Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
This morning, we open with news that hits close to home: a planned nature park between Laval and the North Shore may be in jeopardy, and Mayor Stéphane Boyer isn’t hiding his disappointment. We also look at the end of La Cordée, a heritage home under threat in Chomedey, and a soccer final that didn’t go FC Laval’s way. Plenty to fill your first cup of coffee.
What to know this morning
- The Rivière-des-Mille-Îles conservation park in jeopardy: According to a La Presse investigation, the $100M Ottawa committed in 2025 for nature protection in Quebec may have been used for other purposes, and the nature park project between Laval and the North Shore is paying the price.
- La Cordée is shutting down: The Quebec outdoor clothing chain, founded in 1953, will close its doors in the coming weeks after years of financial trouble.
- A nearly 200-year-old heritage home threatened in Laval: Maison Verdon in Chomedey is deteriorating and could be demolished, much to the dismay of the Société d’histoire et de généalogie de l’Île Jésus.
- FC Laval falls in the Coupe du Québec final: The Laval side lost 1-0 to Revolution FC, despite a remarkable season in Ligue1 QC.
At home
- Rent increase protest in Laval: Nearly 30 people marched on September 19 to denounce housing costs, called by the union of CISSS de Laval workers.
In Canada
- Canadian astronaut heads to the International Space Station: Joshua Kutryk is set to launch Thursday from Cape Canaveral for a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station.
Main story
Large conservation park project between Laval and the North Shore jeopardized by federal funds diversion
Mayor Stéphane Boyer reacted this morning on social media to a La Presse investigation suggesting the $100M Ottawa committed in 2025 for nature protection and conservation in Quebec may have been used for other purposes. Of that envelope, $65M had already been paid out.
The Rivière-des-Mille-Îles conservation park project was among the planned initiatives, along with the creation of urban parks. “It was an incredible project: creating a huge nature park between Laval and the North Shore,” Mayor Boyer recalled.
“Word on the street is the money went to cover the government’s deficit and pay its own expenses, rather than creating new natural areas,” he lamented, leaving it to the next government to fix the situation.
Éco-Nature’s executive director, Anaïs Boutin, said her fears were confirmed. The organization, which manages Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, had rallied the mayors of 11 riverside municipalities to grow the wildlife refuge from 26 to over 1,000 hectares of protected areas.
“We’ve come a long way,” Boutin said, refusing to give up. “Éco-Nature is an incredibly resilient organization; we’ll roll up our sleeves and I can’t wait to talk with elected officials and our partners. For me, it’s unthinkable that a project of this scale, which meets the goals Quebec set for itself, wouldn’t go ahead.”
In detail
La Cordée permanently closes its doors after years of financial struggles
The Quebec outdoor clothing chain announced Wednesday it will cease operations in the coming weeks. Founded in 1953, the company had sought creditor protection twice, most recently in July 2026, when it owed nearly $13 million to lenders and suppliers.
The Laval branch at Centropolis had already closed in early September. A closing sale began Wednesday at remaining open locations.
Nearly 200-year-old heritage home in Chomedey threatened with demolition
Maison Verdon, at 3753 boulevard Saint-Elzéar Ouest, is gradually deteriorating and faces demolition. The main part of the home was built in 1836, on foundations dating to at least 1771.
The Société d’histoire et de généalogie de l’Île Jésus (SHGIJ) is worried about the building’s condition, abandoned for years. Richard Verdon, spokesperson and descendant of the first family to live there, fears a fire could break out due to squatters.
“Water seeps into the building through broken openings, including one on the roof. This winter, the snow will cause more damage,” he explains.
FC Laval loses in the Coupe du Québec final
FC Laval lost 1-0 to Revolution FC at Stade Boréale in Laval. The winning goal came from Noureddine Chennoufi in the 4th minute.
Despite the loss, the west-island club can be proud of its season: champions of Ligue1 QC after starting with just one win in seven matches, then stringing together 10 straight victories. Thanks to that title, the Mauve et Blanc will compete in the 2027 Canadian Championship, alongside FC Supra.
Coup de Cœur
The Maison Verdon story reminds us that heritage isn’t just old stones. Behind the overgrowth hiding it, the memory of Île Jésus risks fading away—and citizens who refuse to let that happen.
To close
Wishing you a day that takes its time, despite the mounting files. And if you pass an old house, take a second to wonder what it tells. Have a great day, and see you tomorrow. ☕