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Laval Today. Oct. 10, 2026

Laval QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning,

This morning, we’re talking about a sports-filled weekend that’s going to complicate travel, the health of Laval residents with flu vaccination, and news that directly affects Desjardins users. We wish you a good read and a relaxing weekend, despite the detours.

What to know this morning

  • The Montreal Marathon closes Highway 25 and the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel toward the South Shore: Closures run from October 9 to 13, with detours via the Champlain Bridge and then the Jacques-Cartier Bridge starting October 11 at 11 p.m.
  • Reminder – The STL will hold three information evenings on its bus network overhaul: Workshops take place October 21, 26 and 29, and registration is required.
  • Desjardins modernises its credit card system: Some operations will be unavailable from October 12 to 20.
  • The Canadiens trade Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators: Montreal receives a 2027 second-round pick.

Chez nous

  • Le Cercle Saint-Martin raises $10,500 for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation: The Laval business group’s annual charity gala took place on October 2.
  • A new park in Orée-des-Bois honours Captain Molly Kool: Parc de la Capitaine-Molly-Kool, on rue Cousteau, has been inaugurated, with children’s play structures and a dog run.

Across Canada

  • The economy lost 68,000 jobs in September, and unemployment rose to 6.5%: Young people and women were hit hardest, and Quebec lost 49,000 jobs.
  • A Canadian arrested by the FBI in the ShinyHunters hacking case: The arrest is linked to the breach of the FBI’s jobs portal.
  • Jazz Aviation flight attendants ratify a new five-year agreement: The deal includes competitive wages and benefits, according to the company.

Main Story

Montreal Marathon closes Highway 25 and the tunnel to the South Shore, a headache for Laval residents

This weekend, Laval is front and centre for disruptions from the Beneva Montreal Marathon, celebrating its 34th edition with 35,000 participants. Major closures directly affect Laval motorists and taxis: Highway 25 and the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel are closed toward the South Shore from October 9 to 13.

For those who need to cross, detours will go via the Champlain Bridge, then via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge starting October 11 at 11 p.m. It’s the kind of announcement that can turn an ordinary commute into a real logistical nightmare. And let’s face it, it’s not exactly what you dream about before your first cup of coffee.

If the South Shore is on your agenda, build in some extra time or consider booking your taxi in advance. The runners will be fast, but traffic is likely to be much slower.

In Detail

Flu season expected to start early, experts recommend getting vaccinated quickly

Respiratory disease experts are unanimous: flu season is starting early this year. Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist at McMaster University, advises getting vaccinated as soon as possible, as the vaccine takes about two weeks to take effect. “We’re heading into an early season, so the advice is clear,” she says.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. A higher-dose version is suggested for those 65 and over. Vaccination is particularly important for children, especially those with asthma or other health conditions. Pregnant women are also a priority group, as a severe infection can be problematic for both mother and baby.

For COVID-19, the vaccine is strongly recommended for those 65 and over, long-term care residents and immunocompromised individuals. The RSV vaccine is also available for infants with risk factors as well as for people 75 and older. In short, now’s the time to book your appointment.

Desjardins modernizing its credit cards, some operations suspended from October 12 to 20

Desjardins credit card users will have to be patient next week. The financial institution is modernizing its management system and some operations will be unavailable from October 12 to 20.

Desjardins hasn’t specified exactly which operations will be affected, but it’s wise to plan your important transactions accordingly. If you have a payment to make or a purchase to complete, it’s better to do it before or after this window.

Canadiens trade Jayden Struble to Nashville

Defenceman Jayden Struble is leaving Montreal. The Canadiens traded him to the Nashville Predators in return for a 2nd-round pick in 2027. A transaction that adds depth to the organization, but leaves a gap on the ice.

Coup de coeur

The story of Cercle Saint-Martin reminds us that local solidarity often takes root in simple gestures. A gala, a silent auction, and there you have $10,500 for pediatric care. It’s beautiful proof that business connections can also weave connections of the heart.

In Closing

We wish you a well-paced weekend, despite the detours. Whether you’re running the marathon or staying warm and cozy, take time to breathe. In Laval as elsewhere, the small everyday victories count.

Until next time. ☕

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Daily

Laval Today. Oct. 9, 2026

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. ☕

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Daily

Laval Today. Sep. 29, 2026

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! ☕

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Explainers

Paying with Debit Cards in Public Transportation: Convenience and Considerations

The Société de transport de Laval (STL) has introduced a new payment option for its users, allowing them to pay their bus fare using Interac debit cards, contactless. This marks the first implementation of such a system in the province, with ambitions to expand it throughout the metropolitan area in the near future.

Jocelyne Frédéric-Gauthier, Chair of the STL’s Board of Directors, believes that this new payment option will address one of the barriers to using public transportation: purchasing tickets. The newly installed terminals on Laval buses allow passengers to simply tap their debit cards, phones, or even smartwatches if their banking information is registered, granting them access to the bus. Currently, this “contactless” technology only allows the purchase of individual tickets, not long-term subscriptions.

Passengers will be able to transfer within a two-hour period, similar to the existing OPUS card system. By re-tapping the same card used for payment, they can enjoy the convenience of seamless transfers.

It will be possible to make a transfer within a two-hour period, similar to the existing system with OPUS cards. Simply tapping the same card used for payment will allow for seamless transfers, providing convenience.

While this innovation represents another milestone in STL’s service modernization, as they have already offered credit card payment options on some buses for several years, it is essential to consider the potential risks associated with using debit cards for transportation fees.

One of the dangers lies in the increased vulnerability to fraudulent activities. Debit cards are directly linked to a user’s bank account, and in the event of unauthorized access or skimming devices, the possibility of financial loss becomes a concern. It is crucial for users to remain vigilant and adopt secure practices, such as regularly monitoring their account activity and immediately reporting any suspicious transactions.

While paying with debit cards in public transportation offers undeniable convenience, it is crucial to be aware of the associated risks. By taking appropriate precautions, users can enjoy this payment option while protecting their financial information.

source: https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/grand-montreal/2023-06-14/stl/le-paiement-par-interac-maintenant-accepte-une-premiere-au-quebec.php

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