Opening Comments by Mayor Peter J. Malouf - Regular Meeting of Tuesday, September 19, 2023

" Good evening everyone, thank you for joining us and taking an interest in municipal affairs and your community.

My opening remarks will be shorter than usual, but that’s no indication of the amount of work that I, your council members and the administration have been doing to continue to make TMR the great place to live as we all know it.

REM

We have learned that noise is still an ongoing issue for the REM, we are cautiously encouraged to hear that the REM is continuing their sound studies in order to validate their theoretical sound projections. Specialists are currently carrying out noise tests, obviously on the section already in service, but also on the Deux Montagnes antenna and more specifically in TMR. These tests will be used to verify previous theoretical hypotheses, and action will be taken on the basis of the results.

We will however be monitoring the impact of any studies closely as this has a direct impact on the residents closest to the line in our community.

I would like to mention that although other municipalities concerns have been evidenced in the media recently it should be noted that through our previous resolution and the support, we have received from several municipalities we are on high alert and persist in our advocacy to ensure we attain the sound and visual mitigation measures necessary to protect the interests of our residents.

Community and Sports Centre (CSC)

As promised earlier on, I am happy to give a small update on the status of the proposed sports center. The contract for professional services was awarded last month and meetings have already been held with the consortium of architects and engineers. The professionals are ready to start the work and are confident in the execution as per the Town’s specifications.

The first meeting with the professionals for the Community and Sports Centre has already taken place and now we can really say: GAME ON!

Reconstruction of the Rockland Overpass

As the Rockland overpass reaches the end of its useful life, we are working with Montréal and the borough of Outremont to redevelop it and its surroundings. This is a major project, not due for completion before 2027-2030.

Studies of different scenarios, impact assessments, discussions and agreements must therefore take place now.

On October 11, from 19:00 to 21:00, an information session will be held at the Complexe des Sciences de l'UdeM. This information session is intended to outline the various options concerning the reconstruction of the overpass and the results of the feasibility study and the options retained, which have been endorsed by the governance committee.

Information will be posted on our website.

Miscellaneous Projects

The weather this summer didn't help for many of our projects, so we're continuing now. Despite Fall being on our doorstep, our outdoor construction projects are ongoing. Work is well underway at the “dalle -parc”, (Station Square)  as well as for the park on Bates (Royal Garden Park). Road reconstruction, paving and sewer and watermain work is continuing in various sectors of the Town.

Opposition to Certain Provisions of Bill 96

Today, your council is adopting a resolution to mandate the law firm Gattuso Bouchard Mazzone to ensure that this law respects the rights of municipalities and your rights, as well as the constitution.

That said, your Town has no issue with the French language or our bilingual status.

In closing, I'd like to congratulate the organizers of the Terry Fox Run. I couldn't be there, but the event was reported to be a great success.

I look forward to seeing you all at our multicultural fair next Saturday where we will celebrate the culture of Argentina. We will be closing out the day with fireworks around 19:30.

Thank you for joining us. Have a good evening.''