Laval QC โ The morning chat
Good morning,
This morning, we’re rounding up the news that touches Laval and Quebec: a busy night for Laval firefighters, local athletes heading to the World Championships, and a provincial election campaign heating up. Plenty to start the day informed.
What to know this morning
- Two suspicious fires in Laval in one night: A historic home in Sainte-Rose and a vacant building in Chomedey were ravaged by flames, and investigators with the Service de police de Laval are on the case.
- Eleven Triathlon Laval athletes heading to Worlds: A record delegation for the club, which will compete at the age-group World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.
- Frรฉchette thinks Quebecers are warming to fracking: The CAQ leader cited a “greater openness” to shale gas, reacting to a La Presse poll.
Close to home
- Fire destroys very old Laval home: A house built around 1865 on chemin de la Petite-Cรดte in Sainte-Rose was completely destroyed by a fire overnight Saturday. Firefighters limited the spread, but the property is a total loss.
- Suspicious fire in City of Laval building: A blaze hit a vacant building on boulevard Notre-Dame in Chomedey, and suspicious elements were found. The investigation has been handed to the Service de police de Laval.
- Chaotic back-to-school at รฉcole des Ormeaux: Teachers are denouncing a late decision to dismantle multigrade classes a week before the start of school, causing stress and disorganization.
Main story
Two suspicious fires rock Laval in the same night
Saturday night was a busy one for the Service de sรฉcuritรฉ incendie de Laval, which fought three nearly simultaneous blazes, two of them suspicious.
The first, reported at 1:46 a.m., hit a vacant City of Laval building on boulevard Notre-Dame in Chomedey. When firefighters arrived, smoke was coming from the second floor. Crews launched an interior attack and discovered suspicious elements, leading the Service de police de Laval to open an investigation. Damage is estimated at about $200,000.
The second, reported at 2:15 a.m., ravaged a house built around 1865 on chemin de la Petite-Cรดte in Sainte-Rose. The 26 firefighters deployed managed to limit the spread of flames that were beginning to reach Hydro-Quรฉbec equipment. The property is a total loss, with damage estimated at about $316,000 for the building and $25,000 for its contents.
No hypothesis is being ruled out as to the origin of these fires, which could be accidental or criminal.
In detail
Eleven Triathlon Laval athletes heading to Worlds
A delegation of 11 athletes from Triathlon Laval will compete at the age-group World Championships from September 23 to 27 in Pontevedra, Spain.
According to club president Annie-Claude Bรฉdard, it would be one of the highest totals for a single club in Canada. Qualifiers include Danielle Levert, 66, and Mรฉlodie Dao, 18, showing the wide age range represented.
“We’re developing and we’re seeing a push on the elite athlete side here,” says Bรฉdard, who credits head coach รric Douville for the success.
The club also organizes the Triathlon de Laval every June at the Centre de la nature.
Frรฉchette thinks Quebecers are warming to fracking
Shale gas became a campaign issue Saturday, as CAQ leader Christine Frรฉchette said Quebecers are more open to fracking, notably because of trade tensions with the United States.
Referring to a La Presse poll, she said: “I think Quebecers have shifted their perspective and I believe there is greater openness to these possibilities.”
The CAQ banned shale gas exploration and production in 2022. Frรฉchette, however, said she is not yet ready to say whether Quebec should move forward, and that it would require “social acceptance.”
Four firefighters injured during exercise in Blainville
Four firefighters with the Blainville fire service were injured Saturday during a training exercise when part of a roof collapsed.
According to the Association des pompiers de Blainville, they were treated and transported to receive the necessary care. None of their injuries are life-threatening.
The CNESST and Blainville police are to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Coup de Cลur
The Triathlon Laval delegation heading to Worlds is a wonderful illustration of what perseverance and community spirit can accomplish. With athletes from 18 to 66, this club proves that sport can bring all generations together and inspire an entire city.
To close
Wishing you a beautiful day, with a little time to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re on the road or at home, enjoy every moment. See you tomorrow! โ