Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today we breathe a sigh of relief with excellent news for Laval: Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s surgery was a success. We also look at voter turnout in our six ridings, a deliberately set fire in Chomedey, and a few stories that touch the daily lives of Laval residents.
What to remember this morning
- Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s surgery was a success: The 13-hour procedure removed a golf-ball-sized tumour lodged between his brain, right eye, and a major artery.
- Voter turnout dropped in all six Laval ridings: 61.5% of Laval residents voted on Monday, compared to 66.9% across Quebec.
- Fire of criminal origin in Chomedey: A vehicle in flames spread the blaze to a home on Avenue Laplante early Wednesday morning.
- Canadiens call up Jacob Fowler: Goalie Samuel Montembeault left practice Wednesday with an injury, and the Rocket de Laval netminder was recalled.
At home
- New project for aging women in Laval: The Table de concertation de Laval en condition féminine launched an initiative to better understand the housing realities of aging women.
- Fire caused by defective batteries in Auteuil: The SSIL reminds residents to use certified devices after a Tuesday garage blaze.
Across Canada
- Ottawa to exclude mental illness from medical assistance in dying: The Justice Minister indicated the decision reflects the special committee’s recommendations.
- Elon Musk voices support for Quebec independence: The billionaire made several posts to that effect on X, and Saskatchewan’s premier replied simply: “No.”
Main story
Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s surgery was a success
The delicate surgery undergone by Mayor Stéphane Boyer was a success. The 13-hour procedure removed a golf-ball-sized tumour lodged between his brain, right eye, and a major artery.
“Right now I look like a boxer who lost his match, but it’s quite the opposite,” the mayor wrote in a post on his Facebook page.
“Soon I’ll be fully recovered and able to look to the future with optimism again,” he continued.
He reminded residents that his right-hand man, Ray Khalil, will hold the fort as acting mayor during his recovery, expected to last about two months.
“But I can’t wait to get back to the office… talking about public finances and water mains, I love it!” he concluded.
In detail
Voter turnout down in all six Laval ridings
In Monday’s provincial election, 61.5% of Laval residents cast ballots, compared to 66.9% across Quebec. Exactly 201,828 Laval residents turned out, out of 328,198 registered voters.
The highest turnout was in Vimont-Auteuil, where 68.3% of registered voters exercised their right. At the other end, Chomedey saw 50.5%, a sharp drop from 2022.
Behind Vimont-Auteuil, Mille-Îles and Sainte-Rose came second and third with 66.3% and 65.6%. In Fabre, turnout was 60.7%, and Laval-des-Rapides just slipped under 60% at 59.3%.
Fire of criminal origin in Chomedey
Camera images reportedly show a criminal hand behind a vehicle fire that spread to a home on Avenue Laplante in the early hours of Wednesday, October 7.
At 3:57 a.m., 911 was alerted to the incident in a residential enclave of Chomedey. The first of 22 firefighters dispatched by the Service de sécurité incendie de Laval arrived at 4:03 a.m., finding a vehicle fully engulfed in flames that were beginning to dangerously reach the adjoining house.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 4:19 a.m., but not before causing an estimated $20,000 in damage to the vehicle and home structure, plus a $5,000 loss for contents.
Due to surveillance camera images and evidence found on site, the SSIL quickly handed the investigation to the Service de police de Laval.
Canadiens call up Jacob Fowler after Montembeault injury
The Montreal Canadiens recalled goalie Jacob Fowler from the Rocket de Laval after Samuel Montembeault left practice Wednesday with an injury.
Montembeault, who started the season as backup to Jakub Dobes, appeared to hurt his right leg or groin during one of the final drills. Coach Martin St-Louis gave no update, saying only that he was still being evaluated.
The 29-year-old was slated to make his first start of the season Thursday night against the Nashville Predators, but Fowler’s recall suggested that was unlikely.
Coup de Cœur
The story of Mayor Boyer’s resilience—keeping a smile and sense of humour even after a 13-hour surgery—reminds us that leadership is also measured in tough moments. His message, humble and optimistic, is a fine example for the whole Laval community.
Before we go
Wishing you a day full of good news and gentleness. Whether you’re following the mayor’s recovery closely or planning your next weekend, take time to savour the small victories. See you tomorrow! ☕