Rosemère Honored for Water Conservation at COBAMIL Gala
The Town of Rosemère was recognized with the Gardien de l’EAU award during the 5th annual Gala Flamb’EAU, hosted by the Conseil des bassins versants des Mille-Îles (COBAMIL) on November 7. The event celebrated efforts by municipalities and organizations in the Mille-Îles river watershed to address pressing water-related challenges and align with COBAMIL’s water master plan (Plan directeur de l’eau).
Rosemère’s Focus on Regional Collaboration
The Gardien de l’EAU award acknowledges Rosemère’s sustained efforts in water conservation, particularly its “Let’s work together to save water” campaign. The campaign, undertaken with the municipalities of Lorraine and Bois-des-Filion, aims to reduce contamination, encourage responsible water use, and safeguard local wetlands. These wetlands, essential for filtering water and mitigating flood risks, play a crucial role in the region’s environmental health.
Mayor Eric Westram spoke about the recognition and the challenges of managing water resources in a waterfront community. “As a town situated along the Mille-Îles River, we are uniquely aware of water’s dual role as a vital resource and a potential threat, especially during extreme weather events. This award highlights the importance of our work and the need to continue engaging our residents and neighboring communities in water preservation,” he said.
Rosemère’s efforts have included public awareness campaigns and practical measures aimed at reducing wasteful water use, which are in line with COBAMIL’s objectives. This is not the first time Rosemère has been acknowledged; the town was named a Porteur de Flamb’EAU in 2022 for its early strides in tackling water contamination.
COBAMIL and the Importance of Collective Action
The Gala Flamb’EAU also serves as a platform to connect stakeholders working to protect the region’s water resources. COBAMIL Director Danielle Tremblay highlighted the collective nature of these efforts. “The strength of our region’s water conservation lies in collaboration. Municipalities like Rosemère set an example, but the real impact comes from combining these efforts across the watershed.”
A Call to Action
Rosemère’s recognition is a testament to the progress made but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges. As pressures from urbanization and climate change grow, initiatives like those celebrated at the Gala Flamb’EAU will be critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s water resources.