Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
This morning, we’re talking about a sports-filled weekend that’s going to complicate travel, the health of Laval residents with flu vaccination, and news that directly affects Desjardins users. We wish you a good read and a relaxing weekend, despite the detours.
What to know this morning
- The Montreal Marathon closes Highway 25 and the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel toward the South Shore: Closures run from October 9 to 13, with detours via the Champlain Bridge and then the Jacques-Cartier Bridge starting October 11 at 11 p.m.
- Reminder – The STL will hold three information evenings on its bus network overhaul: Workshops take place October 21, 26 and 29, and registration is required.
- Desjardins modernises its credit card system: Some operations will be unavailable from October 12 to 20.
- The Canadiens trade Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators: Montreal receives a 2027 second-round pick.
Chez nous
- Le Cercle Saint-Martin raises $10,500 for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation: The Laval business group’s annual charity gala took place on October 2.
- A new park in Orée-des-Bois honours Captain Molly Kool: Parc de la Capitaine-Molly-Kool, on rue Cousteau, has been inaugurated, with children’s play structures and a dog run.
Across Canada
- The economy lost 68,000 jobs in September, and unemployment rose to 6.5%: Young people and women were hit hardest, and Quebec lost 49,000 jobs.
- A Canadian arrested by the FBI in the ShinyHunters hacking case: The arrest is linked to the breach of the FBI’s jobs portal.
- Jazz Aviation flight attendants ratify a new five-year agreement: The deal includes competitive wages and benefits, according to the company.
Main Story
Montreal Marathon closes Highway 25 and the tunnel to the South Shore, a headache for Laval residents
This weekend, Laval is front and centre for disruptions from the Beneva Montreal Marathon, celebrating its 34th edition with 35,000 participants. Major closures directly affect Laval motorists and taxis: Highway 25 and the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel are closed toward the South Shore from October 9 to 13.
For those who need to cross, detours will go via the Champlain Bridge, then via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge starting October 11 at 11 p.m. It’s the kind of announcement that can turn an ordinary commute into a real logistical nightmare. And let’s face it, it’s not exactly what you dream about before your first cup of coffee.
If the South Shore is on your agenda, build in some extra time or consider booking your taxi in advance. The runners will be fast, but traffic is likely to be much slower.
In Detail
Flu season expected to start early, experts recommend getting vaccinated quickly
Respiratory disease experts are unanimous: flu season is starting early this year. Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist at McMaster University, advises getting vaccinated as soon as possible, as the vaccine takes about two weeks to take effect. “We’re heading into an early season, so the advice is clear,” she says.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. A higher-dose version is suggested for those 65 and over. Vaccination is particularly important for children, especially those with asthma or other health conditions. Pregnant women are also a priority group, as a severe infection can be problematic for both mother and baby.
For COVID-19, the vaccine is strongly recommended for those 65 and over, long-term care residents and immunocompromised individuals. The RSV vaccine is also available for infants with risk factors as well as for people 75 and older. In short, now’s the time to book your appointment.
Desjardins modernizing its credit cards, some operations suspended from October 12 to 20
Desjardins credit card users will have to be patient next week. The financial institution is modernizing its management system and some operations will be unavailable from October 12 to 20.
Desjardins hasn’t specified exactly which operations will be affected, but it’s wise to plan your important transactions accordingly. If you have a payment to make or a purchase to complete, it’s better to do it before or after this window.
Canadiens trade Jayden Struble to Nashville
Defenceman Jayden Struble is leaving Montreal. The Canadiens traded him to the Nashville Predators in return for a 2nd-round pick in 2027. A transaction that adds depth to the organization, but leaves a gap on the ice.
Coup de coeur
The story of Cercle Saint-Martin reminds us that local solidarity often takes root in simple gestures. A gala, a silent auction, and there you have $10,500 for pediatric care. It’s beautiful proof that business connections can also weave connections of the heart.
In Closing
We wish you a well-paced weekend, despite the detours. Whether you’re running the marathon or staying warm and cozy, take time to breathe. In Laval as elsewhere, the small everyday victories count.
Until next time. ☕