Laval QC ☕ The daily chat
Good morning,
Today we’re looking at the stories that matter in our neighbourhoods, from a welcome reprieve for two English-language schools to an unusual real estate deal on the water. Add in some overnight roadwork to watch on the North Shore, and you’ve got what you need to start your Thursday.
Need to know this morning
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board pauses closure of two Laval schools: After parents raised concerns, Our Lady of Peace and Phoenix Alternative will stay open at least until next year.
- Île Drouin finds a buyer in the Îles-Laval archipelago: This tiny island in the Rivière des Prairies, where only a dock can be built, was purchased for $20,000 by a real estate investment firm.
- Eight nights of construction and closures begin on Highway 15: The Transport Ministry is reducing northbound lanes between Route 344 and Highway 640 to build a new reserved lane.
- Canadiens recall defenceman David Reinbacher from the Laval Rocket: After four games in the American League, the young Austrian player joins the Montreal roster.
Main story
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board delays closure of two English schools in Laval
Families in Laval’s English school system can breathe a little easier for the coming months. The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board has temporarily suspended the part of its consultations dealing with the possible closure of two schools on the island.
The original plan called for closing Our Lady of Peace Elementary, north of Highway 440, and moving most of its students to Souvenir School in Chomedey or to Twin Oaks. That move was meant to help close a projected $8.3-million deficit for 2025-2026 by saving about $1 million a year.
Phoenix Alternative High School was also part of the discussion. The board was thinking about moving its students to Laval Senior Academy so the building could be used for the CDC Vimont adult education centre.
But strong pressure from parents and local communities convinced school leaders to slow things down. Both schools will stay open at least until next year while budget options are reviewed.
In detail
Tiny island in the Rivière des Prairies sold for $20,000 in Laval
Île Drouin, a patch of land about the size of two basketball courts in the heart of the Îles-Laval archipelago, has officially found a buyer after getting attention on social media.
The sale was notarized on September 24 for $20,000, going to Groupe BlackHole, a real estate investment company from Saint-Constant. The previous owners had bought it for $13,000 in the summer of 2023, making a net gain of $7,000.
Current rules don’t allow any residential development on the island, except for a simple dock. Fun fact for local tax fans: the municipal tax bill for this land, valued at $400 on the roll, is just $2 a year.
Eight nights of roadwork begin on Highway 15 north of Laval
Drivers out late on the North Shore will need to plan their routes. The Transport Ministry is starting work on a reserved lane on Highway 15 of the Laurentians, affecting Sainte-Thérèse, Boisbriand, Blainville and Mirabel.
Starting this Thursday, October 15, until October 22, two of three lanes will be closed northbound between Route 344 (chemin de la Grande-Côte) and Highway 640, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day. Exit 23 toward Mirabel and Rue Saint-Charles will also be closed Thursday night into Friday.
Detour routes will be marked on site. Officials remind drivers that work could be postponed if the weather turns bad.
Before we go
Have a great day, a hot coffee, and smooth drives. Take care of your loved ones, and see you tomorrow for another chat. ☕