As the accumulation of ice on trees, following the freezing rain, has caused a number of major power outages in the region, the Town of Rosemère is encouraging its residents to warm up, charge their electronic devices and have a coffee at the Memorial Community Centre, 202 Grande-Côte Road. The Centre will remain open as long as necessary. All public works and firefighting crews as well as police teams are being deployed to ensure the safety of people in addition to moving and cutting branches that are at risk of falling on the power lines. Moreover, the emergency services are asking residents to comply with measures in place in the areas or streets protected by the installation of safety strips.

"This is a distressing situation, but the immediate priority is to make sure that all residents are safe and able to warm up. That's why I urge you to pass on this information to your friends, family and neighbours. Also, if you see a tree or branch that is falling on electrical wires or that may affect people's safety, we encourage you to contact emergency services right away," stated Mayor Eric Westram.

Moreover, according to Hydro-Québec, approximately 360 crews are currently working on the outages in the most affected regions, including the Lower Laurentians. Unfortunately, the accumulation of snow and the winds forecast during the day will not make their task any easier. Trans-Énergie crews as well as Hydro-Sherbrooke and Green Mountain Power crews from Vermont will be helping out. Hydro-Québec is not able, at the moment, to state how long it will take before power is restored. For more information, we suggest that Rosemerites check Hydro’s website: http://poweroutages.hydroquebec.com/poweroutages/

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