The Town of Rosemère won the Gardien de l'EAU 2024 award at the 5th edition of the Gala Flamb'EAU, organized by the Conseil des bassins versants des Mille-Îles (COBAMIL) and held on November 7. This prestigious event recognizes and celebrates those in Montréal's North Shore area who are championing the cause of water and carrying out actions outlined in COBAMIL's water master plan (Plan directeur de l'eau or PDE). The Gardien de l'EAU award is given, in accordance with the organization's criteria, "to an individual, institution, organization or company which, as a Porteur de Flamb'EAU, has carried out a number of COBAMIL's PDE actions in an outstanding way. Their actions stand out and they are a source of inspiration for their peers." As it may be recalled, Rosemère was named "Porteur de Flamb'EAU" in 2022 for its efforts to reduce contaminants, which earned it a place in this year's Gardien de l'EAU awards competition.

"Let’s work together to save water" campaign

"The Town is deeply honoured to accept this highest award for all its actions in line with the objectives of COBAMIL's water master plan for the Mille-Îles river area and for its "Let’s work together to save water" campaign, in collaboration with the municipalities of Lorraine and Bois-des-Filion. Protecting the environment in all its forms is a key consideration in our decision-making here in Rosemère, and this award provides us with an opportunity to highlight the importance we place on preserving this resource. As a waterfront town, we benefit from a privileged situation that obliges us to live side by side with water, which is both a resource that is essential to life and that can quickly become a threat during extreme weather events. We wholeheartedly hope to have raised awareness among our residents and those in neighbouring municipalities about the responsible use of water, while also helping to preserve its quality through our various initiatives," emphasized Eric Westram, Mayor of Rosemère.

The COBAMIL awards program not only recognizes individual and collective efforts, but also serves to create a network of committed stakeholders, thereby making it easier to share best practices and strengthen actions to protect water in the region.

"I urge the municipalities in the Mille Îles river watershed to take concrete action to protect this resource, particularly by cutting down on wasteful use of drinking water, helping to reduce sources of contamination and protecting the wetlands on their territory. These lands provide invaluable ecosystem services for our communities, as they simultaneously serve as natural filters and as a defence against flooding," added the Mayor in his closing remarks.

About COBAMIL

COBAMIL is one of 40 watershed organizations recognized by the Québec government and is mandated by the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP). In addition to developing and implementing the water master plan for the Mille-Îles river area (PDE), it aims to raise awareness and bring together water stakeholders in order to address water-related issues. It carries out various local projects, including surface water quality monitoring, wetland delineation and invasive alien plant control. 

The Mayor of Rosemère, Eric Westram, and Caroline Dufour, Development and Sustainable Land Management Advisor.