Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Well, the ice storm we warned you about yesterday has definitely arrived. If you’re reading this comfortably from home while the kids enjoy a snow day, you’re probably making the right call. Stay warm — here’s your news roundup while everything freezes outside.
❄️ Top Story
Ice storm slams Montreal and Laval: widespread closures
The major ice storm forecast for Wednesday has arrived, bringing dangerous conditions, widespread shutdowns, and the potential for significant ice buildup across southern Quebec.
Environment Canada says the system could deliver 20 to 30 millimetres of freezing rain, with the event lasting up to 24 hours from Wednesday into Thursday morning.
The storm is expected to affect Greater Montreal, Montérégie, Outaouais, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Centre‑du‑Québec, and the Quebec City region.
Officials warn that heavy ice accumulation could disrupt services, impact transportation, and lead to prolonged power outages as ice builds up on trees and power lines. Roads and sidewalks are expected to become extremely slippery, and residents are urged to avoid non‑essential travel.
Freezing rain was falling across the Montreal area Wednesday with northeast winds of 30 km/h, gusting to 50, and temperatures hovering near –1°C, with a wind chill of –9°C. The freezing rain is expected to change to rain this evening as winds shift and strengthen overnight. Gusts could reach 80 km/h by Thursday morning as temperatures rise to around 5°C.
Unsettled weather will continue Thursday as the system moves out. Skies will remain cloudy with a 40% chance of morning flurries, while strong westerly winds gradually weaken. Temperatures are expected to fall to –2°C in the afternoon, with a wind chill near –9°C.
Mass Closures
All schools and centres under the Centre de services scolaire de Laval are closed Wednesday, along with the English Montreal, Lester B. Pearson, New Frontiers, Riverside, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier school boards.
The following universities and cégeps have confirmed closures: Concordia University (all in‑person classes cancelled, online classes continue), Dawson College, John Abbott College, McGill University (all classes and exams cancelled at the downtown, Macdonald, and Outaouais campuses; some courses moved online), Marianopolis College, Vanier College, and several others.
Dozens of morning departures and arrivals at Montréal–Trudeau Airport have been cancelled or delayed.
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is urging drivers to postpone non‑essential travel in the coming days. The agency recommends checking Québec 511 for road conditions, fully clearing ice and snow from vehicles, reducing speed, and keeping a safe distance.
Officials say cold conditions in the days following the storm may slow the return to normal services as ice buildup persists across the region.
⚡ What Else You Need to Know
Carney: Canada will “never” join offensive against Iran
The prime minister adjusted his schedule to attend Question Period on Tuesday and delivered a firm statement.
Canadiens hand Maple Leafs their eighth straight loss
Oliver Kapanen scored his 20th of the season as the Montreal Canadiens held on for a 3–1 win, handing the Toronto Maple Leafs their eighth consecutive defeat Tuesday night.
Phillip Danault also scored, while Jake Evans added an empty‑netter for Montreal (35‑18‑10). Jakub Dobes made 17 saves.
William Nylander replied for struggling Toronto (27‑27‑11), which is on track to miss the playoffs after nine straight appearances.
The Leafs entered the night 11 points out of a playoff spot and 13 points behind the Canadiens, who held the second wild‑card position in the Eastern Conference.
Cyclist in critical condition after collision in Prévost
A cyclist is in critical condition after being struck by an SUV Tuesday evening in Prévost, in the Laurentians.
According to the Sûreté du Québec, the crash happened at the intersection of Route 117 and rue de la Station early in the evening. Police say the cyclist, a man from Saint‑Hippolyte, may have entered the intersection while the SUV had a green light.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in critical condition. The SUV driver was not hurt.
Brick wall partially collapses onto car in Westmount
A man suffered minor injuries after part of a brick wall collapsed onto his car Tuesday afternoon in Westmount.
Paramedics were called around 1:40 p.m. to the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Sherbrooke Street West, where a section of a residential building’s brick wall had fallen.
The bricks crashed onto the roof of a vehicle, partially crushing it while the driver was still inside. First responders treated the 58‑year‑old man on scene before transporting him to hospital. His injuries are minor and not life‑threatening.
Man found dead in Rosemont apartment
Montreal police are investigating after a man was found dead inside an apartment building Tuesday night in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie.
Officers were called to the building on Masson Street near 4th Avenue around 10 p.m. following a 911 call reporting an incident. Responding officers found an unresponsive man inside an apartment.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the cause and circumstances of the death remain unknown, and the man’s identity has not been confirmed.
🏙️ The Daily Rundown
Town of Mount Royal launches plumbing inspection program
The Town of Mount Royal is launching a homeowner plumbing inspection program that will be fully funded by the municipality at a cost of $1 million.
Starting March 10, 350 eligible homeowners can register to receive a free, professional, full plumbing inspection of their property. The program is open to homeowners who have experienced and reported a water‑related incident to the Town or to their insurer since June 15, 2022. The incident must have been caused by heavy rainfall, flooding, or sewer backups linked to exceptional weather conditions.
The inspection will include an evaluation of backwater valves, French drains, foundations, gutter systems, window wells, as well as grading and landscaping around the home.
A total of 350 inspections will be offered in 2026. Spots will be assigned on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The program will roll out over three years, until 2028, for a maximum of 1,000 inspections.
Ouellet case: “It can’t be the cardinal,” judge says
Judge Martin Castonguay questioned the testimony of Paméla Groleau and another woman in the Marc Ouellet case.
Father and son could face ban on donating sperm
Donations by Philippe Normand and Dominik Seelos are believed to have resulted in the birth of roughly 600 children.
Marwah Rizqy: “I wish the ending had been different”
Former Liberal MNA Marwah Rizqy testified about the past few months, which she described as “quite difficult.”
NDP MP crosses the floor to join the Liberals
Her decision comes after three Conservative MPs defected to the Liberals. Mark Carney edges closer to a majority.
Vote on arms exports to the United States
MPs will vote Wednesday afternoon on whether to advance a bill that would close a loophole in Ottawa’s arms‑export regime allowing Washington to send Canadian weapons to countries that would otherwise be blocked.
NDP MP Jenny Kwan introduced the private member’s bill last September after Washington attempted to purchase Canadian weapons for Israel, despite Canada’s ban on exporting several types of arms to that country.
Bill C‑233 is expected to face a second‑reading vote after Wednesday’s Question Period.
Colorectal cancer screening: Canadian Cancer Society calls for lower age
On Wednesday, the Canadian Cancer Society urged provinces and territories to lower the colorectal cancer screening age to 45. The organization says people under 50 are two to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than previous generations.
The society highlighted a recent modelling study published March 7 in the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, which estimates that starting at‑home fecal immunochemical testing at age 45 could potentially prevent 15,070 colorectal cancer cases and 6,100 deaths over the next 45 years.
The research also estimated $233 million in savings on cancer treatments, even after accounting for the cost of additional tests and colonoscopies.
Gun‑control groups frustrated by lack of information on Tumbler Ridge shooting
Five gun‑control advocacy groups told the RCMP they were “alarmed and disappointed” that the force has yet to release basic information on the firearm models and legal status of the weapons used in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting in British Columbia.
The RCMP responded that the information is part of an active investigation, meaning it is unclear when details will be available.
Van crashes through barriers near the White House
The driver broke through a security gate near the White House.
Death of Nooran Rezayi: BEI submits report to Crown prosecutors
The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions will decide whether charges will be laid against the officer who shot the teenager.
First Nations unveil repatriated cultural treasures
First Nations communities unveiled around 50 artefacts during an event titled The Return of the Ancestors, some publicly and most privately.
Station10 hair salon will appeal ruling
Station10 has reversed course and will appeal its $500 fine in a case involving gender‑neutral haircuts.
Sherbrooke opposes dumping treated leachate into Lake Memphrémagog
Sherbrooke says it “formally and permanently” opposes the discharge of treated landfill leachate—often called “garbage juice”—into Lake Memphrémagog.
François Ruel‑Côté: likely his final play
François Ruel‑Côté is presenting what will likely be his final play due to lack of funding. Producing theatre at a loss, even with sold‑out shows, is no longer sustainable.
Mobilité Infra Québec still not in charge of the PSE
Although Mobilité Infra Québec says it is ready to take over the East End transit project, the provincial government has yet to give the green light.
Access to Information Commission under investigation
The president and a vice‑president of the Commission are being scrutinized for their management of staff.
Price accuracy policy still poorly applied in grocery stores
In Quebec, when a scanned price does not match the displayed price, retailers must compensate the customer. The policy is still inconsistently applied.
Brittany Hudak wins bronze in para cross‑country skiing
The para‑nordic skier took bronze in the 10 km standing event at the Paralympic Games.
Auger‑Aliassime eliminated, Mboko advances to quarterfinals
Félix Auger‑Aliassime was stopped by Arthur Fils at Indian Wells. Victoria Mboko defeated American Amanda Anisimova in the round of 16 to move on to the quarterfinals.
Bam Adebayo scores 83 points
Bam Adebayo scored 83 points, the second‑highest total in NBA history behind Kobe Bryant. Wilt Chamberlain still holds the record with 100 points, set in 1962.
Iran escalates tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Washington says it has sunk mine‑laying vessels near the strait, where attacks on ships have been increasing.
Rising costs for Canadians as Iran conflict intensifies
The conflict in the Middle East is now well into its second week, and like the rest of the world, Canadians are beginning to feel its impact in daily life — especially at the gas pump.
Confusion from the White House has only made things worse, with oil prices swinging wildly after U.S. Energy Secretary Wright made a false claim about the movement of an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz.
The critical passage has in fact been closed by the Iranian regime.
Epstein case: investigators search New Mexico ranch
Authorities believe young girls and women may have been victimized there by the convicted sex offender.
London to release documents related to Peter Mandelson
According to Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson misled Downing Street about the extent of his ties to Epstein.
💫 Spotlight
Kudos to the Town of Mount Royal for investing $1 million to help homeowners affected by flooding inspect and protect their plumbing — a proactive initiative that shows prevention can happen before disasters, not just after.
⚠️ Practical Corner
IMPORTANT WARNING: MAJOR ICE STORM UNDERWAY
If you don’t absolutely need to go out today, stay home. The ice storm has arrived… and it’s a serious one.
What to expect:
- 20 to 30 mm of freezing rain through Thursday morning
- Extremely slippery roads and sidewalks
- Risk of prolonged power outages
- Winds up to 80 km/h overnight
Confirmed closures:
- All schools under the Centre de services scolaire de Laval
- All English‑language school boards
- Universities: Concordia, McGill, Université de Montréal
- Cégeps: Dawson, John Abbott, Vanier, and many more
- Flights cancelled or delayed at Montréal–Trudeau
If you must drive:
- Check Québec 511 before leaving
- Remove ALL ice and snow from your vehicle (including the roof)
- Reduce your speed
- Keep a safe following distance
- Carry a winter emergency kit
Freezing rain is expected to turn to rain this evening, but conditions will remain difficult Thursday as temperatures drop to –2°C.
Stay safe and take care.
👋 Before we go
A perfect day to stay inside, enjoy a good book, or catch up on your favourite shows.
Schools are closed, roads are dangerous, and the safest place to be today is definitely at home.
Stay warm, stay safe, and we’ll see you tomorrow when this has all passed. ☕❄️