Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today we move from very concrete road closures to a weekend that’s shaping up to be much livelier at Place Bell, and lest we forget, a few justice, political and health stories along the way that are worth a look. Here’s what matters most this morning, followed by a bit more depth where it counts.
What to Know This Morning
- Laval Comiccon arrives at Place Bell today: This year’s edition puts a strong spotlight on anime, including a bilingual tribute show to K‑Pop Demon Hunter.
- Overnight closures planned on Autoroute 15 until April 30: Nighttime closures will take place from April 26 to 30.
- Lawyer involved in the Vieux‑Montréal fire case has his licence suspended: The Barreau du Québec has suspended the licence of Émile Benamor, who faces several criminal charges.
- Humboldt Broncos truck driver granted temporary reprieve: His deportation has been postponed for now.
Local
- Autoroute 15: Nighttime closures are expected from April 26 to 30.
- Laval Comiccon at Place Bell: A busy day ahead for anime and pop‑culture fans.
Across Québec and Canada
- Québec solidaire proposes taxing fortunes over $25 million: The party is now putting this measure forward.
- Ticketmaster ends price‑surge resale practices in Ontario: StubHub is contesting the decision.
- Canada and Mexico discuss critical minerals: Mark Carney and Claudia Sheinbaum explored expanding their collaboration.
- More American academics looking toward Canada: The trend appears linked to concerns about academic freedom in the United States.
Main Story
Overnight closures on Autoroute 15 mean travel will require a bit more attention this week
Nighttime closures are scheduled on Autoroute 15 from April 26 to 30, and several of them directly affect travel between Laval, Sainte‑Thérèse, Boisbriand and Blainville.
For weekend travel, here’s what will actually change your plans:
- Sainte‑Thérèse — Exit 23 (Saint‑Charles Street) Northbound April 26, 9 p.m. → April 27, 6 a.m. Major closure
- Boisbriand — between Grande‑Côte and A‑640 Northbound April 26, 10 p.m. → April 27, 5 a.m. Major closure
- Sainte‑Thérèse — between A‑640 and Saint‑Charles Street Northbound April 26, 9 p.m. → April 27, 6 a.m. Major closure
- Blainville — Boulevard de la Seigneurie Northbound April 26, 9 p.m. → April 27, 5 a.m. Major closure
- Mirabel — A‑50 interchange Southbound April 26, 9 p.m. → April 27, 5 a.m. Major closure
In short: all major routes between Laval and the Laurentians will be slowed or partially closed overnight from Saturday to Sunday, especially northbound. The pavement is clear and visibility is good, but the closures are real.
These kinds of notices can quickly disrupt a routine — especially when you expect the road to simply do its job on the way home. This weekend, it has other plans.
The takeaway is simple: if you’re driving at night between Laval, Sainte‑Thérèse, Boisbriand or Blainville, plan for a detour or a delay.
In Depth
Laval Comiccon takes over Place Bell with an anime‑heavy program
Place Bell is hosting the third edition of Laval Comiccon today, an event that keeps growing and that leans heavily into anime this year.
The convention spans 25,000 square feet at L’Enclave in Place Bell and brings together more than 100 vendors and artists. For pop‑culture fans, it’s a playground: comic books, manga, toys, original artwork, themed clothing and all kinds of collectibles.
The weekend program is packed and designed for a wide audience:
- A tribute show to K‑Pop Demon Hunter, presented in French and English
- A performance by the Orchestre à vents de musiques de films (OVMF), revisiting iconic soundtracks from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Zelda, Pokémon and more
- A costume contest featuring handmade creations inspired by video games, sci‑fi, anime and comics
- Appearances by well‑known cosplay groups, including the Forteresse impériale du Québec of the 501st Legion, Darth Vader included, along with superheroes and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
As always, visitors are welcome, but are not required to come in costume. The atmosphere promises to be festive, inclusive and centred on the joy of sharing a passion.
Barreau du Québec suspends Émile Benamor’s law licence
The Barreau du Québec has suspended the law licence of Émile Benamor.
He faces seven counts of involuntary manslaughter and several charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm in connection with the 2023 Vieux‑Montréal fire that killed seven people.
The charges relate to the condition and management of the building. He is not accused of starting the fire.
Canadian Armed Forces will fall short of 25% women in 2026
The Canadian Armed Forces will not meet their target of having women represent 25% of personnel by 2026.
The key point is simple: the target will not be reached. It’s a reminder that some recruitment goals remain far from resolved, even when they’ve been on the books for years.
Interest from American academics in Canada continues to rise
University associations in Canada and the United States report growing interest from American academics seeking positions here.
The trend is linked to concerns about academic freedom in the U.S. The federal Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program is among the tools highlighted to attract top‑tier researchers.
Coup de CÅ“ur
There’s something genuinely charming about a day when Laval can talk about traffic, major public issues and a Comiccon at Place Bell all at once. A city needs to be practical, yes — but it also benefits from staying a little playful.
In Closing
Wishing you a smooth day, a few good surprises, and with any luck a slightly less complicated travel than expected. ☕