lazare seniors  

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Tuesday, March 20, 2018 -  Starting in April, in collaboration with the Marguerite-Bourgeoys school board, the Town of Saint-Lazare will be offering free iPad training courses to Saint-Lazare seniors 55 years of age and over.

Weekly courses (2.5 hours a week) will begin on Thursday, April 19, 2018 and take place over a 10-week period, ending on Thursday, June 21, 2018. Throughout the training program, seniors will be provided with personalized support and will learn how to: 

• become comfortable using technology;
• surf the Web and conduct online searches;
• communicate with family members using email, Facebook, Skype, etc.;
• manage online bank accounts using transactional sites;
• read, get informed and enjoy themselves using a variety of basic applications (newspapers, magazines, games, etc.).

Register in person with the required documents starting Monday, March 26

Registration will take place:

• at the Community Centre (1301 Du Bois Street);
• during the regular hours of operation of the Service des loisirs;
• between Monday, March 26, 2018 and Friday, April 6, 2018;

To register, you MUST:

• be a Canadian citizen
• bring the following supporting documents (REQUIRED):

Do you have any questions, or are you unable to go to the Community Centre during the registration period?  

Contact the Service des loisirs at 450 424-8000, extension 220.

Saint-Lazare (Québec), Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – Following the redistribution, by Minister Lise Thériault, responsible for Consumer Protection, Housing and the Lanaudière region, of funds not used by other municipalities in the Rénovation Québec, volet maisons lézardées program, for homes with cracked foundations, the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) grants the Town of Saint-Lazare more money and a delay to submit additional engaged financial requests.

The homeowner of a house with a cracked foundation, who might not have been able to submit a request for financial assistance on the February 28, 2018 deadline, can submit a request under the following conditions:

To be receivable, the request for financial assitance MUST:

[1]. Be submitted :

o No later than the Friday, March 23, 2018 deadline, ideally before 4 p.m., but no later than 4:30 p.m.;

o In person at the Urban planning’s reception counter located at 1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique during opening hours;

o Along with an engineering report giving evidence that the foundations present cracks whose causes are linked to the conditions of the natural ground or ground surrounding the building (backfill) and that corrective measures include the installation of at least one pile to stabilize the foundation;


[2]. And MUST be finalized /completed by joinging:

o No later than the Friday, May 23, 2018 deadline, ideally before 4 p.m., but no later than 4:30 p.m.;

o In person at the Urban planning’s reception counter located at 1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique during opening hours;

o at least two (2) detailed quotations submitted by contractors;

o Any other document required under By-Law no 1032.


[3]. Request concerning work already executed:

o If the owner’s request concerns work that has already been executed and completed, only the work completed 12 months prior to the coming into effect of By-Law no. 1032 are eligible, i.e. work done starting October 16th, 2016 and onward.

All costs incurred for carrying out these steps are the responsibility of the homeowner until his/her eligibility to the program has been established. Certain fees will be eligible for homeowners whose requests for financial assistance will have been validated and authorized and whose certificate of eligibility will be delivered as long as funds remain available. Should the number of requests outweigh the funds available, funds will be granted to eligible applicants on a first come, first serve basis. Let’s note that the gouvernment assistance is based on elligible expenses and not on the total cost of the project.


Here are some of the program’s general eligibility requirements:

 You must be the individual who is the owner of the targeted building;

 The building’s main use must respect municipal by-laws;

 The engineer’s written report must attest the land subsidence is a result of the soil condition and must confirm the need to install at least one pile;

 The cost of the work to be done, confirmed through detailed quotations provided by two different entrepreneurs, is a minimum of $10,000 (taxes included);

 The homeowner shall cover 1/3 of the cost of the project, the municipality shall cover 1/3 and the Government of Quebec shall cover the remaining 1/3, subject to the maximum outlined below:

 A maximum of $20,000 in financial assistance shall be granted (representing the amount of $10,000 for the Town and $10,000 for the Government of Quebec);

 Retroactivity may apply under certain conditions and to the extent that the work was carried out in the 12 months prior to the by-law’s entry into force ;

 Financial assistance will be paid out once repair work is complete and as long as all of the conditions have been respected;

 The funds available are limited;

 Should the number of requests outweigh the funds available, funds will be granted to eligible applicants on a first come, first serve basis.

Interested homeowners are invited to contact, as soon as possible, Mrs. Jessica McKenzie by phone at 450-424-8000, ext. 241 or email at urbanisme@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca


About the Programme Rénovation Québec
The Rénovation Québec program is a framework program that enables the municipality to implement a residential revitalization program for a degraded sector within its territory after entering into a management agreement with the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ). The Town of Saint-Lazare has a budget of $200,000 that is matched by the Government of Quebec, for a total of $400,000.

Additional information: http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/lezardees

Something for everyone!

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Wednesday, February 7, 2018 -  Out of ideas for Spring Break? Lacking the organization skills to keep your kids constantly entertained when they get a little stir crazy? Look no further! The Town of Saint-Lazare is pleased to offer a complete line-up of activities for kids, teens, seniors and families! Countless activities have been planned for Spring Break camp the week of Monday, March 5 to Friday, March 9, 2018. Take advantage of the opportunity by filling out the online registration form starting Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/congescolaire or by calling 450 424-8000, extension 220.

Stay active, indoors… or outdoors!
Our classic formula of drop-in activities offered at the sports complex and in our schools is back again this year. Activities include: skating, hockey, ringette, pickleball, indoor soccer, volleyball and basketball.  Outdoor enthusiasts also have plenty of options to choose from: snowshoeing observation and discovery hike, toddler cardio and family workouts, tubing, skiing and, of course, the return of our popular discovery snowshoeing trek under the stars.

Spring Break camp for kids between the ages of 5 and 12
Whether for a single day or all 5 days, your child will enjoy a new adventure every time—including a range of outdoor sporting activities. Registration is required for this Spring Break camp.

Activities sure to please your teens!
The Teen Zone proposes activities that are as diverse as they are unique! The teen program of activities kicks off in style with an evening of tubing, skating and skiing under the stars on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, followed by an outing to isaute in Kirkland on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 —sure to please nature and sports enthusiasts! On Thursday, March 8, soccer, skating and hockey are part of the line-up of activities for the day. Then, on Friday, March 9, enjoy a LEGO-building challenge with Karim Awad, LEGO architect-designer for the last 30 years! And, to end Spring Break in style, drop in at the Teen Zone for movie and popcorn night on Saturday, March 10 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. 


An afternoon or evening of board games
Enjoy some family time playing board games at the Community Centre (1301 Du Bois Street) on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. or Friday, March 9, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. More than 65 games for every age and every taste. Don’t miss it!

Family show
Come enjoy the Rythmo-La magie du rythme show at the Community Centre on Wednesday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. This brand-new concept is like no other in Canada—and requires full audience participation! So, get in on the fun, shake it to the beat of your instrument, and play a hand in composing some new songs! It’s guaranteed fun!

Training sessions
Interested in babysitting? Plan to be home alone on occasion? Learn what you need to know to stay safe! Intended for young people ages 11 and up, the Red Cross Babysitting Course is offered on Thursday, March 8 in French and on Friday, March 9 in English. For information: 450 424-8000, extension 219.

Do you like working with kids? Would you like to work as a camp counsellor or facilitator when you turn 16? You’ll need some theoretical training first! The Diplôme d’aptitude aux fonctions d’animateur (DAFA) is certification that prepares you for the responsibilities associated with hosting and leading recreational activities for children between the ages of 5 and 14. You’ll be required to complete the practical portion of your training by working as a volunteer assistant day camp counsellor during the summer 2018 season.

This training session runs from March 5 to 9, 2018. Registration is required. For more information on training for the DAFA, visit campdejour.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/dafa or call 450-424-8000, extension 217.

For the complete program line-up of activities, visit ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/congescolaire

Drop-in activities at the Saint-Angélique Room
The Town of Saint-Lazare would like to remind residents that the Sainte-Angélique Room has been open for drop-in activities since Monday, February 5, 2018. Whether you just want a change of scenery or are looking to meet new people, come in and chat, cook, knit, have a cup of coffee or play cards and board games during the Room’s scheduled drop-in times.

The drop-in schedule is available at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/activitescommunautaires.

The Room is also available to non-profit organizations upon request. To make a reservation, organizations simply need to contact the Service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire at 450 424-8000, extension 220.

Submit your request before Wednesday, February 28 th, 2018 

Saint-Lazare (Quebec), Wednesday , January 31st, 2018  –   The City of Saint-Lazare reminds owners of houses with cracked foundations that all the requests for financial assistance, under by-law no 1032 establishing the " Rénovation Québec, volet maisons lézardées " program, must be submitted to the Urban planning department, located at 1960 Chemin Sainte‑Angélique before Wednesday, February 28, 2018. 

Saint-Lazare’s urban planning department invites all homeowners, who wish to submit a request for financial assistance under this program, to solicit now the information on the steps they need to take to renovate a building with a cracked foundation. These steps might include, an engineering report attesting the need to install a minimum of one pile, as well as a minimum of two detailed quotations.

Note that the costs incurred for carrying out these steps are the responsibility of the homeowner until his/her eligibility to the program has been established. Certain fees will be eligible for homeowners whose requests for financial assistance will have been validated and authorized and whose certificate of eligibility will be delivered at the latest by March 31, 2018 or as long as funds are available. 

Here are some of the program’s general eligibility requirements:

• You must be the individual who is the owner of the targeted building;
• The building’s main use must respect municipal by-laws;
• The engineer’s written report must attest the land subsidence is a result of the soil condition and must confirm the need to install at least one pile;
• The cost of the work to be done, confirmed through detailed quotations provided by two different entrepreneurs, is a minimum of $10,000 (taxes included);
• The homeowner shall cover 1/3 of the cost of the project, the municipality shall cover 1/3 and the Government of Quebec shall cover the remaining 1/3, subject to the maximum outlined below:
• A maximum of $20,000 in financial assistance shall be granted (representing the amount of $10,000 for the Town and $10,000 for the Government of Quebec);
• Retroactivity may apply under certain conditions and to the extent that the work was carried out in the 12 months prior to the by-law’s entry into force;
• Financial assistance will be paid out once repair work is complete and as long as all of the conditions have been respected;
• The funds available are limited;
• Should the number of requests outweigh the funds available, priority will be granted in accordance with the number of piles identified in the plans and specifications.

Should you wish more information on this particular program and its application, the Town’s urban planning department invites you to email your contact information (full name, address and daytime phone number) to urbanisme@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca or phone Ms. Jessica McKenzie for any questions at 450‑424‑8000, extension 241. 

Rénovation Québec program overview

Note that the Rénovation Québec program is a framework program that enables the municipality to implement a residential revitalization program for a degraded sector within its territory after entering into a management agreement with the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ). The Town of Saint‑Lazare has a budget of $171,000 that is matched by the Government of Quebec, for a total of $342,000. 

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Tuesday, January 30, 2018. – Saint-Lazare’s new municipal council adopted its first balanced budget, totaling $30 million dollars, on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. This budget translated into a 1.13% rise for a house with an average value of $370,000 on a septic installation, representing an increase of $33. 

Mandate given to elected officials     

The adopted budget takes into account the priority expressed by elected officials during the last election: maintaining a low tax rate. To achieve this, Council reviewed and prioritize all expenses, and agreed to allocate $1,950,000 from the accumulated surplus as at December 31, 2017. Increased revenues stemming from the real estate boom has also contributed to reducing the tax rate.   

To help cover the increase in expenses related to the maintenance of the water and sewer networks, Council has increased the water and sewer taxes. Properties serviced by the municipal aqueduct will see a $10 increase in their water tax and those serviced by the municipal sewer system, a $20 increase. A breakdown of the municipal taxes is provided in the table below.  

Average home in Saint-Lazare 

¹   Since 2018 is the last year of the 2016–2018 three-year valuation roll, the assessed values of properties have not changed.  

2   The tax for the construction of the new Town Hall is included in the general property tax. For homes with an average value of $370,000, this represents an amount of approximately $42.55 or $0.0115/$100 of the assessed value, and 73% of the maximum loan amount authorized through Borrowing By-law No. 966. In 2019, property taxes for the new Town Hall should reflect 100% of the final cost of the loan. When taking the federal and provincial government’s funding for the community hall into consideration, the rate is estimated at $0.0139/$100 assessed, which represents an estimated annual amount of $53 for a residence valued at $370,000.

³   Home of average value without connection to the sewer (1.62% with connection for 2018).
N.B.: approximately 75% of homes have a septic system while 25% are connected to the sewer system.  

Expenses out of the Town’s control 

Every year, certain irreducible expenses have a major impact on the budget and the leeway for reducing property tax rates. This is the case for shares payable to the Sûreté du Québec, the Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC, as well as public transportation and adapted transport and The Montreal Metropolitan Community.

⁴     The ARTM now groups together the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) and the Conseil intermunicipal de transport (CIT) de la Presqu’île. The amount also includes adapted transport. 

Key issues and new developments 

In 2018, the Council will survey residents on the challenges that received the most attention during the 2017 election—notably, the Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival, the roundabout (at the corner of Chemin Saint-Louis and Bédard Avenue) and the revitalization of downtown Saint-Lazare. As such, residents will be invited to share their opinions during the course of the year.

To make up for the fact that the Au Galop Festival will not be held this year, the Council will bonify the Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Canada Day celebrations.  

In the fall of 2018, residents can expect to receive information on preparing for the food waste collection, slated to begin in early 2019. Several methods will be used to increase awareness and educate the public.

Detailed 2018 budget 

Deadlines

Municipal taxes are payable in three instalments. Deadlines for payments are as follows:

• 1^st instalment – Tuesday, March 20, 2018   
• 2^nd instalment – Tuesday, June 19, 2018  
• 3^rd instalment – Tuesday, September 18, 2018

 Tax bills will be issued on February 16, 2018.  

New programming and tons of activities

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Tuesday, January 30, 2018  -  Countless festivalgoers made their way to Parc nature les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare to enjoy the pleasures of winter at the Snow Fest held from January 26 to 28, 2018. This winter festival, held by the Town of Saint-Lazare for the last 15 years, offered tons of activities to some 1,600 participants who made their way on site throughout the weekend. The line-up included activities that took place under the stars on Friday and Saturday, followed by a mega outdoor party for the whole family on Sunday.

The snowshoeing under the stars event on Friday was a huge success, with over 175 people taking part in the adventure. The Saturday evening activities and bonfire attracted over 450 festivalgoers, despite the whims of Mother Nature. 

Sunday’s mild weather and sunshine brought a smile to the faces of both young and old. Outdoor enthusiasts indulged in some snowshoeing, tubing, skating, ice sculptures or introduction to cross-country skiing with the help of the Club de ski de fond Sud-Ouest. Demos by the Club de biathlon de Vaudreuil-Soulanges as well as the extreme obstacle course, organized by the Optimist Club, proved especially popular. Craft lovers had the opportunity to admire the many projects completed by the members of the Cercle de fermières during the Tricoton knitting activity. The always enjoyable horse-drawn wagon rides and ATV rides were made possible in part thanks to Club Quad 3 Lacs.

All new for 2018: the extreme obstacle course race on Sunday. Young and old, the athletic (and the not so athletic!), had a wonderful time trying out the new WINTER OBSTACLE COURSE. The first 100 children to cross the finish line went home with a gold medal!

The Town would like to thank the 1,600 participants who donned tuques and mittens to come play outside at the Saint-Lazare Snow Fest, helping us make the event a huge success again this year. We would also like to thank the members of the Optimist Club who graciously provided canteen services in exchange for voluntary donations. 

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), January 29th, 2018  -  Come meet Mr. Denis Germain for a special evening on photography using cell phones or tablets. The entire process—from capturing pictures to image processing—will be covered during this event.

With the disappearance of traditional compact cameras and the appearance of additional functions on new smartphones, taking quality pictures has now become accessible to everyone.Come and learn all the basics during this exciting evening. Bring your tablets and cell phones. You don’t want to miss it!

*The conference wil be held in French. 

Thursday, February 1^st, 2018, at 7 p.m.
Community Centre (1301 Rue du Bois)
Free - no reservation required 
Info: 450-424-8000 ext. 260 

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), January 24, 2018  -  The Town of Saint-Lazare would like to thank Héma-Québec as well as the blood donors and volunteers who took part in the first blood drive of the year, held at the Community Centre on Monday, January 22, 2018 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you consider that every blood donation can potentially help up to four people, a total of 556 patients will be able to receive blood products thanks to the 139 people who braved the storm and rolled up their sleeves to donate.  

Pictured: Municipal Councillors Michel Poitras and Martin Couture contribute to the blood drive accompanied 
by councillors Geneviève Lachance and Brian Trainor, blood drive supervisor, Nicolas Piednoel, 
along with Héma-Québec employees and volunteers.

Note that Héma-Québec’s mission is to efficiently meet the needs of the Quebec population for quality blood and blood derivatives, human tissue, cord blood, breast milk and safe cellular products of optimum quality; develop and offer expertise as well as specialized, innovative services in the field of human biological products.

For information on blood donation, visit www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.

SAINT-LAZARE (QUEBEC), Monday, January 15, 2018 – Today, Saint‑Lazare Mayor Mr. Robert Grimaudo, accompanied by the Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living, Ms. Lucie Charlebois, inaugurated the Sainte-Angélique Community Room at Town Hall. They also took the opportunity to reiterate that the Town has received financial assistance in the amount of $1,146,968 on behalf of the governments of Canada and Quebec stemming from the 2014–2018 Federal Gas Tax Revenues and the Government of Quebec’s Contribution (TECQ).

“I am thrilled to mark the inauguration of this community room in Saint-Lazare, which will enable residents to gather and enjoy one another’s company. In addition to enabling residents to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, this new space will help bring people together. Our government is proud to lend its support to projects that help improve people’s quality of life while fostering economic growth and job creation among the middle class,” shared Infrastructure and Communities Minister, Hon. Amarjeet Sohi.

“Revamping, modernizing and developing social infrastructures is a priority for the Government of Quebec and providing this financial assistance demonstrates our commitment to contribute to the well-being of citizens. The new Sainte‑Angélique room in Town Hall is intended to meet the community’s expectations by providing facilities and storage spaces for them to use. Without a doubt, this modern and functional infrastructure is sure to become a welcoming and vibrant meeting place for the entire community in addition to further contributing to the municipality’s development,” stated MNA for Soulanges and Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living, Ms. Lucie Charlebois.

“We are extremely happy with the financial support that has been granted by the governments of Canada and Quebec for the development of these new community spaces,” expressed Mayor Grimaudo. “Our organizations are always in great need of more space and we are pleased to be able to provide them with new options when it comes to facilities where they can meet, develop relationships and store their equipment and material. What better way to meet these needs than by providing them with extra space in our new Town Hall. We must continue to maintain the idea that our Town Hall is, first and foremost, a home for our citizens,” concluded the Mayor.

In total, close to 4,165 square feet were added to the new city hall building, including 2,000 square feet dedicated to a community room equipped with 2 restrooms, a kitchen, a relaxation area with television, a coffee dispenser, a permanent space for the Cercle de Fermières and 2,165 square feet in the basement used as storage facilities for local organizations.

For its first year of use, the Sainte-Angélique Room will be exclusively reserved for non-profit organizations who will have access to the space free of charge as well as for “drop-in intergenerational activities.” The community storage facilities will be ready for use halfway through 2018.   

Additional information

Based on the results of a survey carried out among citizens in 2017, the schedule established for the drop-in activities is as follows: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Sainte-Angélique Room will officially welcome its first visitors from the community on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. during which time they will have a chance to share, chat, cook, knit, enjoy a cup of coffee as well as play cards and board games. The calendar of drop-in activities can be viewed at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/activitescommunautaires.

For reservations, organizations can contact the Service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire at 450 424-8000, extension 220.

Residents will be invited to attend an Open House at the new Town Hall during the course of 2018. 

Replacement of a storm sewer pipe on Chemin Sainte-Angélique - temporary paving operation completed.

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – It is with great pleasure that the Town of Saint-Lazare announces the complete reopening of its downtown core starting at 5 p.m. today, Wednesday, December 20^th, 2017. Weather conditions allowed the team to complete the temporary paving  earlier than expected. We ask motorists to no longer follow directional signs, which will all be removed during Thursday, December 21, 2017.

The bus stops of Sainte-Angélique/ des Marguerites, Sainte-Angélique/ rue Leroux et Sainte-Angélique/rue Daniel will be re-established from this Thursday, December 21st in the morning and the bus of the circuit 51 will do its usual route.

We would like to remind you that the permanent paving work will take place in the spring of 2018 after thawing occurs and when the weather conditions are favorable. The work will span over 1 or 2 days at the most. For the duration of this work, the 2 longer detours will be in effect again.

The Town and its partners wish to thank you for your great patience and collaboration during this work and apologize for the inconveniences this work caused.

For any question or to follow this file: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/infotravaux  

NEW CLOSURE of part of Chemin Sainte-Angélique in downtown Saint-Lazare from Wednesday, December 20 to Friday, December 22 for the temporary paving work

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Tuesday, December 19, 2017 – The shaping of the granular foundation and the temporary paving work on part of Chemin Sainte-Angélique in downtown Saint-Lazare (where the replacement of a storm sewer piper took place) will be undertaken this Wednesday, December 20th until Friday, December 22nd at 12 noon as long as the weather conditions are favorable. 

Since the work will again require the downtown core to be cut-off in two (2) sectors: the sector « east of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres » and the sector « west of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres », the Town of Saint-Lazare asks all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive, to follow one of two (2) major detours starting Wednesday, December 20 until noon on Friday, December 22.

After this date, downtown Saint-Lazare will reopen completely to traffic until the permanent paving work planned in the spring of 2018.

Updates

If the weather conditions are not favorable, only the granular foundation work will be completed and the paving, this time permanent, will be rescheduled in the spring of 2018. For this reason, we invite residents to subscribe to the Town’s newsletter www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/abonnement, its Twitter account at www.twitter.com/ville_stlazare, to visit its website www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux or to visit its Facebook page www.facebook.com/villesaintlazare to get the latest developments.

Permanent paving work in 2018

The permanent paving work will take place in the spring of 2018 after thawing occurs and when the weather conditions are favorable. The work will span over 1 or 2 days at the most. For the duration of this work, the 2 longer detours will be in effect again.

Local deliveries and access to businesses

Businesses remain accessible. The Town encourages business owners, daycares and schools to inform their suppliers of these important detours should they deliver goods during the work.

School transport, access to schools and daycares

School boards have been informed and bus transportation adjusted.  Parents who usually drive through downtown to drop-off their kids at school or daycare should plan to leave earlier and take these delays into account.  

Three (3) bus stops (CIT La Presqu’île) suspended / delays to be expected

From Wednesday, December 20 to Friday, December 22, three (3) bus stops will be suspended: Sainte-Angélique/des Marguerites, Sainte-Angélique /rue Leroux and Sainte-Angélique/rue Daniel (a.m.) rue des Cèdres (p.m.). Public transit users will be invited to wait for the bus at the corner of Chemin Sainte-Angélique /Avenue Bédard or Chemin Sainte-Angélique/ru

2^nd edition of the Saint-Lazare Christmas Market  

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Tuesday, December 19, 2017 – In a festive atmosphere, artisans and local producers welcomed visitors in the main room of the Community Centre for the 2^nd edition of the Christmas Market on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, 2017.  

In 2016, although the event had attracted some 1,800 visitors, many had come simply to satisfy their curiosity and discover what the event was all about. This year, however, the 2,177 in attendance were mainly young families and savvy shoppers on the hunt for unique finds.

Among the 988 visitors who attended on Sunday, 60 or so Members of the Quebec-France Association had made their way from Laval aboard a coach bus specifically to come enjoy Saint-Lazare’s Christmas Market, within the framework of their day of activities organized in the region. They purchased some unique gifts to offer up during the Christmas season.

Visitors were thrilled with the variety of items available as well as the prices, which accommodated every budget. Most left with bags filled to the brim, and everyone left with smiles on their faces. 

Cars and (non-oversized) standard trucks can now borrow a smaller detour to cross downtown Saint-Lazare

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Thursday, December 14, 2017 - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to inform car drivers and drivers of standard (non-oversized) trucks (i.e. trucks that are not oversized like semi-trailers 53 feet long) that they can now use the smaller downtown detour using Rue Denis and Rue des Cèdres to get across both sides of Chemin Sainte-Angélique.

As for oversized trucks, they must continue to use one of the 2 longer detours because of tight intersections at the angle of Rue des Cèdres/Chemin Sainte-Angélique et rue Denis / chemin Sainte-Angélique) and to reduce dangerous manoeuvres in the Auclair school zone.

For these safety reasons and for the intersection challenges, the LONG detour directional signs will remain in effect.

Local deliveries
Businesses are once again invited to inform their suppliers of these instructions.

School boards
School boards have been advised to adjust school bus transportation.  

One CIT La Presqu’île bus stop remains suspended
The Sainte-Angélique /rue Leroux remains suspended until the complete reopening of Chemin Sainte-Angélique on December 22.  Public transit users will be invited to wait for the bus at the corner of Rue des Cèdres (p.m.) /rue Daniel (a.m.) or Rue des Marguerites (a.m. and p.m.). Bus # 51 will use the detour via Rue Denis and Rue des Cèdres to get back onto Chemin Sainte-Angélique during the major obstruction period.

Emergency services
Emergency services, including ambulances have been advised.

Question / preoccupations
The Town apologises for the inconveniences this work may cause and thanks you in advance for your understanding and collaboration. For any question or preoccupation, do not hesitate to contact the Infrastructure department at 450-424-8000, ext. 235 or 311.

New Sainte-Angélique Community Room at Town Hall  

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Tuesday, December 12, 2017  -  Saint-Lazare’s recreation and community life department would like to survey its residents on how they wish to make use of the new Sainte-Angélique community hall located at the Town hall (1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique).

The survey, which includes 9 to 14 questions, depending on whether you are, or not, a member of a community organization, will be online until Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 4 p.m. A printed version may also be completed at the recreation department’s reception counter located at the Community Centre (1301 Rue du Bois). Less than 5 minutes are required to complete the survey.

Let’s recall this new hall was designed to meet, first and foremost, the needs expressed by members and heads of local Saint-Lazare community organizations. This particular space, which includes a kitchen, a TV-viewing area, restrooms and a cabinet filled with games, can host 200 people, or 56 seated guests.   

Based on comments gathered, the recreation department will plan the use of the Sainte-Angélique hall starting 2018.

Thank you for sharing your expectations with us!  

Links to the online survey:

• Sainte-Angélique Community Room: https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/WHMLPG5
• Salle communautaire Sainte-Angélique : https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/Q7WLX5Q

A print version of the survey is available at the Community Centre (1301 Du Bois Street)

Recreation and activity schedule, and new events!

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Thursday, December 7, 2017 -  Here are a few of the activities that we have lined up to help put you in the Christmas spirit and celebrate this festive time of year!  

Christmas Market (2^nd edition) – Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
A not-to-be-missed event for anyone looking for original and beautiful Christmas gifts, handmade with love! Artisans, producers, independent artists and food merchants offer you a vast array of artwork, special items, unique creations, local products and refined gifts of the highest quality that are perfect for Christmas. Mark your calendar for this unique community experience on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Saint-Lazare Community Centre (1301 Du Bois Street).

Dress warmly, and bring your blanket and chair. A unique experience in the great outdoors on Friday, December 29 starting at 5:00 p.m. at Parc nature les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare (2800 Chemin Lotbinière). A real change of pace! Free popcorn and hot drinks available on site. Auxiliary heating will be provided to ensure no one gets too cold. A great activity for both young and old! 

Free-play activities at the Saint-Lazare sports complex from Saturday, December 23 to Saturday, January 6

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Thursday, December 7, 2017  -  The Holidays are fast approaching! Here is some important information you are sure to need.

Administrative offices will be closed from Monday, December 25, 2017 to Tuesday, January 2, 2018 inclusively. The Community Centre will remain open to those who have reserved rooms. www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/heures

Dial 3-1-1 to report any situations of a municipal nature requiring intervention that cannot wait until the offices re-open after the Holidays. 

Opening of trails and skating rinks, as well as their status, always depends on conditions and the weather. Before, during and after the Holidays, the following conditions are required to open rinks and trails:

• Minimum of 4 days of intense cold for rinks
• Accumulation of 30 cm of snow for trails

For a complete list of skating rinks and trails, visit  

www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/parcs

www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/patinoiresexterieures

www.lesforestiers.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/fr/accueil

www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/cssl

Closure of part of Chemin Sainte-Angélique in downtown Saint-Lazare from Tuesday, December 5 to Friday, December 22, 2017

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Friday, December 1, 2017 - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to advise motorists, cyclists, business owners, parents as well as public transit users of a major traffic obstruction on Chemin Sainte-Angélique in the downtown core starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 for a scheduled 9 to 10 days, ending approximately Friday, December 15, 2017 and then of a local traffic obstruction for a another 7 to 8 days, starting Friday, December 15 to Friday, December 22, 2017.

Work area
The work seeks to replace a storm sewer pipe located on Chemin Sainte-Angélique in the area of Rue Daniel and Rue des Cèdres. This work also includes temporary paving work. The permanent paving of the road will be done in the spring of 2018 when the conditions are the most favorable (other closures to be expected in 2018).

Major obstruction from Tuesday, December 5 to Friday, December 15: two (2) major detours depending on which side of downtown needs to be accessed
From Tuesday, December 5 to Friday, December 15, the work planned will require the downtown core to be cut-off in two (2) sectors: the sector « east of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres » and the sector « west of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres ». Motorists, suppliers, and parents will have to follow one of two (2) major detours depending on which side of town they wish to access. Let’s note that at the beginning of the work (approximately from Tuesday, December 5 to Tuesday, December 12) the restaurant La Pataterie La Belle Province will be accessible using the “west” detour of rue Daniel / rue des Cèdres (and then by the “east” detour after that). Motorists should rely on road signs in place for the duration of the detours in effect.
Detour to access the sector « east of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres »
Detour to access the sector « west of Rue Daniel / Rue des Cèdres »

Local obstruction from Friday, December 15 to Friday, December 22: smaller detour by Rue Denis and Rue des Cèdres
Around Friday, December 15 until Friday, December 22, the work will continue, this time, without completely cutting off east to west traffic on Chemin Sainte-Angélique. Motorists will have to use a smaller detour to get from one side of Chemin Sainte-Angélique to the other. Motorists are once again invited to rely on road signs in place for the duration of the detours.

Local deliveries and access to businesses
Businesses remain accessible. The Town encourages business owners, daycares and schools to inform their suppliers of these important detours should they deliver goods during the work.

School transport, access to schools and daycares
Schools and daycares will be informed and bus transportation adjusted. Parents who usually drive through downtown to drop-off their kids at school or daycare should plan to leave earlier and take these delays into account. Always rely on road signs in force.

Three (3) bus stops (CIT La Presqu’île) suspended / delays to be expected
From Tuesday, December 5 to Friday, December 22, three (3) bus stops will be suspended: Sainte-Angélique/des Marguerites, Sainte-Angélique /rue Leroux and Sainte-Angélique/rue Daniel. Public transit users will be invited to wait for the bus at the corner of Sainte-Angélique / Avenue Bédard or Sainte-Angélique / Rue Brazeau. They should also expect delays (and to miss their bus connections) or plan to leave earlier.

Bus # 51 will use the detour via Avenue Bédard, Chemin Saint-Louis and Chemin Chevrier to get back onto Chemin Sainte-Angélique during the major obstruction period. From Friday, December 15 to Friday, December 22, it is possible only one bus stop be suspended (Sainte-Angélique/Leroux). The information will be confirmed by the CIT (http://www.citlapresquile.qc.ca).

Parking for residents / businesses on rue Daniel and rue des Cèdres
Parking remains accessible for residents, as well as visitors and customers.

Preventative boil advisory
Only those home owners, whose water entry require modification, will be invited to boil their water as a precautionary measure. They will be informed individually when the time comes.
Detour by Rue Denis and Rue des Cèdres to get across town

Emergency services
Emergency services, including ambulances have been advised.

Question / preoccupations
The Town apologises for the inconveniences this work may cause and thanks you in advance for your understanding and collaboration. For any question or preoccupation, do not hesitate to contact the Infrastructure department at 450-424-8000, ext. 235 or dial 3-1-1.

To follow this work: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux

Volunteer appreciation evening

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), November 20, 2017 – The Town of Saint-Lazare held its annual volunteer appreciation evening on Friday, November 17, 2017. During this special event, the 135 volunteers in attendance enjoyed a variety of activities provided by the fortune-teller, caricaturist and artist on site.

The Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Robert Grimaudo, along with the members of the Municipal Council, were on hand to pay tribute to the countless volunteers that play such an important role in the community. The Mayor also took the opportunity to spotlight Mr. Anson Williams, recipient of the Senate 150 Medal.

Smiles and laughs were abundant throughout the evening and many captured the moment with a stop at the photo booth set up for the enjoyment of all. 

Stocking stuffers to keep you warm and toasty this winter

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), November 14, 2017 – Need some ideas for stocking stuffers this Christmas? The Town of Saint-Lazare offers tuques and caps bearing the Town’s logo that are sure to keep your family warm and toasty this winter. With reflective strips for added visibility, the caps are perfect for outdoor activities and evening walks. Both models of tuques, equally warm and stretchy, are available in either a classic solid color or a multicolour knit topped with a pompom for a young, modern style. These cozy, one-of-a-kind accessories will help everyone stay nice and warm, all winter long!

Tuques and caps are available for $10 each (taxes included) at the Library (1275 Rue du Bois), at the Community Centre (1301 Rue du Bois), at the Parc nature les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare reception desk (2800 Chemin Lotbinière) or at the Town Hall reception desk (1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique).

Major traffic obstruction downtown Saint-Lazare on Tuesday, November 14, 2017

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Friday, November 10, 2017 - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to advise motorists and cyclists of a major traffic obstruction on Chemin Sainte-Angélique in the downtown core starting at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 for a scheduled 8 hours-work. Despite the detour signs, businesses will remain accessible.

The work seeks to repair a water main break. This work will be following by paving work if the weather conditions are favorable. Should this not be the case, Chemin Sainte-Angélique will be reopened to traffic and paving will be done subsequently. At that time, traffic will be directed one lane at a time.

Owners of properties aimed by the preventative boil water advisory have already been informed.

The Town apologises for the inconveniences this work may cause and thanks you in advance for your understanding and collaboration.

To follow this work:  http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux  

Fire safety and public safety activities

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), October 27, 2017  -  On October 25, 2017, five young aspiring firefighters got the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience with staff from the Town of Saint-Lazare’s Service des incendies et de la sécurité publique. At the sound of the bell marking the end of the school day, , Noah Panagakos, Édouard Leroux, Sandrine Arseneault, Micheal Oakes and Brandon Boros officially became firefighters for a day!

After being picked up from their respective schools in a tanker fire truck, the children made their way over to the station. Once there, the group visited the facilities and learned about the special characteristics and uses of each individual fire vehicle before getting the chance to sit down and chat with their idols over a meal. To wrap up the activity, the young firefighters responded to an actual emergency call at the sablière Saint-Louis entrance, near rue Saint-Louis. They wowed onlooking family members with their ability to take over the situation and extinguish the flames with ease. Needless to say, this was the highlight of their day.

Firefighters for a Day : Brandon Boros (École Elementary Birchwood), Micheal Oakes (Forest Hill Senior School), Noah Panagakos (Evergreen Elementary School), Édouard Leroux (École Auclair) et Sandrine Arseneault (École des Étriers) together with the staff of service de la sécurité publique et de la sécurité incendie from the Ville de Saint-Lazare.

The Firefighter for a Day activity aims to help children discover the basics of the firefighting profession. The young apprentices were given the opportunity to use real equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hoses and more. At the end of the day, the Director of the Service de la sécurité incendie et de la sécurité publique, Daniel Boyer presented the young firefighters with certificates to commemorate their involvement. No doubt, the event will have created memories that will last a lifetime.

Fire safety and public safety activities

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), October 23, 2017  -  As part of Fire Prevention Week, which took place from October 8 to 14, 2017, several public awareness activities were held by the fire safety and public safety employees of the Town of Saint-Lazare. Throughout the week, fire drills were carried out in two (2) retirement homes, eleven (11) daycare and eight (8) schools.  

La Grande Évacuation: over a quarter of families took part

La Grande Évacuation was held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, in the residential area that includes Champêtre, Sous-Bois, Semences, Champs, Moissons and Printemps streets. For the first time in several years, a record number of families took part, as fire service personnel counted 54 out of 190 homes—over a quarter of homeowners—who carried out the activity.

Open house at the fire station: a constant flow of visitors throughout the day

Over 1,500 visitors accepted the invitation extended by the Saint-Lazare firefighters on Saturday, October 14, 2017, and made their way to the fire station to enjoy the Open House festivities.

The line-up featured activities aimed at informing and educating the public including a visit of the facilities and fire vehicles, the fire prevention kiosk, the water spray simulation zone (forest fire) and the opportunity to dress up in fire-fighting gear to pose for a picture, which was enjoyed by both young and old. A surprise visit by Chase from Paw Patrol combined with the presence of the Sûreté cavalry and their horses, Sparky® the mascot and face painting made the event an absolute hit with the kids. First responders also wowed visitors with vehicle extrication simulations. Volunteers from the Unité communautaire des services d’urgence (UCMU) helped refuel participants by offering juice and hot dogs.

Thanks to the personnel from the Service de la sécurité publique et de la sécurité incendie, and the collaboration of its many partners, the event was a resounding success.

N.B.: a note has also been sent to property owners serviced by the Saint-Louis aqueduct network since the Saddlebrook and Saint-Louis networks are connected and those homes are most often supplied in drinking water by Saddlebrook.

The Town of Saint-Lazare is supplied with drinking water through various water tables with different quantitative and qualitative properties. Distribution is provided through three (3) water supply networks—specifically, the Sainte-Angélique, Saddlebrook and Saint-Louis networks. The Town’s water treatment plants have different equipment required for treating and disinfecting water depending on their various intrinsic characteristics.

The numerous random episodes of brown drinking water that occur in the Saddlebrook sector are not unusual situations in the exploitation of underground waters. Over the years, aquifers undergo natural transformations which can modify some of their characteristics, in particular the concentration of certain elements such as iron and manganese which confer water an unaesthetic brownish color. When such situations arise, protocols of intervention, validation and approvals exist and procedures apply to correct the situation. Unfortunately, every solution must be adapted to the particular situation which prolongs deadlines. Back in the early 90’s, the City has had to intervene in a similar situation on its Sainte-Angélique network. Already experienced in this field, the municipal team is making every effort to correct the situation in the best possible time frame while respecting steps prescribed by the law.
 

At the provincial level, iron and manganese are not subject to any standards in the Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water (RRQDW). In its Guide de conception des installations de production d'eau potable, the MDDELCC suggests a maximum concentration of 0.05 mg/L for manganese. The appearance of brown water is not an indication that manganese as reached its maximum concentration. Furthermore, since 2016, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water (CDW) as set a maximum acceptable manganese concentration (MAC) of 0.1 mg/L in order to protect the population that is generally more sensitive to potential neurological effects (infants) and to meet the aesthetic objective (AO) of 0.02 mg/L, which reduces complaints made by citizens concerning brown water.

Tree cutting and paving of parking lots

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), on Friday, October 6th, 2017 – Ville de Saint-Lazare wishes to inform residents that it will proceed, starting in the week of October 9th, 2017, with the work required to improve park user safety and access to emergency vehicles, including those of first responders, as well as improve access to handicapped people and people with reduced mobility in Parc Westwood and Parc St-Robert. In both cases, water gardens will be made to recover rain waters, an ecological solution which allows water to be retained and filtered through vegetation which naturally eliminates pollutants!  The work should be completed by the end of this year if weather conditions are favorable.

Parc Westwood

The work planned in Parc Westwood will allow doubling the surface of the car park; increasing parking spaces form 50 to 100. This will reduce the number of cars parked on the streets and leave more room for emergency vehicles should they need to come through.  This expansion, however, will require tree cutting in two areas. The existing car park will remain open until the expansion is completed. The whole car park will be temporarily closed at the time of the paving. Once completed, the car park will be accessed from chemin Saint-Louis as well as Rue des Sportifs.


Parc St-Robert

The work planned in Parc St-Robert, on the other hand, consists of paving the main entrance to improve access to handicapped people and people living with a reduced mobility. A drop-off zone will also be paved alongside the sports fields.

The Town apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause and thanks you in advance for your collaboration and for your understanding.

To follow this file: http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/infotravaux.

Community project at Parc Des Étriers

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), September 25, 2017 – The Town of Saint-Lazare would like to thank all of the volunteers who participated in the tree-planting day along with Lucie Charlebois, Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living, Minister responsible for the Montérégie area and MNA for Soulanges, at Des Étriers Park on Saturday, September 23, 2017.

Under sunny skies and the guidance of the Town’s staff members, the volunteers who gathered for the occasion, accompanied by elected officials and the Minister, planted a total of 36 trees in Des Étriers Park, alongside Des Abeilles Street. Thanks to the collaboration of those involved, the abundance of good cheer and the smiles on everyone’s faces, the event was a huge success.

Altogether, twenty or so people took part in this community effort showcasing sustainable development and the environment. This was the eighth edition of the Planting Together event.

Mayor Grimaudo Blood Drive

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), September 21, 2017 - The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to thank Héma-Québec, the blood donors and volunteers who made possible the Mayor Blood Drive held on Wednesday, September 20, from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. No less than 126 people rolled up their sleeves during this event. The blood recipients and their families will be forever grateful.

Madam Hannah Rosner, together with mayor Robert Grimaudo, the councillor Serge David and volunteers of Héma-Quebec.

Héma-Québec

The organization needs to collect 1,000 blood donations per day in order to keep the blood reserve at an optimal level. No matter what time of year it is, the need for blood never takes a holiday.

Héma-Québec’s mission is to efficiently meet the needs of the Quebec population with regards to blood and its derivatives, human tissue, cord blood, breast milk and other cellular products that are safe and of optimal quality. It also strives to develop and provide expertise as well as specialized and innovative services in the area of biological products of human origin.

Next blood drive

The next Blood drive will take place at the beginning of the year 2018.

For additional information on blood donations, go to www.hema-quebec.qc.ca

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), September 20, 2017 -  On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, the Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Robert Grimaudo, accompanied by members of the municipal council, inaugurated one of three new Kali-Flash devices that help make pedestrian crossings safer on the town’s busy streets.

 “The safety of road users and speeding is at the heart of our concerns, and we are confident that the new Kali-Flash devices are a good solution that can help minimize the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and road users. We hope that these new devices—recognized as being 53 times for effective than standard signage used at pedestrian crossings—will encourage users to exercise greater caution near pedestrian crossings,” stated the Mayor.  

Mayor Robert Grimaudo and councillors Marc-André Esculier, Richard Nataf, Serge David, Pamela Tremblay and Brigitte Asselin together with Daniel Boyer, director of service de la sécurité publique et de la sécurité incendie  and the agents of the SQ, crossing chemin Sainte-Angélique in the pedestrian walkway.

These three rapid-flashing devices, installed in key sectors—at the corner of Des Marguerites Street and Chemin Saint-Angélique, of Montée Saint-Robert and Chemin Saint-Angélique and, lastly, at the corner of Chemin Saint-Louis and Côte Saint-Charles—are lights that act as a complement to the static signage used at pedestrian crossings to help effectively indicate that someone is crossing. These rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) attract the attention of drivers. 

Note that pedestrians always have priority over other road users when using pedestrian crossings—in other words, drivers and cyclists must yield to pedestrians. The Town invites road users and pedestrians to remain vigilant when approaching pedestrian crossings and always:

• keep an eye on surrounding traffic
• make sure that drivers and cyclists stop and respect the right of way
• establish visual contact with users before crossing   
• look left, right and left again, and evaluate the amount of time needed to safely cross the street.  

For more details: http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/securiteroutiere

The Saint-Lazare Library held a special evening for its young readers

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), August 29, 2017 – The Saint-Lazare Library held its closing party for the TD Summer Reading Club at the Community Centre (1301 Rue du Bois) on Monday, August 28 at 7 p.m.  

The Town of Saint-Lazare wishes to congratulate the 305 participants for the 2017 summer season. These young readers enthusiastically rose to the challenge of filling their reading journals, stamped by a library clerk every time they completed a book. For every 5 books read, the young participants received a participation ballot giving them a chance to win one of several prizes.

The evening was a creative and fun-filled event, in keeping with the theme of the 2017 Reading Club. Each of the children received a certificate attesting to their participation along with participation prizes.

A special show called Les insectes sur scène, hosted by Bill Bestioles, helped set the tone for the evening of celebrations. Following the show, the fun continued with dancing and celebrating to the sounds of the on-site DJ.

Congratulations to all of the 2017 TD Summer Reading Club participants!

A welcomed financial assistance for owners of homes with cracked foundations

Saint-Lazare (Quebec), Thursday, August 17, 2017 – On Thursday, August 17, 2017, Ms. Lucie Charlebois, Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection, Public Health and Healthy Living, and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region and MP for Soulanges, accompanied by Mr. Robert Grimaudo, Mayor of Saint-Lazare and the members of the town council, announced that financial assistance in the amount of $171,000 had been granted to the Town of Saint-Lazare by the Société d’Habitation du Québec as part of the Rénovation Québec program – volet IV « Maisons Lézardées ».

“The Town of Saint-Lazare is delighted with this announcement” stated Mayor Robert Grimaudo. “Over the last few years, several citizens have asked us for help in obtaining financial assistance to repair cracked foundations caused by land subsidence. The $171,000 in financial assistance provided by the government and matched by the city will help reduce the amount that owners of homes with cracked foundations will have to pay out of pocket.”



In light of this announcement, the Mayor stressed that the municipal team as yet to establish eligibility criteria as well as the number of homes the $342,000 budget will be able to cover. The conditions and rules to participate to the program as well as the maximum amount of financial assistance granted per building, the type of building eligible for assistance and the deadline for submitting an application must make the object of a by-law, a by-law to be approved by the Société d’Habitation du Québec.

Owners of homes with cracked foundations, who wish to be informed of the terms and conditions of the program once these are made available, can send their names, address, and numbers where they can be reached during the day, by email at urbanisme@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca.

The Town will announce the program’s implementation in the fall using its standard communication methods, including the town newsletter. To register for the newsletter, please visit the Town’s Web site at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/abonnement.

Rénovation Québec program overview

The Government of Quebec implemented the Rénovation Québec framework program in order to help municipalities who wish to implement programs aimed at improving housing and the built environment in degraded residential sectors. Participating municipalities are responsible for the administration of the program with the clientele. The SHQ and the municipality contribute to the financial support provided  to the owner.

Saint-Lazare, August 18, 2017 – In an effort to improve the quality of electricity service and to ensure public safety, Hydro-Québec announced last March that it will undertake a special vegetation control project with the support of the town of Saint-Lazare. The project will run from 2017 to 2019 and involves pruning and cutting down weakened trees or trees growing too close to the electrical system.

In May and June, Hydro-Québec’s forestry technicians surveyed the two sections of the network as part of Phase One of the project for 2017. They identified the work that needs to be carried out, obtained permission from affected landowners and acquired the necessary municipal permits.

The technicians have completed their survey, and work will soon begin in the Saddlebrook and Cedarbrook districts. Hydro-Québec has hired the firm Asplundh to prune and cut down trees from August until the end of 2017.

On August 18, Hydro-Québec Distribution president David Murray and Saint-Lazare mayor Robert Grimaudo met on the field to discuss the results of the survey and observe the start of the work.

Mr. Murray was satisfied with the progress of Phase One and commented, “Thanks to the collaboration of the town of Saint-Lazare and our customers, we are confident that this project will improve the quality of electricity service in the municipality.”

Mr. Grimaudo applauded the positive response of Saint-Lazare residents. “We could never carry out this type of initiative without the full cooperation and leadership of our partner, Hydro-Québec. This project will improve the reliability of the electrical distribution network and make life easier for everyone in the town. I was extremely pleased with the support we received from residents. It is the first project of this type in Québec where a municipality, Hydro-Québec and residents are working together to improve the community. We have set the bar very high for future projects.”

Residents who would like more information about the project should contact Hydro-Québec by calling the Info-project line at 1 877 653-1139 or by visiting the town’s Web site at www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/hydroquebec.

3^rd edition of the Soirée de poésie sous les étoiles - an evening of poetry under the stars 

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), August 18, 2017 – The 3^rd edition of the Soirée de poésie sous les étoiles, organized by the Saint-Lazare Library, was held on the evening of Saturday, August 12 2017, at Parc nature les-Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare. Thanks to the cooperating weather, this outdoor activity took place at the Parc nature site in the area surrounding the campfire. 

Eight poets took part in the event in the company of a musician—respectively  Louise Carson, Catherine Chandler, Jocelyne Dubois, Jon Torell, Julie and Phil de Belle, Lynn des Ruisseaux, Tammy D'Ambrosio and Brian Campbell (guitar and lyrics)—under the amused gaze of a dozen or so spectators who came to watch this exchange of poetry. It was the perfect opportunity for the public to discover and share with these Artists of Saint-Lazare and neighborhood

Photos credit : Brian Campbell

On Thursday, August 24, 2017, services offered by the Urban planning and environment departments as well as the administration (reception, taxation) located at the Complexe Professionnel (1967 Chemin Sainte-Angélique) will be reduced et their services counters completely closed on Friday, August 25 while they transit to their new facilities at the Town Hall. Their doors will reopen at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique.

Also in transition to the new Town Hall on Friday, August 25^th will be the head office personnel as well as the Mayor’s team (currently located at the Community Centre at 1301 Rue du Bois). Their offices will also reopen at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, August 28th.

The other municipal teams, including HR, IT services, the Town clerk’s office and the communication services, will have completed their move by Friday, September 8^th. In order to avoid going to the wrong location, please contact us first or visit http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/en/heures  to see where we are at in terms of the move to our new facilities. Unless otherwise specified, Council meetings will continue to be held at the Community centre until the new hall can accommodate visitors.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We would also like to take the opportunity to mention that an Open House will be held in the spring of 2018, once the installations have been completed, in order to give residents an opportunity to visit the new Town Hall. An invitation will be sent out using our standard communication tools: weekly virtual newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter account, Web site and local newspaper. Stay posted!

In the meantime, you can register for our newsletter at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/abonnement, our Twitter account at https://twitter.com/ville_stlazare and our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/villesaintlazare to get all of the information you need!

Our main phone number (450 424-8000 or 311) and extensions remain unchanged.  

Closing evening for the artists who participated in the Sentier des arts event

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), August 14, 2017 – On Thursday, August 10, 2017, the closing evening celebrating the artists who participated in the Sentier des arts event was held at the Saint-Lazare Library.  The exhibition featured the works of artists who participated in the live art experience on July 8 and 9 as part of the activities of the Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival.

To wrap up the evening’s celebrations, five works of art were selected among all of those produced, to be exhibited in the Town’s various buildings and facilities. The Mayor, Mr. Robert Grimaudo, had the honour of handing out the awards to the five winning artists in the presence of the event participants, their families and the many art lovers on hand.

From left to right, Michel Dufour, Manon Labelle, Hélène Latour, Robert Grimaudo, Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Shernya Vininsky, Francine Bertrand, Nicole Kreutz, Pauline Vohl.

Congratulations go out to Ms. Shernya Vininsky (Mixed media), Nicole Kreutz (Painting on wood), Manon Labelle (oil on canvas), Gisèle Lapalme (Watercolour) and Hélène Latour (Oil on canvas) for their magnificent creations. 

Thank you to the many artists and guests who attended the event!

Counsellors recognized for their energy and enthusiasm

Robert Grimaudo together with the ­«vétérante» Pirouline (Joëlle Delarosbil).

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), le 27 juillet 2017. - As part of Summer Camp Counsellor’s Day on July 26, 2017, the Town of Saint-Lazare unveiled a commemorative plaque bearing the name of summer camp counsellors honoured for 4 consecutive years of service.

This year’s laureates are:Babouin (Gabriel Delarosbil), Clochette (Claudelle Villeneuve), Crash (Zachary Oskrdal), Elsa (Catherine Méthot), Luna (Mélissa Laprise), Sonic (Sébastien Boudreau), Tempo (Camille Taillefer), Tweety (Mélanie Gagné), Zumba (Mélissa Lefebvre).

For the opportunity, the representatives of the City also underlined the implication of the «vétérante» Pirouline (Joëlle Delarosbil) with eight years worked in summer camp.

Summer Camp Counsellor’s Day is held once a year in the middle of summer. The objective of this special day is to recognize young summer camp counsellors for their remarkable work. It also serves to spotlight the importance of day camps, specifically in terms of their contribution to helping its users ensure work/family balance during the summer season.

From left to right, Pirouline (Joëlle Delarosbil), Babouin (Gabriel Delarosbil), Tempo (Camille Taillefer), Sonic (Sébastien Boudreau), Sabrina Addison-Thibault, Event and Culture Coordinator, Robert Grimaudo, Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Tweety (Mélanie Gagné), Zumba (Mélissa Lefebvre), Elsa (Catherine Méthot), Luna (Mélissa Laprise) et Crash (Zachary Oskrdal).

 
For more information, please contact the service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire.

Infrastructure: ongoing pumping work

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), July 20, 2017. -  With a view to supplying the territory with quality water and a sufficient water flow rate, the Town of Saint-Lazare has recently initiated a hydrogeological study aimed at exploring water sources from three (3) wells located in the Pinière sector near Parc nature Les-Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare. This second phase involves clarifying the results gathered during the first seventy-two (72) hour exploratory phase carried out in 2014.

The study consists mainly of pumping groundwater from the rock aquifer from all three (3) wells continuously for a period of sixty (60) days, specifically from July 15 to September 11 inclusively. Three (3) generators are used to ensure adequate pumping for the duration of the testing period and a truck will be circulating daily in order to power these generators. Pipes will be positioned to re-direct most of the water to sandy areas located nearby so that it can be absorbed into the surrounding soil.      

Once the pumping tests are complete, the quality of the water and the possible rise of the water table level will be verified in previously selected private and public wells. The Town of Saint-Lazare, which is currently supplied with drinking water through wells on different sites located within the perimeter of the territory, wishes to clarify that it is exploring the last possible site capable of meeting the population’s demand for water. This study is therefore necessary before significant funds can be earmarked for the permanent development of these wells.    

The Town of Saint-Lazare, acting as the main contractor for this project, would like to reassure the public that the personnel assigned to the task is doing everything in its power to avoid inconveniencing trail users. At the same time, the town also wishes to advise the public that certain inconveniences are possible for the duration of the testing period. As a result, certain portions of the trails are likely to be temporarily inaccessible to the public. Signs will be posted to inform walkers, hikers and horseback riders which particular sections will be closed as well as the timeframe for these closures, where applicable. Parc nature Les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare users are advised to be cautious and respect signage along trails and paths.  

The Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival in review

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), Wednesday, July 12, 2017 -  The third edition of the Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival was held on July 8 and 9, 2017. As part of the event, Cavaland and HorsePower Live put on shows that truly dazzled festival-goers with a variety of educational and artistic demonstrations.

“For the third year in a row, the Festival has offered visitors a program of fresh new activities and shows! Festival-goers enjoyed the wide range of activities and the artistic nature of the high-quality shows presented throughout the weekend! Although rain was added to the mix early Saturday morning and afternoon, it seemingly had no effect on the day’s line-up of events. Thanks to the tireless dedication of the organizers, the equestrian park was drained of any excess water in preparation for the Saturday afternoon and Sunday shows. The look of awe and amazement on the faces of the audience as they watched the spectacular feats and absolute grace of the performers was, without a doubt, the ultimate reward! Thank you to our official event presenter, Promutuel Insurance Vaudreuil-Soulanges, to all of our sponsors, festival-goers, exhibitors, artists and those who helped make this festival possible,” stated Ms. Pamela Tremblay, Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival Ambassador and Municipal Councillor.

Absolutely spectacular artistic shows!

 
Throughout the day, on both Saturday and Sunday, riders from Heartford Stable took turns giving horseball and barrel racing demonstrations in the arena. Younger festival-goers were thrilled with the pony rides, various demonstrations from Cirque du Cheval, the mini horse museum, art workshops, the Gymini challenge course and the giant games provided by Ribouldingue!

Happy and generous festival-goers!

Voluntary donations gathered during the Cavaland show and in the different free parking lots allowed the festival to raise $800 for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Quebec and $1,200 for the Centre équestre thérapeutique Marie-Laurence.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Quebec continues to support Quebec families affected by ALS and funding research.

The Centre équestre thérapeutique Marie-Laurence provides horse therapy to help thirty or so children from the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area who live with illnesses, physical disabilities or intellectual disabilities.


Home and business decorating contest

Thank you to everyone who participated! Pierrette Beaudoin is the lucky winner of the home decorating portion of the contest.

 

Valued partners, special thanks

The 3^rd edition of the Festival is made possible by the joint efforts of the municipal team and numerous partners. The organizing committee would like to acknowledge the participation and contribution of the event’s sponsors:

Thank you to our loyal sponsors!

A positive outcome for the first three years of the Festival

Recall that the Town of Saint-Lazare enjoys a long-standing equestrian tradition for which it has earned an international reputation. An ideal location for horse farms, Saint-Lazare is truly a cornerstone of the Canadian horseback riding community, most notably as a result of the many equestrian competitions it hosts. Saint-Lazare’s equestrian flair and desire to revitalize its downtown core are certainly driving forces behind the creation of the festival—one that is a true testament to the Town’s character. As such, in 2015, the Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival was born, attracting a total of over 30,000 visitors for the three editions combined.

Stay up to date: at augalop.ca and on our Facebook page!

Thank you to our 154 donors! 

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), July 13, - The Town of Saint-Lazare would like to thank Héma-Québec as well as the blood donors, day camp counsellors and volunteers who made the day camp blood drive held on Wednesday, July 12 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. possible.

Given that every donation can help up to four people, a total of 616 patients will be able to benefit from blood products thanks to the 154 donors who rolled up their sleeves for this particular campaign.  

 



Héma-Québec

The organization needs to collect 1,000 blood donations per day in order to keep the blood reserve at an optimal level. No matter what time of year it is, the need for blood never takes a holiday.

Héma-Québec’s mission is to efficiently meet the needs of the Quebec population with regards to blood and its derivatives, human
tissue, cord blood, breast milk and other cellular products that are safe and of optimal quality. It also strives to develop and provide expertise as well as specialized and innovative services in the area of biological products of human origin.

Next blood drive

Please note that the next blood drive to be held is the Mayor’s Blood Drive, which is slated to take place on September 20, 2017.

For more information on blood donation, please visit www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.

Saint-Lazare (Québec), July 26, 2017 – During the graduation ceremonies at Westwood and Cité-des-Jeunes high schools, on June 9 and 22 respectively, the Mayor of Saint-Lazare, Mr. Robert Grimaudo, had the opportunity to recognize six young Saint-Lazare residents for their outstanding academic performance during their graduating year.   

Mattias Lazda, Catherine Enright and Zoë Deskin from Westwood High School as well as Amélie Coulombe, Xavier Daoust and Camille Caron-Anglais from École Secondaire Cité-des-Jeunes were each awarded a $100 bursary along with a pen bearing the image of Saint-Lazare and a certificate of recognition signed by the Mayor.

Every year, through the Town of Saint-Lazare’s Community Support Policy, elementary and high-school public educational institutions within the Lester B. Pearson and Trois-Lacs school boards can apply for bursaries of up to $300 per year for high schools and up to $100 for elementary schools. Requests must be filed the month before graduation by filling out the required form at http://www.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/soutienorganismes. For more information on the policy, visit our Web site at: http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/soutien.

Official opening of the Festival at the Montessori School in Saint-Lazare

SAINT-LAZARE (Quebec), Monday, July 3, 2017 – Surrounded by the beautiful emerald-green setting of the forest, the children at Montessori School were thrilled to unveil their whimsical creation—the very first in a series of horses included as part of a joint project. Surrounded by children and daycare educators, Au Galop Festival Ambassador and Municipal Councillor, Ms. Pamela Tremblay, along with Ms. Isabelle Salvas, Executive Director of Promutuel Insurance Vaudreuil-Soulanges and official festival sponsor, and Ms. Elsa Davies, Director of Ma Petite École Montessori joined the members of the municipal council, event sponsors and partners to reveal the first one of nine announcing directional signs marking the official opening of the Saint-Lazare Au Galop Festival.

New this year! – A row of colourful horses serve as directional signage

The event organizers wanted to add a creative and playful touch to the 2017 edition—and invited local daycare children to work with them on the project. The children and educators from 9 participating daycares on Chemin Saint-Angélique were eager to show off their talents by decorating the front of their daycare buildings. Together, these artistic creations appear as a row of horses making their way towards the Festival, allowing them to also serve as directional signage for the event.  

July 8 and 9, 2017: plan your weekend!

Saint-Lazare welcomes thousands of citizens, visitors and tourists for two days of equestrian celebrations. These two days of events, taking place over several sites every year, spotlight anything and everything horse related. The line up includes educational workshops, pony rides, shows and equestrian sports demonstrations, including horse ball and horse training. The Festival also has the privilege of welcoming extra special guests including the dazzling Québec Issime troupe, with its Cowboys de Willie à Dolly show, as well as masters of the family equestrian show, Horse Power Live and Cavaland. Note that all shows and activities are offered free of charge.

COW-BOYS de Willie à Dolly by Québec Issime – Free admission

With 12 performers on stage, a magnificent decor and 2 hours of the best country hits, this group is sure to keep the party going at Bédard Park as they hit the Promutuel Insurance stage! Don’t miss the show on Saturday, July 8 at 8:30 p.m. in the Foires au Galop zone.

Cavaland – Free admission

You’ll be dazzled and amazed as these 10 horses and riders demonstrate their skills in a variety of disciplines.  Pony painting activities, a virtual museum through interactive educational touch-screen terminals, a collection of rare saddles as well as photo sessions are sure to please both young and old! 

HorsePower Live – Free admission

10 horses and riders in a fun and educational show. Don’t miss their headlining show on Sunday, July 9 at 11:30 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m. in the Grand Galop Zone. Come meet the riders and their mounts in the stables. 

TD Summer Reading Club

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), June 22, 2016 – The Saint-Lazare Library team invites young people 13 years of age or under to register for the 2017 TD Summer Reading Club, headed by the Toronto Public Library in partnership with Library and Archives Canada (LAC) between June 27 and August 18.

The Club aims to promote a love of reading and help children maintain academic skills throughout their summer vacation.

Prerequisite: Be a member of the library and have a membership card.

Registration dates
From June 27 to August 18, 2017, parents are invited to register their children between the ages of 6 and 13 by visiting their local library during regular hours.  

They can also register children between 0 and 5 years of age, if they agree to read to them.

Children who register will receive an official club notebook to keep track of the books they read. Library loan staff will stamp the notebook for every 5 books that are read.

End date and awarding of prizes

To end the 2017 TD Summer Reading Club in style, a special evening will be held at the Saint-Lazare Community Centre on August 28 at 7:00 p.m. The evening’s events include a show entitled “Les insectes sur scène,” hosted by Bill Bestioles, a big draw to reward those who respected their reading commitment over the summer along with snacks and some dancing to wrap up the evening. It’s a wonderful opportunity all of our young readers won’t want to miss!

Reservation required. Number of participants is limited.

Information: 450 424-8000, extension 260

SAINT-LAZARE (Québec), June 26, 2017 – On Friday, June 23, 2017, during the Fête Nationale celebrations, that the mayor of Saint-Lazare, Robert Grimaudo, with the Municipal Councillors, including the youth representatives Ms. Pamela Tremblay and Brigitte Asselin, unveiled the winners of the survey conducted among Saint-Lazare youth between March 1 and June 1, 2017.