Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today’s rundown touches on local community care, national developments, and some standout weekend moments. On deck: a welcoming new support space for people touched by cancer, an accidental blaze at a local vocational centre, and an outdoor win for the Canadiens. Here is what you need to start the week.
Need to know this morning
- Notre-Dame Basilica reveals restored facade after a decade of masonry work: The $100-million conservation project in Montreal will continue for several more years.
- Canadiens edge Jets 2-1 at Heritage Classic: Jacob Fowler turned away 34 shots to become the youngest goaltender ever to start an outdoor NHL game.
Around town
- School fire leaves $70,000 in damages in Chomedey: An accidental blaze broke out Friday afternoon at École des métiers spécialisés de Laval on Avenue de Bois-de-Boulogne. Around 30 firefighters brought it under control in under an hour.
- Espace La Salle de Jeu debuts family-focused programming: Founded by Marie-Claude Paquin, the non-profit organization produces hour-long concerts with reduced sound levels designed for young audiences. Its inaugural season kicks off October 30 featuring Marie-Pierre Arthur.
- Val-Martin land acquisition paves way for 140 new social housing units: The City of Laval has purchased the final parcel required for Phase III of the area’s redevelopment plan for $678,400.
Across Canada
- Canada welcomes initial F-35 fighter jets from the United States: The federal government has yet to finalize its overall purchase tally as the 88-jet procurement plan undergoes review.
- United Kingdom opts out of Canadian-led defence bank initiative: London intends to pursue its own strategy instead, though it has committed to maintaining close cooperation with Ottawa.
Lead story
New cancer support and listening centre opens its doors in Laval
Santé Québec Laval has launched a free drop-in and support hub for cancer patients, their families, and caregivers at the Centre intégré de cancérologie de Laval, housed inside Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé.
Introduced on October 16, the initiative—called Le Cycle—provides peer support, guidance, active listening, and practical information to help people navigate every stage of their care journey.
Designed alongside medical staff and individuals who have lived with cancer, the centre pairs visitors with volunteers who have personal experience navigating a diagnosis or supporting a loved one. These volunteers share practical insights and help direct families to the right local services.
“Le Cycle reflects our commitment to providing a more compassionate care experience tailored to what cancer patients and their loved ones truly need,” explained Dr. Marie-Ève Perron, director of professional services at Santé Québec Laval.
The resource does not replace clinical treatment; rather, it offers a calm environment to pause, talk things through, and access guidance. No medical referral is necessary.
Le Cycle is open to anyone dealing with a diagnosis, as well as family members and caregivers. The room is located in Block G, Room GS-010, at Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé (1755 Boulevard René-Laennec).
In detail
Accidental fire causes $70,000 in damage at Laval vocational school
A fire broke out Friday afternoon at École des métiers spécialisés de Laval, situated on Avenue de Bois-de-Boulogne in Chomedey. Officials estimate the damage at approximately $70,000, including $50,000 to the building structure and $20,000 to interior contents.
Investigators attribute the blaze to an accidental electrical or mechanical breakdown in an industrial dust collector used for metalworking. Emergency crews received the 911 call around 1:01 p.m. as heavy smoke began rising from the facility.
Eight units from the Service de sécurité incendie de Laval, bringing 30 firefighters to the scene, quickly secured the building and confirmed a full evacuation. The fire was extinguished by 1:55 p.m., and no injuries were reported.
Canadiens defeat Jets 2-1 in Heritage Classic outdoor matchup
The Montreal Canadiens grabbed a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday evening at Princess Auto Stadium. Netminder Jacob Fowler stopped 34 shots, setting an NHL milestone as the youngest goaltender to start an outdoor game at 21 years and 335 days old.
Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle provided the goals for Montreal (6-3-2), backed by a two-assist performance from Cole Caufield. Isak Rosen got Winnipeg (4-4-3) on the board late in the third period.
Forward Florian Xhekaj returned to the lineup after sitting out five games with a lower-body injury, while Owen Beck was a healthy scratch. The Canadiens travel next to face the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica unveils restored facade after 10 years
Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal showed off its newly restored facade on Sunday, marking a major milestone for the 200-year-old landmark following a decade of intricate masonry and heritage preservation.
Over 800 guests attended the unveiling ceremony, which featured musical sets by the Société philharmonique du Nouveau Monde and an organ performance by Jean-Willy Kunz.
The broader $100-million restoration will span several more years. To help finance ongoing work, the high walkway connecting the two towers will soon reopen to visitors.
Coup de Coeur
Laval artist Naïsha Azor, of Haitian origin, just released her third single, “Bye Bye,” showcasing how music can build genuine connection. Blending kizomba and konpa rhythms, she delivers an empowering message of resilience and strength for women, drawn candidly from her own path.
Wrapping up
We hope you have a productive and smooth start to the week. Whether you are checking out a family show or taking a quiet evening walk, take time to enjoy the neighbourhood. See you tomorrow! ☕