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Laval Today. 13 Oct. 2026

Laval is preparing for La Grande Secousse, an earthquake drill on Thursday, as the city sits in a risk zone. CANOPÉE seeks ideas to animate the woods this winter, and a local film collaborates with the band Dauphins.

Laval QC ☕ The Morning Chat

Good morning,

This morning, we’re talking about a call for ideas to bring our woodlands to life this winter, an earthquake drill that reaches Laval, and a local film finding its voice. We’re also checking the weather, public health, and sports.

Need to know this morning

  • A major earthquake drill is being prepared in Quebec, and Laval is in a risk zone: The exercise “La Grande Secousse” will take place Thursday at 10:15 a.m., and more than 8,000 people have already registered.
  • 40 to 60 mm of rain expected Tuesday in Greater Montreal: Environment Canada has issued a warning for the region, with risks of water accumulation on roads.
  • A contagious measles case reported at Montreal airport and Sainte-Justine hospital: Authorities are asking possibly exposed people to monitor their symptoms.

Around town

  • CANOPÉE wants ideas to animate Laval’s woods this winter: The paramunicipal organization is asking the public to propose fun, sporty, or artistic activities, one to three hours long, between January and March 2027. Proposals must be submitted by October 20, and the chosen organization will receive a fee of $300, logistical support, and increased visibility.
  • Laval, the film gets a local musical touch: The feature, produced by Média Communautaire Lavallois, will use the song “Lucky Charms” by the group Dauphins, formed in Sainte-Thérèse, for its opening sequence. The band, which blends 1970s rock and Quebec pop, immediately connected with the project, according to keyboardist Laurent Duval.

Across Canada

  • SMEs call for tax relief: According to a CFIB survey, only 7% of owners plan significant business expansion. The organization wants the small business tax rate cut from 9% to 6% and has launched a petition that has collected nearly 10,000 signatures.

Main story

A major earthquake drill is being prepared in Quebec, and Laval is in a risk zone

On Thursday at 10:15 a.m., thousands of Quebecers are invited to take part in “La Grande Secousse,” a worldwide earthquake drill. As of Sunday, 8,370 people had registered in Quebec.

The goal is simple: develop the right reflexes in case of an earthquake, namely “drop,” “cover,” and “hold on.” The organization reminds that you can’t predict or prevent an earthquake, but you can prepare for it.

Laval is one of seven of the ten largest cities in Quebec located in risk zones, along with Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Longueuil, Lévis, and Terrebonne. Only Saguenay, Sherbrooke, and Trois-Rivières are outside these zones.

To prepare, it’s recommended to have an emergency kit to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, make a family emergency plan, and identify safe places to take shelter, like under a sturdy table or desk.

In detail

CANOPÉE wants ideas to animate Laval’s woods this winter

The paramunicipal organization is calling on the public to suggest activities that will make people want to go out, move, and embrace winter. Activities must be free, last one to three hours, and take place between January and March 2027.

Proposals must be submitted by October 20 at 11:59 p.m. The selected organization will receive a fee of $300, logistical support, visibility, and a special highlight as the “Coup de cœur” of the program. Attention will be paid to projects that encourage intergenerational encounters or include an Indigenous perspective.

Laval, the film partners with the group Dauphins for its opening song

The independent film, directed by Noah Trentadue and produced by Alberto Georgian Mihut, will use the song “Lucky Charms” by the group Dauphins, formed in Sainte-Thérèse in 2024. The band, which blends 1970s rock and Quebec pop, took part in the Francouvertes in 2026.

According to the producer, the song fits perfectly with the film’s universe, which is set in Laval. Keyboardist Laurent Duval stressed that the city is “very important for the band’s beginnings.” The film, shot in the summer of 2025, is now in postproduction.

40 to 60 mm of rain expected Tuesday in Greater Montreal

Environment Canada has issued a warning for Montreal, Vaudreuil, and Montérégie, with precipitation possibly reaching 40 to 60 millimetres on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The rain could cause water buildup on roads and in low-lying areas.

On Tuesday, the mercury will reach a high of 9 degrees, with northeast winds gusting up to 40 km/h. The sun should return Thursday, before another rainy period Friday and a cooler weekend.

A contagious measles case reported at Montreal airport and Sainte-Justine hospital

A child with measles passed through Montreal-Trudeau airport on October 9 and went to the Sainte-Justine hospital emergency room on October 10, while contagious. Public health authorities are asking possibly exposed people to watch for symptoms and self-isolate if not protected.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to serious complications like blindness, encephalitis, or pneumonia. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face.

Coup de Cœur

CANOPÉE’s initiative reminds us that winter can be a season of discoveries, not just retreat. By inviting Laval residents to propose activities in the woods, the organization turns the cold into a reason to come together, move, and see nature differently.

To wrap up

Wishing you a well-prepared day, an umbrella within reach, and maybe an idea to send to CANOPÉE to enliven our woods. In Laval, even rainy days can be a chance to think about what’s next.

See you tomorrow. ☕