Laval QC ☕ The Morning Chat
Good morning,
Today we’re looking at a homegrown fraud case, transportation changes across the greater region, and a few decisions that could affect daily life well beyond Laval.
There’s also a bit of weather to keep an eye on, which, let’s be honest, tends to concern everyone sooner rather than later.
What to Know This Morning
- Laval police are looking for additional victims in a charity‑related fraud case: A 48‑year‑old woman is facing a charge of fraud over $5,000, and police believe there may be more victims.
- STM to overhaul its bus network on May 18: Nearly 80 routes will be modified with the opening of the REM’s Anse‑à ‑l’Orme branch.
- Montréal installs a temporary dike in Pierrefonds–Roxboro: The City has put in place a 1.5‑kilometre barrier to protect homes near the Rivière des Prairies.
- Montréal pauses the Lacordaire REV extension: The original route can’t be built without widening the overpass above Highway 40.
- A strong El Niño could increase extreme‑weather risks in southern Québec: The phenomenon could form as early as June.
Society & Politics
- Community groups criticize the return of Chantal Rouleau as minister: Organizations are calling for a real negotiation table and access to funds left to the premier’s discretion.
- Ottawa says the United States will not dictate trade negotiation terms: Several trade irritants are already on the table in the CUSMA file.
- Air Transat will reduce capacity from May to October: The airline says it is cutting capacity by 6% due to rising fuel costs.
Top Story
In Laval, police seek additional victims in a fraud case involving a non‑profit
Laval’s Bureau of Integrity and Ethics has arrested Mélanie Payette, 48, who is facing a charge of fraud over $5,000.
Police allege she used a non‑profit organization’s credit card for more than a year and a half to make withdrawals and pay personal expenses. The amount involved exceeds $53,000.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims. This is the second fraud case involving the same individual.
In Detail
STM network overhaul could change commuting habits across the region
The STM will modify nearly 80 bus routes starting May 18, tied to the opening of the REM’s Anse‑à ‑l’Orme branch.
The changes include eight new routes, service improvements on 15 lines, and simplified trips on 24 others. Even though the core of the overhaul is on the island of Montréal, shifts in the metropolitan network often ripple outward — affecting connections, routines, and those carefully timed commutes.
Montréal installs a temporary dike in Pierrefonds–Roxboro to protect homes at risk of flooding
The City of Montréal has installed a 1.5‑kilometre temporary dike between homes and the Rivière des Prairies in Pierrefonds–Roxboro.
The $1.5‑million structure crosses private property and could be reused later. The City notes that more permanent measures will still be needed to fully prevent flooding.
Lacordaire REV project paused due to an obstacle involving the Highway 40 overpass
Montréal has paused the extension of the Réseau express vélo on Lacordaire Boulevard, a project meant to link Montréal‑Nord, Saint‑Léonard, and Mercier–Hochelaga‑Maisonneuve.
The project is on hold because the original route can’t be built without widening the Lacordaire overpass above Highway 40. It’s the kind of infrastructure detail that looks small on paper, and then blocks everything with remarkable efficiency.
Strong El Niño could increase extreme‑weather risks in southern Québec
Environment and Climate Change Canada says a strong El Niño could form as early as June.
The phenomenon could heighten the risk of extreme weather in southern Québec and contribute to higher global temperatures over the next year. For now, it’s still too early to know how precipitation will be affected.
In Closing
Take what you need from all this, the essentials or the finer points, and start the day on the right foot.
In Laval, as everywhere, understanding a bit more about what’s moving around us is already a good way to stay on course. ☕