Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning!
It’s Wednesday, and while the snow gently falls over Laval this morning, the news keeps coming. Between metro safety, STM negotiations, and some political developments, there’s plenty to fuel your conversations. Grab your coffee, let’s dive in.
🚇 Main Story
Metro Assaults Reach Record High in 2025
Safety in the Montreal metro is becoming increasingly concerning. New data shows that the number of physical assaults reached an all-time high in 2025.
Data from the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) shows assaults climbed to 726 incidents in 2025, the highest level recorded in the past six years. This is a marked increase from 631 in 2024 and 652 in 2023.
Overall violent events in the metro network also increased, with a total of 859 police interventions in 2025, compared to 811 the previous year.
Despite this rise, other categories of crime saw slight decreases. Reported thefts dropped from 122 in 2024 to 85 in 2025, while sexual offences fell from 58 to 47. One attempted murder was reported in 2025, compared to none the previous year.
Police say the rise in assaults was especially notable at the start of 2025. In response, authorities doubled police operations in the metro network, targeting drug-related activities believed to be linked to the increase in violence.
In June 2025, STM made permanent a ban on loitering in metro stations after a six-week pilot project. The transit agency said the measure led to a greater sense of safety among users and a decrease in crime during the trial period.
⚡ To Note
STM and Workers Request Conciliation
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and the union representing maintenance workers have jointly requested conciliation from Quebec’s Ministry of Labour.
Both parties have also agreed not to use pressure tactics during the conciliation period. Last week, the CSN-affiliated union said it was “considering a strike.”
The issue of subcontracting remains at the heart of the conflict. The union criticizes STM for wanting to use subcontractors, arguing it leads to job losses for its members and a loss of expertise.
There have been four walkouts by unionized workers in the past eight months.
14 Years in Prison for Triple Murder in Rivière-des-Prairies
A Montreal man who participated in a deadly daytime shooting in 2021 in Rivière-des-Prairies has been sentenced to 14 years in prison as an adult.
Dardy Lavaud, now 22, was 17 at the time of the August 2, 2021 attack on Perras Boulevard, where gunmen opened fire from two moving vehicles during a birthday gathering. Molière Dantes, Jafferson Sylla, and Jerry Willer Jean-Baptiste were killed, and two others were injured.
Lavaud pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in youth court. The shooting was linked to a street gang conflict.
He is already serving nearly 12 years for two other shootings committed in 2022. He will begin the new sentence after finishing his current one.
Fire in a Longueuil Encampment
A fire broke out early Wednesday morning in an encampment in the Greenfield Park district of Longueuil. A 911 call reporting flames came in just before 6:20 a.m.
The blaze was located on Churchill Boulevard, near Taschereau Boulevard. Authorities say the cause has not yet been determined but appears accidental.
No injuries were reported. One lane of Taschereau Boulevard near Churchill, heading toward Montreal, is partially blocked.
Loblaw Announces Increased Profits
Grocery and pharmacy retailer Loblaw Cos. Ltd. announced that its profit and revenue for the fourth quarter increased compared to the previous year.
The parent company of Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart posted a profit of $656 million for the 13-week period ending January 3. Quarterly revenue totalled $16.38 billion.
Earlier this week, the company announced plans to spend $2.4 billion to expand and renovate its store network this year, including opening 70 new stores. The plan includes 34 new Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix pharmacies and 31 No Frills and Maxi stores.
🏠 Local Stories
More Than 30 Tenants at Faubourg Mena’Sen Contest Rent Increases
An organization estimates that the average rent increase since 2022 is about 47%.
TGV in Mirabel: One Station, or It’s a No
Farmers strongly opposed the project Tuesday, while elected officials tried to find a compromise.
Pallas Poll: PQ Drops, PLQ Gains Ground
According to a Pallas Data poll published Wednesday, the Parti Québécois (PQ) remains ahead in voting intentions (30%), but the PLQ is not far behind, with 27% support. This represents a four-point drop for the PQ and a three-point rise for the PLQ compared to the previous Pallas poll published January 10.
The Quebec Conservative Party (PCQ) would come in third with 16% of voting intentions, followed by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) with only 14% support. Québec solidaire (QS) would be last with 10%.
The poll also notes a decline in support for Quebec sovereignty: 32% of respondents would vote for sovereignty if a referendum were held today, a drop of three points since January.
The survey was conducted February 21 and 22, 2026, among 1,075 Quebec respondents aged 18 and over.
Quebec Set to Loosen Alcohol Sales Rules
The province plans to broaden the range of distilled‑alcohol beverages permitted in convenience stores and grocery stores. A new proposal would expand the number of spirit‑based ready‑to‑drink products available beyond the SAQ network.
End of PEQ: 444 Early Childhood Educator Files Pending
The files of 444 early childhood educators are pending. There are three times as many applications waiting as there are files selected.
Caribou Hunt: Tense Intervention in Ekuanitshit
The community chief defends the caribou hunt and asks Quebec not to harass his members.
Canada Promises $8 Million in Food Aid to Cuba
Canada is sending $8 million in food aid to Cubans, where a US oil blockade has triggered a humanitarian crisis.
The funding will be delivered through United Nations agencies rather than the Cuban government.
The island lost its main source of fuel in January when the US took control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.
Caisse Reports 9.3% Return in 2025
If things are going well, Quebecers’ nest egg is still affected by tariff uncertainty.
Support from Allies Key to Ukraine’s Strategy
Without Western aid, Ukraine could not have contained the Russian invasion for four years.
Ottawa Accident: Five Injured
A vehicle crashed into a building in Ottawa, injuring five people, three seriously. The accident occurred at the corner of Cobourg Street, east of King Edward Avenue, around 9 a.m.
CHU Dumont: “We’re Resuscitating Patients in Ambulances”
The CEO of Vitalité urges Fredericton to act to speed up urgent renovations requested in 2019.
Immigration Minister: Where Is She?
Some colleagues of Lena Diab believe she is “overwhelmed” by her files.
Scott Moe in India with Carney
The Premier of Saskatchewan joins Mark Carney’s trade mission to India. India is a key partner for the province’s natural resources.
🛠️ Practical Corner
❄️ Snow This Morning, Milder Weekend
Residents wake up to periods of snow today, with about two centimetres expected by tonight. A southeast wind at 20 km/h adds extra bite to the air, pushing the wind chill to minus 20°C this morning before easing to minus 7°C this afternoon. The high will reach minus 2°C.
Snow showers continue tonight with another two centimetres possible. Winds will shift to southwest at 20 km/h, with gusts up to 40 near midnight. Temperatures will drop to minus 6°C.
Thursday brings a mix of sun and clouds with a high of minus 1°C. Friday continues the trend with a slight warm-up to plus 1°C.
A bigger change arrives Saturday, with periods of rain expected and temperatures climbing to 7°C. There is a 60% chance of snow showers Saturday night as temperatures drop to minus 9°C.
Sunday clears up but gets much colder, with a high of minus 7°C and a frigid overnight low of minus 22°C under clear skies.
🎒 Spring Break Activities
A range of cultural activities, some free, await families until March 8.
Dozens of free or affordable activities for children, families and the elderly. Today we highlighted a few:
🗺️ Course d’orientation en raquettes — family orienteering game with free snowshoes.
⛸️ Aide au patinage at the Centre de la nature — professional coaches offer free tips for better technique.
🧩 Youth activity 6–12 years | Lego Spike — one hour of creative play without registration.
👉 See all the activities we compiled in a comprehensive article here.
🏖️ Sun Destinations: Price Increase
As spring break approaches, price increases are seen in the all-inclusive market due to global political uncertainty.
👋 Before We Go
Between the falling snow and today’s stories, we wish you a productive Wednesday. Stay warm and enjoy your day. See you tomorrow morning! ☕