Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 21, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today we look at public safety in Laval, and a few very practical updates that affect your wallet, your travel plans, and public services. There is also a bit of Montreal and a bit of Quebec in the mix, just enough to give you the useful picture before you head out.

What to know this morning

  • Laval police are looking for other potential victims after an arrest in a sexual assault case. A 38‑year‑old man faces several charges and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.
  • Couche‑Tard is offering a 10 cent per litre discount this afternoon. The promotion runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at participating stations while gas prices remain very high.
  • A flight to Detroit was diverted to Montreal due to Ebola‑related restrictions. The passenger involved was asymptomatic and was sent back to Paris.
  • La Victoire de Montréal has won the Walter Cup. The team defeated Ottawa 4–0.

To watch

  • Quebec wants to help reduce Hydro bills in older rental units. The updated program targets buildings constructed in 1995 or earlier.
  • Government engineers in Quebec are on strike. The movement began at midnight Wednesday and could intensify through June.
  • Quebec wants to help recent graduates find work. The measure could support up to 5,000 young people, according to the government.
  • Concerns persist around access to medical records in the DSN. Unions warn of security risks.

Montreal and surrounding areas

  • The Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival returns for its 25th anniversary. The free event runs from May 21 to 24 in downtown Montreal.
  • Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve is opening its doors to fans ahead of the Grand Prix. Some visitors can access pit lane and the garages before race weekend.
  • Montreal’s geyser continues to be costly. Legal claims now exceed 87 million dollars.
  • A new report says some heritage rules in Montreal are too strict. Héritage Montréal argues that converting heritage buildings remains overly complex.

Across Canada and beyond

  • Ottawa is investing 15 million dollars to clean up ghost fishing gear. The funding will be spread over three years.
  • Ontario plans to gradually replace Chinese‑made drones. The province says it wants to shift toward Canadian and allied manufacturers.
  • Canada has nominated General Jennie Carignan to lead NATO’s Military Committee. Her candidacy is now being promoted by Ottawa.
  • Canadian humanitarian workers are heading to Congo in response to the Ebola outbreak. Their work will include contact tracing and psychological support.

Top Story

Laval police ask the public to come forward after an arrest in a sexual assault case

Laval police are asking for the public’s help following the arrest of a 38‑year‑old man, Nicu Eduard Cristea, in an alleged sexual assault case.

The investigation suggests the victim met the suspect on the evening of April 25 at a Laval establishment. Investigators allege he provided her with alcohol and an intoxicating substance before taking her to his residence, where the assault occurred.

The man faces charges of administering a noxious substance, forcible confinement, and sexual assault. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Quebec Court on Friday.

Investigators believe there may be other victims. Anyone who has had contact with the suspect or has information related to the case is asked to contact Laval police and mention file LVL‑250425‑072.

In depth

Couche‑Tard’s temporary discount arrives as gas prices remain high

Reminder: Couche‑Tard will offer a 10 cent per litre discount between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday at participating stations across Canada while supplies last.

Pump prices should reflect the discount during that window. At several stations in the Montreal region, including Laval, gas was around 202.9 cents per litre Wednesday morning.

It is not a game changer, but at these prices even a small break becomes useful information.

A diverted flight to Montreal shows how Ebola‑related restrictions still have real effects

An Air France flight bound for Detroit was diverted to Montreal after a passenger was mistakenly allowed to board despite U.S. entry restrictions related to Ebola.

The passenger was assessed by a quarantine officer from the Public Health Agency of Canada. He was asymptomatic and was sent back to Paris.

The rest of the passengers continued on to Detroit. Montréal‑Trudeau airport said the situation had no impact on its operations.

La Victoire de Montréal wins the Walter Cup and returns to celebrate with fans

La Victoire de Montréal captured the Walter Cup with a 4–0 win over Ottawa in Game 4.

Abby Roque scored twice, Ann‑Renée Desbiens posted a 23‑save shutout, and Marie‑Philip Poulin was named playoff MVP.

The next day, the team was welcomed outside the Verdun Auditorium by fans who came out to celebrate. It may not be Laval, but on the North Shore and beyond, a win like this always finds a few people ready to raise their morning coffee a little higher.

Coup de Coeur

There is something genuinely uplifting about La Victoire’s triumphant return to their fans. It is not just about the trophy. It is about what it means when a team brings so many people together around the same moment.

To close

That covers the essentials this morning. Wishing you a smooth day, a few good updates between errands, and hopefully a tank of gas that hurts a little less than expected. ☕

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. May. 6, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

Today we stay close to home, with a call for witnesses in Laval, a story of perseverance on the North Shore, and a few updates that touch daily life more broadly across Québec and Canada. There is a bit of gastronomy, a bit of consumer news, and just enough concrete information to start your day without getting lost in the noise.

What to Know This Morning

  • Laval police reopen a 2024 attempted murder case: A command post has been set up on boulevard de l’Avenir to gather information from the public.
  • A Blainville artist continues her work despite serious health challenges: Catherine Lavoie keeps painting, drawing inspiration in part from the Montreal Canadiens.
  • Energy drinks pulled from Familiprix pharmacies: The Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec cites cardiovascular risks, especially when combined with certain medications.
  • Honda may slow its Canadian electric vehicle project: A media report suggests the company could shift its North American strategy toward hybrids.
  • Montréal earns two new Michelin stars: Sushi Nishinokaze and Hoogan et Beaufort join the list of one‑star restaurants.
  • Friday’s Lotto Max climbs to 80 million dollars in Québec: The draw includes a 70‑million‑dollar jackpot and an estimated 10 Maxmillions.
  • OpenAI violated privacy laws without facing penalties: The case is a reminder that these issues often move faster than our morning coffee.

Top Story

Laval police reopen investigation into the attempted murder of Ali Chaaban

Laval police are asking the public for help in the investigation into the February 2024 attempted murder of businessman Ali Chaaban. A command post was set up on May 6 near 1690 boulevard de l’Avenir.

On February 9, 2024, around 1 p.m., police received several 911 calls reporting gunshots in a commercial parking lot. Officers found 33‑year‑old Ali Chaaban with gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe the incident was linked to an attempted extortion. Police also say one of his businesses was targeted twice by acts of violence before shutting down.

The case remains very active, and the renewed call to the public shows investigators are still working to move concrete elements forward. For Laval, this is a heavy, deeply local story tied to broader public safety concerns.

In‑Depth Stories

In Blainville, Catherine Lavoie keeps painting despite surgery and serious health challenges

Blainville‑based artist Catherine Lavoie continues her work while recovering from surgery related to a likely benign brain tumour and a rare inner‑ear condition affecting her balance and hearing.

She says her work has evolved over the past seven years and remains driven by emotion, movement and instinct. Her style sits between abstract and figurative.

The Montreal Canadiens often appear in her creative world, especially during the playoffs, as a symbol of connection. In her current journey, painting seems to hold an even stronger place, both as an artistic practice and as an anchor.

Familiprix pharmacies remove energy drinks following pharmacists’ recommendation

The Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec recommends removing energy drinks from pharmacies due to cardiovascular risks when combined with psychostimulants and other medications.

Familiprix quickly announced the complete withdrawal of these products across its network. New signage will also encourage patients to discuss their energy drink consumption with their pharmacist.

The Association des bannières et des chaînes de pharmacies du Québec is asking the government to consider setting a minimum age for access. For families and young people, this is a very concrete issue tied to everyday consumption habits.

Honda may more clearly slow its 15‑billion‑dollar Canadian electric vehicle project

A media report says Honda Motor plans to more firmly pause development of its 15‑billion‑dollar Canadian electric vehicle complex.

The same report says weaker U.S. demand for electric vehicles could push the company to refocus its North American strategy on hybrids. Honda Canada says it has nothing to announce for now.

Even if the project does not directly affect Laval, decisions of this scale reach far beyond a single plant. When a major industrial investment slows in Canada, it draws attention well outside the auto sector.

Montréal adds two new Michelin stars to its culinary map

Two Montréal restaurants, Sushi Nishinokaze and Hoogan et Beaufort, have earned one Michelin star following the update to the Québec edition of the guide.

Montréal now has five one‑star restaurants, with Jérôme Ferrer‑Europea, Mastard and Sabayon keeping theirs. For residents of Laval and the North Shore, it is simply another excellent reason to cross the bridge with an appetite and a bit of planning.

Coup de Cœur

Catherine Lavoie’s story is a reminder that some people keep creating even when life decides to complicate the schedule. On the North Shore, that kind of perseverance feels both simple and powerful.

Wrapping Up

That’s your morning overview. Take what you need, keep a bit of momentum for the rest of the day, and move forward once again with that very local mix of caution, curiosity and coffee. ☕

Categories
News

Laval Police Temporarily Close Citizen Service Counters Due to Summer Staffing Challenges

Prioritizing Public Safety: Laval Police Temporarily Adjust Citizen Service Operations

Introduction:

The Laval police department (SPL) in Quebec, Canada, has announced the temporary closure of its citizen service counters during the summer season. The decision has been made to compensate for the limited staffing availability resulting from vacation periods. While this may inconvenience local residents who rely on these counters for direct police assistance and various services, the SPL emphasizes the need for increased police presence in the field during the busy summer months.

Staffing Constraints Amidst Busy Summer Season:

As the summer season unfolds, Laval experiences an upsurge in activities, increased traffic in public places, and an amplified presence of urban phenomena, such as gun violence. These factors necessitate a heightened presence of police officers on the streets, leading to a strain on available staffing resources. Consequently, the SPL has made the difficult decision to temporarily close its citizen service counters located on Adriend Street and Arthur-Sauvé Boulevard.

Reasoning Behind the Closure:

According to SPL spokesperson Stéphanie Beshara, the closure of the service counters is a necessary measure to ensure a sustained police presence in the field. The increased demands and challenges faced during the summer months, coupled with the vacation period for many officers, have stretched the available staff thin. By reallocating resources from the counters to active field duty, the SPL aims to effectively address public safety concerns, including gun violence, which has been a particular focus for the department.

Alternative Service Locations:

While the closure of the east and west Laval citizen service counters may inconvenience local residents, the SPL has provided alternative locations for individuals seeking police assistance. The Germanderie on Saint-Martin Boulevard, open 24/7, is advised as a primary reception point for residents in need of immediate assistance. Additionally, individuals can visit the SPL general headquarters on Chomedey Boulevard to access the required services during this temporary closure period.

Community Intervention Efforts and Crackdown on Gun Violence:

Earlier this month, the Laval police department unveiled plans to intensify community intervention efforts and combat gun violence. The decision to close the citizen service counters aligns with these initiatives, as it allows for a more focused deployment of officers in the field, targeting areas with higher crime rates. By increasing police visibility and strengthening community engagement, the SPL aims to foster a safer environment for Laval residents during the summer season.

Conclusion:

The temporary closure of the citizen service counters by the Laval police department reflects the challenging circumstances brought about by tight staffing availability during the summer season. The SPL recognizes the need for an increased police presence in the field to address public safety concerns. While alternative service locations have been provided to assist residents, the closure serves as a reminder of the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Laval community. As the summer unfolds, the SPL’s efforts to intensify community intervention and combat crime remain at the forefront of their mission.