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Laval Today. Oct. 10, 2026

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. ☕

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Laval Today. Oct. 6, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The Daily Chat

Good afternoon,

After a historic election night, Laval wakes up to a completely changed political map and a mayor stepping away for health reasons. Here’s what happened on our turf and what’s coming.

What to know this day

  • The Parti Québécois forms a minority government: Paul St-Pierre Plamondon becomes premier with 59 seats, short of the 64 needed for a majority.
  • Laval goes red: all six Laval ridings will be represented by Liberal MNAs at the National Assembly.
  • Mayor Stéphane Boyer steps away for at least two months: he’s undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour; Ray Khalil takes over as interim.
  • The CAQ is wiped off the map: Christine Fréchette resigns as leader after the party fails to elect a single MNA.
  • Closures coming on Highway 25: the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel will be shut toward the South Shore from October 9 to 13.

Around here

  • Suspicious fire in an unoccupied home in Sainte-Rose: the blaze, which broke out Monday late afternoon, is under police investigation.

In Canada

  • Canadian medical plane missing: authorities have identified those on board; four Canadians and two Bermudians.

Main story

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s Parti Québécois wins the election, will form a minority government

The Parti Québécois won the provincial election, ending eight years of Coalition Avenir Québec rule. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will become Quebec’s next premier, leading a minority government.

The PQ took 59 seats, short of the 64 needed for a majority. The leader promised to work with other parties, especially on the budget.

“We will work so the budget reflects elements from other parties’ platforms, to collaborate on a viable fiscal framework,” he said in his victory speech.

Outgoing premier Mark Carney congratulated Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, saying he looks forward to working with him to support Quebec businesses and workers hit by tariffs, create good jobs, end homelessness, and build more housing.

The PQ has promised a referendum on independence, but not before Donald Trump leaves the White House.

In detail

Laval goes red: Liberals sweep all six ridings

All six Laval ridings will be represented by Quebec Liberal Party MNAs at the National Assembly. A red wave swept across Île Jésus, confirming pollsters’ predictions.

Among the Liberal wins: Dr. Cécile Tremblay in Sainte-Rose, unseating outgoing minister Christopher Skeete, who finished fourth. Caroline De Guire, former CEO of the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry, won Laval-des-Rapides, a riding that for only the second time since its creation will not be held by the party forming government.

Louis Ialenti returns Vimont-Auteuil to the Liberals, and Madeleine Féquière takes Chomedey. Virginie Dufour is re-elected in Mille-Îles.

Mayor Stéphane Boyer steps away for brain surgery; Ray Khalil takes over as interim

Laval’s mayor, Stéphane Boyer, announced he will step away for at least two months to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumour. In a video posted to social media, he explained the procedure is delicate but his chances of recovery are excellent.

Ray Khalil, vice-chair of the executive committee, will serve as interim. He will represent Laval on the boards of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, and the Union des municipalités du Québec.

CAQ wiped off the map: Christine Fréchette resigns

The Coalition Avenir Québec failed to elect a single MNA, a crushing defeat for a party that held 90 seats four years ago. Christine Fréchette, who lost her own riding of Trois-Rivières, resigned as leader.

“The defeat is mine, not yours; hold your heads high,” she told her supporters.

Closures coming on Highway 25 and the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is announcing major closures on Highway 25, including the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel, from October 9 to 13. The closure toward the South Shore will be complete from Friday 11 a.m. to Sunday 11 p.m., with a detour via the Champlain Bridge, then the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Nightly closures are also planned toward Montreal. The ministry recommends using public transit and checking Québec 511.

Coup de Cœur

Stéphane Boyer’s announcement, delivered with a touch of humour despite the ordeal, is a reminder that resilience can take many forms. His message to those who suffer, “you are not alone,” is a precious reminder in these uncertain times.

To close

Wishing you a day full of good news and gentleness, despite the upheaval. Take care of yourself and those around you, and don’t forget to check closures before hitting the road. ☕

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Laval Today. May. 15, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Laval’s news today is led by a large‑scale police operation that resulted in several arrests, while Montreal is heading into a weekend of major road closures that will directly affect many Laval commuters. Here is a clear look at what could have a concrete impact here at home.

What to know this morning

  • 23 arrests in an online child exploitation operation: Laval is among the cities targeted in this Sûreté du Québec operation, carried out from May 11 to 14 with 25 searches.
  • Major road closures in Montreal: The Ville‑Marie tunnel, Highway 25, the Louis‑Hippolyte‑La Fontaine tunnel and other areas will be affected over the long weekend.
  • Quebec will reimburse the carbon tax for farm businesses: The government plans $87 million to offset these costs and is adding support for new farmers.
  • La Victoire de Montréal won the first game of the final: A sports highlight that resonates well beyond Montreal.

Society and politics

  • The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages is investigating the Air Canada CEO: More than 2,400 complaints were filed after an English‑only message was released.
  • The CSQ is challenging the union governance law: The case is now before the Superior Court.
  • The Court recognizes intimate partner violence as a distinct civil offence: This opens the door to civil claims for damages.
  • Mark Carney says he is open to selling public infrastructure: Airports are among the assets being considered to fund new projects.
  • A major virtual private network provider may leave Canada: NordVPN says it is reviewing its presence in the country due to the federal lawful access bill.

To keep an eye on

  • Transat absorbs an additional $70 million in fuel costs: The company is reducing some capacity and suspending its Cuba routes until November.
  • 26 airline passengers in Canada are being monitored for hantavirus as a precaution: No symptomatic cases have been reported in the country.

Main story

A provincial operation targeting online child exploitation led to 23 arrests, including in Laval

The Sûreté du Québec announced 23 arrests following an operation carried out from May 11 to 14 targeting online child sexual exploitation. Laval is among the cities involved, along with Montreal, Quebec City, Longueuil and Gatineau.

More than 160 officers took part in 25 searches. The men arrested are between 26 and 73 years old and face charges related to possession, distribution and access to child sexual abuse material.

The SQ also reported the seizure of more than four million files and the identification of four victims so far. Seven of the accused remain in custody.

It is the kind of news no one wants with their morning coffee, but it is also a reminder of the very real police work happening behind these cases, including here at home.

In detail

Montreal road closures could complicate weekend travel for many Laval residents

Montreal is entering a period of major road closures. Eastbound Route 136 will be closed in the Ville‑Marie tunnel from Friday at 11 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. for repairs, paving and line painting.

Nighttime disruptions are also planned at the Turcot Interchange until May 19. In addition, Highway 25 and the Louis‑Hippolyte‑La Fontaine tunnel will be closed in both directions overnight from Friday to Saturday for maintenance and upgrades.

A new phase of work on Highway 520 will also begin on May 20. For many Laval residents who need to travel through Montreal, it is worth checking Québec 511 before heading out to avoid a surprise detour that lasts longer than the destination itself.

Overtime strike at Hydro‑Québec does not affect regular service but could slow some projects

Two Hydro‑Québec unions representing about 9,000 employees have launched an unlimited strike by refusing overtime.

Hydro‑Québec says regular operations are not affected. However, some non‑urgent work and more complex operations could be delayed.

The collective agreements for these groups expired on December 31, 2023. One of the main points of contention is the use of subcontracting.

Digital health record rollout lacks technical support in CLSCs and CHSLDs, unions say

Quebec’s new digital health record is in a pilot phase in the CIUSSS du Nord‑de‑l’Île‑de‑Montréal and in Mauricie–Centre‑du‑Québec. On the ground, union representatives say CLSC and CHSLD teams lack the technical support needed to keep up.

The model relies on employees who help colleagues use the system, but several have stepped away from the role, saying it is heavier than expected. Requests for help are also piling up because some tools already used in frontline services do not integrate well with the new system.

During the transition, facilities are temporarily reducing non‑urgent services to 50 to 75 percent of normal levels. Unions warn that the adjustment period could last more than two weeks.

Coup de cœur

The lighter note of the day comes from the sports world, with La Victoire de Montréal taking the first game of the final. Nothing over the top, but enough to give a small boost to fans in Laval who enjoy seeing a local story shine a little beyond the rink.

Before we go

Thank you for starting your day with us.

Take care, keep an eye on your routes if you need to travel through Montreal, and we will see you tomorrow for more. ☕