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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. ☕

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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.