An open letter – Major achievements represent the mid-term assessment of the mayor of Varennes, Martin Damphousse

The main achievements represent the mid-term evaluation of the Mayor of Varennes, Martin Damphousse

As Mayor of the city, I am pleased to prepare a mid-term report that highlights the great achievements of the citizens of Varennes.

First, just days after the November 2021 election, yay Polydome It was opened in the Parc du Pré-Vert as part of the official opening. People were invited to put on their skates for a lively evening. With ice sports, sporting events and civic meetings being popular Mayor BingoThis plateau of activity soon became one of Varennois’s favorite places. The Polydôme constitutes the first legacy of the 350th anniversary of Varennes.

At the beginning of 2022, a new chapter in history has been written Celebrations of the 350th anniversary of the founding of Varennes. Under the slogan of the river and the exploits, the program included approximately 120 family, cultural and sporting activities. Our local historical roots are underscored by the official twinning of Varennes with the French commune of Bacon-les-Granets, where Sieur René Gautier, founder of Varennes in 1672, hails, as well as by the writing of a commemorative book produced in collaboration with the Varennes Historical Society. Citizens also had the honor of attending several major events including the Salebarbes show and the Les Cowboys Fringants collection display at the Parc de la Commune.

On its way to becoming the busiest building in Varennes, the Ebuilding erea It symbolizes the main legacy of the 350th anniversary for future generations. It provides all entertainment and entertainment services, and citizens can practice many sports, cultural and community activities in addition to participating in major events. This multi-functional building is built on three floors and houses, among other things, a Varin sampling center, a double gym, a martial arts dojo, a dance studio, offices for organizations, an equipped kitchen and a reception room capable of gathering 250 people.

In terms of the environment, the Municipal Council continues to confirm its leadership in the environmental sector green energy. Varennes will host the two largest green hydrogen production plants in North America: Recyclage Carbone Varennes and Greenfield Global. This is a major transformation, as the former petrochemical refinery complex has been cleared and transformed into a place for green and sustainable energy production.

The city also announced the acquisition of The first 100% electric emergency unit fire truck in North America. This is an environmental choice along with many other electric cars that help reduce greenhouse gases. This emergency truck is one of a kind. In addition to having the autonomy that guarantees reliability throughout the duration of the interventions, it will meet the needs of the fire safety service.

at the same time,Saint Therese Island On its way to becoming one of the largest eco-tourism parks in the east of the city. This natural space will be an important vacation spot for residents who will have access to the banks of the St. Lawrence River and an extraordinary area. As part of the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Montreal last year, the President of the CMM and Mayor of Montreal, Valery Plante, and I emphasized that this park will allow people to discover landscapes that are part of the rich heritage of planet Earth. Preserving biodiversity.

I would like to confirm that we have Economic development strategy Effective and enviable It pays off. The city benefits from the community’s significant investments while keeping taxes at an appropriate level. The economic development of Varennes is one of the most prosperous regions in Quebec. The commercial and industrial sectors are clearly thriving and changing with the creation of large-scale enterprises. In addition to the redevelopment of the former Petromont lands, the Novoparc sector and Lionel Boulet Boulevard continue to experience strong growth. Robert Group has just opened its ultra-modern automated warehouse and Innoval will build a new multi-specialty medical center to serve the residents of the area. Leading companies in the economy have chosen Varennes: Pélican International, Eastern South Crown’s mixed economy company (SEMECS biomanufacturing plant), Costco which announced an expansion project and Amazon’s second phase to name a few.

Next to the Espace des Bâtisseurs, the Morris Group has taken the first step in its project in Varennes. The commercial side of his project is completed by the establishment of the Jean Couto Pharmacy and the National and Mexican Bank. To meet the demand for housing, the site of the former Galeries de Varennes will soon be redeveloped into senior housing (RPA) and will provide Varennes retirees with a pioneering residential complex.

On the other side of the railway tracks, Revitalize downtown It can be clearly seen on the Marie-Victorine avenue between Rue Saint-Eugene and Rue Saint-Anne. Thanks to the city’s aid program, many businesses have relocated. More than half of the old buildings in the city center have disappeared, and two new buildings are under construction in the urban landscape. The city center is witnessing bold urban transformations that pave the way for a dynamic and attractive living environment.

I would also like to highlight the fact that Varennes has become an attractive city for hosting large-scale events. as, Pierre Lavoie’s great challenge Parc de la Commune was chosen as the official host site for the 1000 km race. Thanks to its large areas and location close to Route 132, this park was the ideal place to receive 1,000 participants accompanied by their loved ones.

Finally, I am very proud to be appointed to the position of General Manager Presidency of the Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ) He will be the first mayor in the history of Varennes to hold this position. From the beginning of my term, I have undertaken this task with the utmost precision while remaining active with the people of Varennes. As the new president, I had the privilege of touring Quebec to learn about the concerns of elected officials and citizens. Most recently, it negotiated a new Quebec-municipal partnership agreement that provides for new additional funds to support cities in terms of commercial vitality, housing, infrastructure and climate change adaptation.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all my elected colleagues as well as the municipal staff who have provided me with unwavering support in running this wonderful city. We achieve exemplary teamwork in serving the people of Varennes.