Laval QC ☕ The Morning Briefing
Good morning,
Today, we look at a transit study that could reshape travel across Laval, a fresh retail arrival at Carrefour Laval, and an internal investigation rattling the SPVM. We also celebrate a milestone spacewalk for Canada and another solid road win for the Canadiens.
Need to know this morning
- A $287,437 ridership study for Laval’s metro extension: The City has commissioned Systra Canada to carry out a comprehensive ridership analysis for extending the Orange Line’s western branch.
- Girl Crush opens permanently at Carrefour Laval: Following a successful pop-up in autumn 2025, the Quebec apparel brand has opened a permanent shop in the mall.
- SPVM officer reassigned over destroyed evidence: An officer suspected of deleting videos from a domestic violence victim’s mobile phone has been transferred to desk duties.
- Joshua Kutryk completes first spacewalk: The Canadian astronaut has become the fifth from this country to step outside the International Space Station.
- Canadiens defeat Dallas Stars 5-2: Cole Caufield and Alex Newhook each scored twice as Montreal picked up their fourth consecutive victory.
Around town
- Auteuil house fire displaces local family: An accidental fire on Rue Tousignan on Thursday morning, possibly ignited by smoking materials, caused an estimated $225,000 in damage.
- Opéra Bouffe du Québec stages Orphée aux enfers: The Laval theatre troupe is presenting Offenbach’s operetta at Maison des Arts over the next two weekends.
Across Canada
- Air Canada cuts annual profit outlook: Surging fuel expenses triggered a 47% drop in the airline’s third-quarter net profit.
- Ottawa still reviewing F-35 fighter purchase: Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the 88-jet procurement remains under review, even as the first two aircraft have been delivered.
Top story
Laval invests $287,437 to study western Orange Line extension
The City of Laval is moving forward with plans to extend the western branch of Montreal’s Orange Line, awarding a $287,437 contract to engineering firm Systra Canada for an in-depth ridership study.
The nine-month assessment will estimate future transit demand and provide crucial data on how new metro stations would influence residential, commercial, and institutional development across Île Jésus.
Taking a 30-year view, the study will quantify the expected gains for riders while evaluating broader urban and economic impacts across the Greater Montreal area.
Laval has already negotiated agreements with six major property owners in the targeted corridor. This cooperation could allow the project to proceed without expropriation expenses, potentially saving roughly $1 billion.
Vimont city councillor Pierre Brabant underscored the significance of the project, noting that tight municipal finances demand focusing on transit investments that move the highest number of passengers and deliver maximum economic returns.
This analysis will build on an upcoming review by the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, with findings expected shortly.
Digging Deeper
Girl Crush launches permanent store at Carrefour Laval
Quebec clothing label Girl Crush has set up a permanent storefront at Carrefour Laval, located near Sephora and Starbucks. This marks the second brick-and-mortar location for content creators Lucie Rhéaume and Cindy Cournoyer, following their store at Place Ste-Foy in Quebec City.
For Rhéaume, who grew up in the area and spent her teenage weekends at Carrefour Laval, the opening feels like a homecoming. The boutique has been designed around the brand’s core values of environmental care and family, featuring informative displays detailing the natural materials used across the collection.
SPVM officer reassigned following evidence-tampering allegations
A Montreal police officer from Station 39 has been placed on administrative duties with no public contact while an internal probe continues. The officer is suspected of erasing video evidence from the mobile phone of a domestic violence victim during an incident in 2025.
The allegations surfaced during an investigation into Station 39 in Montreal North, which was dismantled last summer following accusations of racist conduct. Another officer from downtown Station 21 has also been suspended in connection with the inquiry.
SPVM Chief Fady Dagher is scheduled to address the media at a 1 p.m. press conference on Friday.
Canadiens keep momentum going with 5-2 win in Dallas
The Montreal Canadiens secured their fourth straight victory, all on the road, beating the Dallas Stars 5-2. Cole Caufield and Alex Newhook led the attack with two goals apiece, while Phillip Danault sealed the win with an empty-net marker.
Goaltender Jakub Dobes turned aside 17 shots to claim his first victory since opening night. Even with captain Nick Suzuki sidelined by an upper-body injury, Montreal continues to find ways to produce results. The team returns home to face Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Coup de Coeur
Joshua Kutryk’s milestone spacewalk serves as an inspiring reminder that extraordinary achievements are built on years of quiet, steady preparation. Watching Canada’s fifth spacewalker step out into the void is a shared point of national pride.
Wrapping up
We hope your Friday runs smoothly, road construction notwithstanding. Take a moment to enjoy the weekend ahead. Have a great Friday! ☕