Tag: politics

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. October 3, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The morning chat

Good morning,

With two days to go before the vote, the election campaign is in full swing, and Laval is no exception: the City is tightening its demolition rules, the Rocket is opening its season, and Highway 13 is finally reopening. Plenty to start the weekend with the news that matters to you.

What to know this morning

  • Laval tightens demolition rules: Starting October 6, buildings with 10 or more units will be subject to the Demolition of Buildings Regulation, a measure to preserve affordable rental housing.
  • Rocket de Laval lose 2-0 in season opener: The Syracuse Crunch shut out the Rocket at Place Bell, despite 29 saves from Jacob Fowler.
  • Highway 13 reopens Sunday in Laval: The southbound stretch between boulevard Sainte-Rose and Autoroute 440 will be accessible again after 20 weeks of work.
  • Maison des arts de Laval celebrates 40 years: The Espace musรฉal Alfred-Pellan presents the exhibition “Une รฎle n’est pas l’autre” until January 3, 2027.

In our community

  • TCVCASL urges against trivializing domestic violence: After the death of a 77-year-old woman in Laval, the organization calls for concrete action to better support victims.
  • Englobe, a Laval firm, acquires an Ontario company: The deal with C.F. Crozier & Associates involves 200 professionals and aims to strengthen its national presence.

Across Canada

  • CRTC creates reporting standard for cell coverage: Providers will have to report network quality to help Canadians compare and report dead zones.
  • Carney government launches AI Council: The council will bring together 13 experts, including Quebec’s Yoshua Bengio, a pioneer in artificial intelligence.

Main story

Laval tightens demolition rules to protect affordable housing

Starting Tuesday, October 6, buildings with 10 or more units in Laval will be subject to the Demolition of Buildings Regulation. The city council is thus expanding a regulation that has governed the demolition of heritage buildings since 2019.

Mayor Stรฉphane Boyer’s administration wants to preserve the supply of affordable rental housing and protect the most vulnerable tenants. The decision follows a gap in the rules highlighted in winter 2025, after dozens of low-income households on boulevard Cartier fell victim to a “renoviction” in Laval-des-Rapides.

Four buildings with 16 units each have since been demolished to make way for two six-storey buildings that will eventually total 162 units, with an investment of at least $30 million.

Over the past year, the urban planning department has seen an increase in requests to replace mid-rise residential buildings with larger projects. These demolitions add pressure on the affordable rental market and on organizations helping displaced tenants.

“The goal is not to systematically prevent the demolition of these buildings, but to analyze requests according to the objectives and criteria set out in the law,” reads a decision summary sent to the executive committee last August.

In detail

Rocket de Laval lose 2-0 to Syracuse Crunch in opener

The Rocket de Laval opened their 2026-2027 season with a 2-0 loss to the Syracuse Crunch on Friday night at Place Bell. The start was tough for the Laval squad, which had eight new players in the lineup, combined with a shortened training camp and no preseason games.

Goaltender Jacob Fowler made 29 saves, keeping the Rocket in the game. “You could see it was really cohesion and execution [that was the problem],” said Daniel Jacob, who coached his first game as head coach. “We were really east-west instead of north-south. I would have been really angry if it was a lack of effort, but it wasn’t, and we saw things start to come together in the third.”

Despite a pre-game ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the club’s arrival in Laval, the Crunch set the pace from the first period. Sam O’Reilly stripped Alex Belzile of the puck in the offensive zone, then fed Nick Abruzzese, left alone in the slot, who only had to slide it behind Fowler.

Veteran Laurent Dauphin summed up the night: “For sure it wasn’t a good game for us. We have a lot of new guys and the other team had pretty much the same squad. We expected it to be tough, but we didn’t deliver.”

Highway 13 reopens Sunday after 20 weeks of work in Laval

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility announces the planned reopening this Sunday, October 4, of a stretch of Highway 13 in Laval. It’s the southbound section between boulevard Sainte-Rose and Autoroute 440 (Jean-Noรซl-Lavoie).

Since June 13, southbound traffic has been using the service road, with an extra lane available during the morning rush hour on the opposite carriageway. This closure was needed to rebuild the concrete slab of the highway in that area. The project, which began on May 18, will soon be complete.

Some temporary closures may still be needed during the day until full completion, expected around the end of October, such as partial closures of the southbound service road.

Maison des arts de Laval celebrates 40 years with anniversary exhibition

The Espace musรฉal Alfred-Pellan marked its 40th anniversary on September 27 with the exhibition “Une รฎle n’est pas l’autre,” on view until January 3, 2027, at the Maison des arts de Laval, in Laval-des-Rapides. The public was invited to discover the exhibition in the presence of several visual artists, followed by a tribute show at the Thรฉรขtre des Muses.

“The event was magical, very moving,” says Jasmine Colizza, artistic director of the Espace musรฉal Alfred-Pellan, who has worked there since 2009. “I have a talented team that I thank.”

This anniversary year also marks a name change: the Alfred-Pellan room becomes the Espace musรฉal Alfred-Pellan, a name that better reflects its scientific vocation. Each year, the Maison des arts welcomes more than 45,000 visitors around six exhibitions. “There have been more than 300 exhibitions in 40 years,” says Ms. Colizza. “The museum space is 400 square metres, which is very rare. It’s an incredible playground for artists.”

The exhibition brings together five artists: Pierre Bourgault, Andrรฉanne Godin, Yen-Chao Lin, Fatima Zohra Ouardani, and Yann Pocreau. “This exhibition revisits the founding idea of insularity in forms that are as poetic as they are surprising,” says the artistic director. “The 33 new or rarely shown works offer as many ways to inhabit, dream, and represent the island.”

Coup de Cล“ur

The gesture of Malek Alphonse, an 18-year-old Laval resident, reminds us that local talent deserves to be celebrated. Recipient of a $2,500 scholarship from the Maizon Dort Foundation, he embodies this next generation that combines sport and studies with determination. A great example for the community.

To close

We wish you a pleasant weekend, with a touch of local pride, whether by supporting the Rocket or visiting an exhibition. And don’t forget: on Sunday, Highway 13 reopens, but the work might still cause a few surprises. Safe travels! โ˜•

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. Sep. 23, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The morning chat

Good morning,

This morning, we look back at a troubling evening in Chomedey, a Laval initiative giving a voice to people with disabilities in the middle of the election campaign, and a Montreal festival opening today. A good way to start the day with an accurate picture of what’s moving around us.

What to remember this morning

  • Attempted murder near the Carrefour Multisports in Laval: A young man in his twenties was hit by more than one projectile, Monday evening around 10:20 p.m., near the outdoor facilities of the Chomedey sports complex.
  • Provincial police search for murder suspect who may be in Laval: Ayoub Mohamed, 19, is actively wanted in connection with the murder of Jordan Gagnรฉ on September 4 in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
  • C.I.EAU launches Audieau, an audio trail in Sainte-Rose: The public can access it for free from September 25 to 27, as part of Culture Days.
  • Radio-Canada leaders’ debate tonight: From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., on all Radio-Canada platforms.
  • Montreal International Black Film Festival is back: The 22nd edition runs from September 23 to 27 with 70 films from 21 countries.

At home

  • Charles Milliard’s Liberals hold assembly in Laval: Several hundred supporters gathered at the Sheraton Laval on September 21, as the campaign enters its final two weeks.
  • Culture Days: dozens of free activities in Laval: The 30th Culture Days will take place on September 25, 26, and 27, including the Signรฉ Laval cultural market.
  • Boil-water advisory or water interruption in five Laval neighbourhoods: Addresses in Pont-Viau, Laval-des-Rapides, Chomedey, Duvernay, and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul are affected.

In Canada

  • Federal health minister rules out easing nicotine pouch rules: Marjorie Michel says it’s “not an option” she’s considering, despite industry pressure and Conservative promises.
  • RCMP tells families there are no more leads in Air India Flight 182 bombing: The investigation moves to “inactive status,” a shock to victims’ relatives.
  • Carney promises $100 million in additional aid for Palestinians: The announcement was made on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Main story

Young man shot near Carrefour Multisports in Chomedey

Several people called 911 on Monday evening around 10:20 p.m. to report gunshots heard near the Carrefour Multisports, located in an enclave bounded to the south by Boulevard Saint-Elzรฉar, to the west by Boulevard Daniel-Johnson, and to the east by Highway 15.

When they arrived, Laval police (SPL) patrol officers found a young man in his twenties, hit by more than one projectile. Known to police, the victim was taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

“We’re at the very beginning of the investigation, so no arrests have been made yet,” said SPL spokesperson Officer Nicolas Mongeau. A large perimeter was set up around the scene.

Investigators from the major crimes unit and SPL crime scene technicians were called in to determine the causes and circumstances of the event.

Anyone who witnessed the incident can contact Laval police confidentially via their info line at 450 662-INFO (4636).

In detail

ROPPHL raises candidates’ awareness of the reality of people with disabilities in Laval

The Regroupement des organismes de promotion de personnes handicapรฉes de Laval (ROPPHL) held its 2nd ร‰lectorallye on September 17, aimed at those running in the October 5 provincial election.

Eight candidates from Quรฉbec solidaire, the Parti quรฉbรฉcois, the Quebec Liberal Party, and the Coalition avenir Quรฉbec agreed to tour the booths of organizations serving Laval residents with disabilities.

“There are nearly 70,000 people with disabilities aged 15 and over in Laval, not counting their loved ones, and we hear very little about them during elections,” said Kim Joly, executive director of ROPPHL.

Through games and simulations, the ร‰lectorallye aimed to give candidates a taste of the daily realities faced by disabled people in Laval.

Adapted transport was a key topic. “There are 1.8 million fewer trips planned next year in the metropolitan region, which will likely lead to prioritization,” said Annie Desrosiers, director of the Association lavalloise pour le transport adaptรฉ (ALTA).

Montreal International Black Film Festival celebrates 22nd edition

The Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) is back from September 23 to 27, with a lineup of 70 films from 21 countries. It is the largest bilingual Black film festival in Canada.

Wednesday’s opening night features the Quebec premiere of The Eyes of Ghana, from Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, with Michelle and Barack Obama as executive producers.

The festival also highlights local talent, with special screenings at the Cinรฉma du Musรฉe and Concordia University, including Coeur de motard by Will Prosper, which tells the story of a local motorcycle gang that helps youth overcome adversity.

Several free screenings are offered across Montreal for a seventh consecutive year.

Radio-Canada leaders’ debate, final face-off before the vote

The leaders’ debate takes place tonight from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on all Radio-Canada platforms. It’s the last debate of the campaign, less than two weeks before the October 5 vote.

Leaders must both convince and please, as recent polls show the Parti quรฉbรฉcois leading in voting intentions, with the Conservatives gaining ground as a second choice.

Coup de Cล“ur

The ROPPHL’s ร‰lectorallye is a great example of what local politics can do best: moving beyond grand speeches to put candidates in the shoes of those they want to represent. A lesson in closeness worth highlighting, at a time when promises are flying.

To wrap up

We wish you a day that starts well, despite the construction and water advisories that sometimes complicate daily life. And if you have a moment tonight, the leaders’ debate promises to be a good opportunity to better understand the choices before us. โ˜•

Categories
Daily

Laval Today. Sep. 22, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The morning chat

Good morning,

Today we’re talking about social housing in Laval, closures on Highway 440, and the election campaign heating up two weeks before the vote. Enjoy the read.

What to remember this morning

  • 230 social housing units in Pont-Viau: a major step forward: The City has committed to selling a 50,000-square-foot lot to the non-profit Interloge for a minimum of $4 million, subject to conditions.
  • Night closures on Highway 440 in Laval starting tonight: The Ministry of Transport is inspecting structures, with disruptions scheduled from September 21 to 23.
  • Montreal blue-collar strike avoided: A tentative agreement was reached with the City, suspending the seven-day strike that was set to begin Tuesday.
  • Judge extends bilingual voter card requirement until election day: The Quebec Superior Court decision is extended until October 5.

In our community

  • Hockey Laval registrations up: 2,848 young players registered for the 2026-2027 season, a 2.8% increase over last year, with a 17% jump among girls.
  • Laval police seeking victims of counterfeit money: A 19-year-old was arrested for using counterfeit currency, and investigators fear there are more victims.

Across Canada

  • Carney won’t back down on digital services tax: The Prime Minister is sticking with his decision to eliminate the tax and online broadcasters’ contributions, despite criticism from the Bloc Quรฉbรฉcois.
  • Over 1,500 doctors call for public inquiry into physician suicides: A letter was sent to Quebec’s chief coroner after five deaths reported since March 2026.

Main story

230 social housing units in Pont-Viau: a major step forward

The project led by the non-profit housing organization Interloge, aiming to build 230 non-profit units on the heritage site of the former Convent of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, has just cleared a major hurdle. A resolution passed at the last council meeting confirms the agreement in principle under which the City, subject to certain conditions, commits to selling a roughly 50,000-square-foot lot to Interloge for a minimum of $4 million.

This move is part of the non-profit’s broader effort, which is seeking funding from various backers, including the Sociรฉtรฉ d’habitation du Quรฉbec (SHQ) and Maisons Canada, the federal Crown corporation created last year to speed up affordable housing construction across the country.

The agreement is conditional on securing the required financing and on offering affordable rents as defined in the maximum rent grid of the Affordable Housing Program (PHAQ) administered by the SHQ.

In detail

Night closures on Highway 440 in Laval starting tonight

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is advising the public that work will cause night closures on Highway 440 (Jean-Noรซl-Lavoie) from September 21 to 23. These closures are needed to inspect structures on this Laval highway.

From Monday, September 21 at 11 p.m. to Tuesday, September 22 at 4 a.m., Highway 440 westbound will be closed at Route 125 (Pie-IX Boulevard), and one of two lanes on the eastbound service road will be closed.

From Tuesday, September 22 at 11 p.m. to Wednesday, September 23 at 5 a.m., three closures are planned, including Highway 440 eastbound at Route 125. Other closures include the ramp from the eastbound service road to eastbound Highway 440 between Michel-Ange Boulevard and Route 125, and one of two lanes on the westbound service road.

During the work, detours will be marked with temporary signage. If there are operational constraints or bad weather, the work could be postponed.

Montreal blue-collar strike avoided: tentative agreement reached with the City

Montreal’s blue-collar workers have reached a tentative agreement with the City on a new collective agreement, avoiding a seven-day strike that was to begin Tuesday. The roughly 6,600 union members will need to ratify the deal in the coming weeks.

“The blue-collar workers have been patient and tenacious,” said local union president Nicolas De Ciccio in a statement. “Without a collective agreement for nearly two years, they held firm, and that’s what led us to a settlement.”

The blue-collar collective agreement had expired on January 1, 2025. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada called the deal “good news for Montreal.” “I want to acknowledge the work done by both sides to reach this agreement,” she said. “It shows the importance of dialogue and our ability to find solutions together.”

Judge extends bilingual voter card requirement until election day

The Quebec Superior Court on Monday morning extended the requirement for ร‰lections Quรฉbec to prepare voter reminder cards in both French and English until October 5, election day. Justice Sylvain Lussier’s ruling suspends certain provisions of the Charter of the French Language until 11:59 p.m. on October 5.

The language controversy stems from legislation passed in 2022 requiring public institutions to communicate with citizens in French, with few exceptions. ร‰lections Quรฉbec initially sent out voting guides in French only, with a QR code for English information, but that code was criticized by the English-language group TALQ, which saw it as a barrier to voting.

Justice Lussier acknowledged a risk of “irreparable harm” for Quebecers who don’t understand French. Voters head to the polls on October 5.

Coup de Cล“ur

The walk in Dollard-des-Ormeaux to end polycystic kidney disease brought together hundreds of people, including Luisa Miniaci-Di Leo, who survived a double liver and kidney transplant. Her story reminds us that research and community support can turn hardship into hope.

In closing

We wish you a full day, with smooth commutes and a little time to breathe. In Laval, good news often comes in the details.

See you tomorrow. โ˜•