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Laval Today. Sep. 26, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

This morning, we dive into the intensifying election race in Laval, with a look at the Chomedey riding and the issues that matter to residents. We also look at a new directive from Élections Québec that could complicate voting for some anglophones, and we suggest a few free activities to enjoy the fall.

What to know on this day

  • A 16-year-old girl has been missing for two weeks in Laval: The family of Eva Haji is asking the public for help finding her, a disappearance that has sparked deep concern in the community.
  • A 19-year-old man arrested for using counterfeit bills in a Marketplace purchase: Laval police are investigating and want to know if others fell victim to the scheme.
  • FC Laval reaches the Coupe du Québec final after a wild match: The Laval side finally got past CS LaSalle on penalties, after an overtime period had to be replayed.

Close to home

  • Chomedey, an election race marked by controversy: Incumbent MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, expelled from the Liberal Party, is seeking another term as an independent, while residents voice concerns about housing, roads, and services.
  • Seniors’ Week returns to Laval from October 1 to 7: About forty free or affordable activities are on offer, including a volunteer fair and a performance by Marc Hervieux.
  • Free activities this fall with the Société nationale du Québec à Laval: Panels, workshops, and intercultural tours are on the program, including a dinner to mark the organization’s 10th anniversary.

Across Canada

  • Marineland belugas that died in Chicago suffered from chronic illnesses: The Shedd Aquarium revealed that the two whales had pre-existing gastrointestinal inflammation, but it does not confirm that as the cause of death.
  • Federal MPs divided over AI use in the House of Commons: A report suggests that up to 20% of speeches could be generated by artificial intelligence, sparking debate about the authenticity of interventions.

Main story

Chomedey, a Laval riding at the heart of controversy, as residents demand services

The Chomedey riding, one of the most diverse in Laval, is the scene of an unusual election race. Incumbent MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier, expelled from the Quebec Liberal Party last year, is running as an independent. She faces her former party, as well as candidates from Québec solidaire and the Parti Québécois.

Lakhoyan Olivier has been at the centre of several controversies, including allegations of text messages linked to the Liberal leadership race, and an $8,000 fine for breaching the code of ethics. Despite it all, she says residents still trust her.

Residents, for their part, focus on concrete issues. Issa Salim laments the lack of homeless shelters in Laval, while Frederick Hazari criticizes the state of the roads and the economic situation. Ali Khalil calls for more services, especially for seniors.

The candidates promise to meet these expectations: affordable housing for the solidarity candidate, access to health care for the PQ candidate, and support for seniors for the independent MNA.

In detail

Élections Québec: an English-language directive could hinder voting for some anglophones

A new directive from Élections Québec requires polling station staff to check whether a voter is entitled to receive services in English before speaking to them in that language. Only those eligible for English education or members of an Indigenous community can be served in English.

This measure has sparked strong reaction. Geoffrey Chambers, a complainant in a legal challenge, has sent a formal notice to Élections Québec, the Attorney General, and the Premier, arguing the directive is unconstitutional. Anglophone groups fear it may discourage some voters from casting a ballot.

Élections Québec defends itself by saying it must respect the Charter of the French Language while remaining neutral. The debate is now in the hands of the courts, as advance voting begins Sunday.

FC Laval reaches the Coupe du Québec final after a wild scenario

FC Laval secured its spot in the Coupe du Québec final, but not without difficulty. In the semi-final against CS LaSalle, the match had to be stopped in overtime due to lack of light, after skirmishes led to two red cards.

According to the rules, the match was replayed behind closed doors a week later, with the score at 1-1. The Laval side dominated but had to settle for penalties, which they won 5-3.

In the final, they will face Revolution FC, a Laurentians club that eliminated AS Laval in the semi-final. FC Laval is aiming for a historic double: the Ligue1 QC championship and the Coupe du Québec.

Coup de Cœur

Seniors’ Week in Laval illustrates a great community dynamic. With nearly 2,000 participants last year and a program that keeps growing, it’s an event that proves active aging is not just a slogan. The volunteer fair, a new initiative, could well become a bridge between generations.

Before we go

We wish you a pleasant weekend, whether you take part in the activities or simply take time to breathe. In Laval, fall promises to be rich in opportunities to come together. Happy reading and see you soon! ☕

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Laval Today. sep. 25, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The Morning Brief

Hello,

Today we look at health, politics and a viaduct that left its mark on Laval. We also take a look at a busy morning for drivers and a citizen initiative that makes getting around Place Bell a little easier.

What to know this morning

  • A judge orders Quebec to send bilingual electoral cards: A decision that directly affects Laval’s English‑speaking voters.
  • A setback for paratransit service: Nine positions will be cut at the Société de transport de Laval.

In Laval

  • A tight race in Sainte‑Rose: Qc125 projects a Liberal win, but the CAQ and PQ are close behind.
  • Laval‑des‑Rapides as a bellwether riding: A three‑way race that could help determine who forms the next government.
  • Vimont‑Auteuil may return to tradition: Qc125 sees the Liberal Party taking back the riding.

Across Canada

  • Tariffs threaten 53,112 Canadian small businesses: The CFIB is calling for expanded support measures.
  • Former RCMP intelligence officer granted day parole: Cameron Jay Ortis, convicted of violating the Security of Information Act, will begin reintegration.

Main Story

A citizen‑made map to navigate the Place Bell area

Finding a place to park or somewhere to eat near Place Bell has become a challenge for many Laval residents, especially on Rocket game nights or during major shows. With questions multiplying on social media, one resident decided to take action and created an interactive map that brings together parking options, transit access points, restaurants, hotels and even bike paths around Place Bell.

The map, updated based on community feedback, includes practical information that is often overlooked, such as free parking with shuttle service at 1333 Chomedey during Rocket games, and an important reminder to avoid parking at Centre Laval, where towing is quick. Users also suggested affordable options like Stationnement EM for those arriving by metro, as well as switching the map background to CyclOSM to display up‑to‑date bike paths.

This citizen initiative, born from a simple need to help people get around, is quickly becoming a reference tool for both visitors and residents. It is a reminder that sometimes the best solutions come directly from the community.

In Detail

In Laval: Update on Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s health

Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer shared a new update on his health, one week after announcing that he had been diagnosed with a meningioma, a brain tumour. After his first appointment with a neurosurgeon, he posted an image of the tumour, which he compares to the size of a golf ball, and said he remains able to carry out his duties while reducing some public activities this fall.

Boyer, who had been experiencing headaches and visual disturbances for several months before undergoing an MRI, says he still feels energetic and fully capable. He says he is moving forward “with serenity” and leaning on small daily comforts, including bringing a box of doughnuts to his team, to keep spirits up.

Elected in 2021 at age 33, he is the youngest mayor in Laval’s history and was re‑elected in 2025. His diagnosis comes ten months into his current mandate, which runs until 2029.

Practical Tip

Place Bell: Easier parking and access

If you plan to head to Place Bell for a show or a Rocket game, a citizen‑made map now brings together parking options, transit access points, restaurants and bike paths in the area. Note the free parking with shuttle service at 1333 boulevard Chomedey during games, and a key reminder to avoid Centre Laval, where towing is quick. To plan your trip, check the interactive map before you go.

Coup de coeur

Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s quiet strength

Our highlight of the day goes to Stéphane Boyer, who is facing a personal challenge with a calm determination that is rare in politics. Without dramatizing, he chooses transparency, stays present for his team and continues moving forward with a quiet strength that inspires. In a city where leadership is measured not only in decisions but also in how one navigates difficult moments, his attitude shows that resilience can be a form of public service.

Before we go

We wish you a day that leaves room for reflection and gentleness. Whether you take a moment to remember or simply enjoy the day, we hope you find a bit of time for yourself. See you tomorrow.☕