Laval QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning,
Today, we’re talking about news that hits close to home: the STL wants to rethink public transit and needs your input. We also bring you the heartwarming story of a young Laval boy who met his idol, and we round up the roadwork and deadlines you need to know. A good way to start the day.
What to know this morning
- STL launches major consultation on the future of public transit in Laval: Residents are invited to share their views by the end of October to help shape a network overhaul planned for 2028.
- Leylah Annie Fernandez wins the Singapore Open: The Laval native beat Australia’s Talia Gibson in straight sets (7-5, 6-0) and moves up to 23rd in the world.
- FC Supra changes head coach: Nick Razzaghi is replaced by Kyt Selaidopoulos, who joins from Forge FC with two championships under his belt.
- 68-year-old man missing in Sainte-Rose: Laval police issue a Silver Alert for Juan Castro-Saavedra.
- Closures on the 20 and the Lafontaine tunnel: Paving work will shut down the 20 in Boucherville on October 1 and 2.
In our community
- First splash pads for Laval-Ouest: The city is investing $6.2 million in Parc Laval-Ouest for a four-season chalet and splash pads, a first for the area.
- Abortion rights: all five parties commit: The Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances says every party in the National Assembly will renew the government action plan.
Across Canada
- Stelco announces up to 500 layoffs: The company cites its “survival” in the face of U.S. tariffs on steel, which can reach 50%.
- Trump says he expects a trade deal with Canada soon: Import bans on some Canadian products take effect Tuesday.
Main story
STL wants to rethink public transit in Laval and launches broad public consultation
The Société de transport de Laval (STL) announced Monday the launch of a wide-ranging public consultation with Laval residents. The goal: gather the needs, concerns, and ideas of citizens to design a network that is optimized, more efficient, and better suited to today’s and tomorrow’s mobility realities.
This consultation comes as the recent removal of school bus routes has sparked frustration on the network. The work will lead to a redesign of the regular network planned for 2028.
To reach a broad cross-section of residents, the STL will use three complementary participation methods. First, a dedicated website will offer an online questionnaire on how the current network is working and what priorities matter for the future. Then, starting in early October, two teams will meet people at high-traffic locations. Special attention will go to young people, who make up nearly 60% of Laval transit ridership. Finally, three participatory public sessions will bring together residents, customers, organizations, and community representatives for themed discussions.
The STL wants to make the network more attractive, better aligned with metropolitan directions, and improve access to places of interest with an eye to social equity. Dates and locations for the public sessions will be posted on the project’s dedicated website.
In detail
Leylah Annie Fernandez wins the Singapore Open, her first title of the season
Laval’s Leylah Annie Fernandez claimed her first title of the 2026 season by beating Australia’s Talia Gibson in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0, in the final of the Singapore Open, a WTA 500 event.
Seeded sixth, Fernandez had an almost perfect week, dropping just one set on her way to the title. In the quarterfinals, she eliminated favourite Mirra Andreeva in two sets, a second straight win over the world No. 5. She then beat Poland’s Maja Chwalinska in three sets before dispatching Gibson in the final.
It’s Fernandez’s second career title at the 500 level. With the win, the 24-year-old jumped three spots in the rankings to No. 23 on the WTA. Next up is the China Open in Beijing, from September 30 to October 6, where she gets a first-round bye.
FC Supra changes head coach mid-inaugural season
FC Supra du Québec has fired Nick Razzaghi as head coach. He’ll be replaced by Kyt Selaidopoulos, who joins the club based at Stade Boréale in Laval after six seasons with Forge FC.
Razzaghi was the first head coach in the Laval club’s history, which is currently playing its inaugural season in the Canadian Premier League (CPL). He posted a 7-4-12 record in league play and led the team to a semifinal in the Canadian Championship. The club also announced the departure of assistant coach Ramtin Maherpour.
A Montreal native, Selaidopoulos helped Forge FC win two straight CPL championships in 2022 and 2023, plus two CPL Shields in 2024 and 2025. President Rocco Placentino says “it’s the right time for this change” with five games left. Selaidopoulos will also serve as FC Supra’s sporting director.
68-year-old man missing in Sainte-Rose: police issue Silver Alert
Laval police (SPL) are looking for Juan Castro-Saavedra, 68, last seen on the morning of Sunday, September 27. The Laval senior reportedly left his home in the Sainte-Rose neighbourhood on foot and hasn’t been seen since.
His loved ones fear for his safety because of cognitive issues and difficulty walking. He has gotten lost in nearby streets before.
Juan Castro-Saavedra is of Latin American origin and speaks Spanish and French. He is 1.80 m tall and weighs 75 kg. He has brown eyes and brown hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a yellow t-shirt, grey shorts, black socks pulled up to his calves, and white sneakers.
Anyone with information can call Laval police’s confidential info line at 450 662-INFO (4636) or 911, referencing file LVL 260927 060.
Closures on the 20 and the Lafontaine tunnel: what you need to know for your commute
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is announcing closures on Highway 20 near Boucherville for paving work. The 20 will be fully closed eastbound between exit 95 (De Montarville Boulevard) and the De Montarville Boulevard entrance, from Thursday, October 1 at 10 p.m. to Friday, October 2 at 5 a.m. Westbound, the full closure runs from Friday, October 2 at 11 p.m. to Saturday, October 3 at 8 a.m.
The Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel will stay open during the week of September 28 to October 4. However, over the long weekend of October 9 to 13, Highway 25 southbound, including the tunnel, will be fully closed starting at the Anjou interchange. The 25 northbound will also be fully closed at night. More details to come.
Before heading out, it’s recommended to check Québec 511 to plan your trips.
Favourite pick
Young Canadiens fan meets his idol Jakub Dobeš
The story of Massimo, a 10-year-old neurodivergent Montrealer, is a reminder that sport can be a bridge to pure joy. Thanks to his family’s persistence and the generosity of goaltender Jakub Dobeš, the boy had an unforgettable meeting, complete with a signed stick and a moment of humanity. A beautiful proof that small gestures matter.
To wrap up
We wish you a day full of nice surprises, like the one Massimo had. And if you take public transit, don’t forget to make your voice heard in the STL consultation. Happy Tuesday! ☕