Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today, Laval is keeping a very close eye on rising water levels, while other stories touch on transportation, health, and public life across Québec. If you only have a minute, you’ll get the essentials. If you have a bit more time, we’ll walk you through the rest.
The Essentials
- Laval remains on alert for flooding: The City is in a heightened state of readiness as several areas in southern Québec monitor rising water levels.
- Saint‑Jérôme closes a bridge as a precaution: Viau Bridge was shut down after water reached the deck, and the city is also distributing sandbags.
- Montréal’s blue‑collar strike continues: The labour dispute between the City and the union remains centred on wage demands.
- Nearly 80,000 buildings may be at flood risk in Québec: New private data obtained by Radio‑Canada paints a broader picture of vulnerable zones.
- Rogers expands satellite‑mobile service to the United States: Some subscribers will be able to send messages, use apps, and make app‑based voice calls outside cellular coverage.
Health & Society
- Organ donations dip slightly in Québec: In 2025, 196 donors enabled 617 transplants, while the waiting list remains longer than the number of available organs.
- 58,000 hospitalizations for vaccine‑preventable illnesses: Hospitalization rates for influenza, RSV, and COVID‑19 have doubled in Canada.
- School network mobilizes against energy drinks: A growing wave of support is calling for a ban for minors.
Politics & Public Affairs
- Christine Fréchette becomes Quebec’s premier: She succeeds François Legault after being elected leader of the CAQ.
- PQ and PCQ court disillusioned CAQ voters: Both parties are trying to attract a segment of nationalist voters.
- Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions barely changed in 2024: The recorded decrease was 0.3%.
Top Story
Laval remains on alert as flood risk stays high across several areas
The City of Laval is on alert due to spring flooding risks.
The regional situation remains tense. In Saint‑Jérôme, Viau Bridge was closed Wednesday evening after water from the Rivière du Nord reached the deck. The closure remains in effect until further notice, a detour is in place, and the municipality has already distributed more than 2,300 sandbags to residents.
Forecasts for Saint‑Jérôme show how closely the situation is being monitored. River flow could reach 338 cubic metres per second Saturday morning and 371 on Sunday, above the high‑flood threshold of 365.
Montréal is also under a special weather statement due to additional rainfall expected on already saturated ground. Water accumulation is possible in low‑lying, poorly drained areas and near waterways.
In Depth
Organ donations decline slightly, but 2025 remains one of the decade’s strongest years in Québec
In 2025, 196 donors enabled 617 organ transplants in Québec. In 2024, the province recorded 206 donors and 644 transplants.
Transplant Québec notes that 2025 still ranks among the best years of the past decade. The organization also highlights that needs continue to exceed available organs, with 898 people on the waiting list in 2025, including 33 who died.
Since the 2000s, referral numbers have risen significantly. The organization is also advocating for a single registry to simplify consent for organ donation.
Montréal’s blue‑collar dispute continues to revolve around wages
Montréal’s blue‑collar workers held a major demonstration on the second day of their three‑day strike.
The union says wages remain the main sticking point. It is calling for a minimum 20% increase, while the City is offering 11% over five years.
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2024. Negotiations are ongoing.
Québec gets a new premier as the CAQ tries to reposition itself
Christine Fréchette was sworn in as Québec’s 33rd premier after being elected leader of the CAQ.
At the same time, the Parti Québécois and the Conservative Party of Québec are trying to win over nationalist voters who have become disillusioned with the CAQ. The political landscape continues to shift, with both a change in government leadership and a more open contest for this segment of the electorate.
Québec’s flood‑zone map may be far larger than previously estimated
Nearly 80,000 buildings in Québec may be at risk of flooding, according to data obtained from a private firm.
The findings suggest the number of homes in flood‑prone areas could be roughly double current reference estimates. For cities like Laval, where flooding concerns return regularly, the issue is hard to ignore.
Coup de cœur
There’s something deeply valuable about a public service that prepares before a situation gets out of hand. Alerts, detours, sandbags… it’s not glamorous, but it’s often where you see a region pull together to limit the damage.
Wrapping Up
Wishing you a calm day, smooth travels, and with some luck, a sidewalk a little less soaked than expected. See you tomorrow. ☕