Laval QC ☕ The morning causerie
Good morning,
This morning, we’re talking about a major affordable housing project taking shape in Laval, the Rocket’s 10th anniversary celebrations, and a few practical reminders for the long weekend. Enjoy the read.
What to know this morning
- The Canadiens fall 5-2 to Nashville: Jacob Fowler made his first start of the season in the loss, after being called up from the Rocket.
Around Town
- Carré Laval to be managed by a social utility trust: A first at this scale, led by former Rona CEO Robert Dutton.
- Laval Rocket celebrates 10 years in Laval: The Canadiens’ farm team has carved out a prime spot in the market, with an average of 9,946 spectators per game in 2025-2026.
- STL to hold three information sessions on bus network overhaul: Laval residents are invited to share their public transit needs, with workshops scheduled for October 21, 26, and 29.
Top Story
Carré Laval, one of Quebec’s largest affordable housing projects, to be managed by a social utility trust
Carré Laval, one of Quebec’s largest affordable housing projects, will be managed by a social utility trust, a first at this scale. The initiative is being led by former Rona CEO Robert Dutton.
This structure aims to protect the project from political uncertainties, ensuring long-term stability for residents.
In Detail
Laval Rocket celebrates 10 years of success in Laval
The 2026-2027 season marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Laval Rocket. The Montreal Canadiens’ farm team had previously played in Hamilton as the Bulldogs from 2002 to 2015, then temporarily in St. John’s, Newfoundland, becoming the IceCaps for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 campaigns. The move to Laval took place during the 2017-2018 season.
For Patrick Hum, director of sales and marketing for the Laval Rocket, the decision to bring the club back to the greater metropolitan area was the right one. Ten years later, the Laval organization has carved out its place in the market.
In 2025-2026, the Rocket welcomed an average of 9,946 spectators per game, placing it second in the AHL behind the Cleveland Monsters (11,531). Since this summer, the team has officially ranked first in the league for full season ticket sales, surpassing the Hershey Bears.
STL to hold three information sessions on bus network overhaul
As part of a major consultation on overhauling its network by 2028, the Société de transport de Laval will hold three information and discussion sessions to hear from the public about their expectations and needs for public transit in Laval.
The current bus network structure dates back to the opening of Laval’s metro stations in 2007. The process concerns exclusively the STL’s regular bus and collective taxi network; adapted transit and integrated school transportation are excluded from this consultation.
The workshops will take place as follows:
- Wednesday, October 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Collège Letendre (1000 Boulevard de l’Avenir, Laval-des-Rapides), for the entire Laval territory.
- Monday, October 26, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Centre communautaire Accès (6500 Boulevard Arthur-Sauvé, Laval-Ouest), for the western sectors of Île Jésus.
- Thursday, October 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Pavillon du Bois Papineau (3235 Boulevard Saint-Martin Est, Duvernay), for eastern Laval.
Registration is mandatory, as space is limited. First come, first served applies.
Coup de Coeur
The Laval Rocket is much more than a hockey team. It’s a story of belonging that’s been written over ten years, driven by fans who have made Place Bell a true cauldron. A distinctly Laval pride.
In Closing
We wish you a smooth Friday, a full long weekend, and if you’re hitting the road, clear traffic. In Laval, good news keeps coming, and it’s always great to be part of it. ☕
