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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˜•

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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˜•

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Laval Today. May. 20, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The daily chat

Good morning,

Today we are keeping an eye on what affects daily life most directly: transportation, gas prices, publicโ€‘sector work and a few files that raise very concrete questions for Laval. We also add a bit of sports, culture and public health to cover the essentials without overwhelming your morning coffee.

What to know this morning

  • Driver who fell from the Lavalโ€“รŽleโ€‘Bizard ferry: warning signs existed as far back as 2021 Transport Canada had already flagged issues with the lifeboat and crew training, problems that have resurfaced today.
  • Coucheโ€‘Tard offering a 10โ€‘centโ€‘perโ€‘litre discount on Thursday Participating stations will apply the discount between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Quebec government engineers begin a strike at midnight The walkout is set to last one day to start, with the possibility of escalating through June.
  • Public figures call for better coordination on homelessness Pauline Marois and about thirty public figures are calling for a national summit on homelessness by 2027.
  • FIFA World Cup could cost governments more than 1 billion dollars The estimated average cost is 82 million dollars per match in Canada.

To watch for

  • School deprivation index For the 2024โ€“2025 school year, 689 elementary schools and 194 high schools are classified as disadvantaged in Quebec according to the IMSE.
  • Transport ministry cannot impose openโ€‘concept offices on its engineers A grievance arbitrator has ruled that designated workstations must be provided.
  • Snowbirds grounded until the early 2030s The current fleet will be replaced with new aircraft.

Across Canada and around the world

  • Ebola in Central Africa Global Affairs Canada says it is not aware of any Canadians affected, while the government advises against travel to the Ituri province.
  • CERB fraud Eight people from Ottawa, Gatineau and Montreal face charges in a 364,000โ€‘dollar cyberfraud case.
  • Gaza flotilla Anita Anand has requested that Israel’s ambassador be summoned after the interception of a flotilla in which 11 Canadians were detained.
  • San Diego The perpetrators of a mosque shooting reportedly met online.

Main story

Lavalโ€“รŽleโ€‘Bizard ferry raises new questions after concerns flagged as early as 2021

A driver was swept into the Riviรจre des Prairies when the ferry detached from the dock during unloading, a chaotic scene that was filmed and widely shared.

The inspection carried out four days later uncovered seven nonโ€‘conformities: a locked lifeboat, a buoy whose rope became jammed, missing inspection records and a crew that was not adequately trained for emergencies. These issues had already been identified in 2021 but were never corrected in a lasting way.

The incident also echoes a case from four years earlier, when a driver found herself only halfway onto the ferry as it pulled away too soon. She tried to alert authorities, without success. Two similar events, two ignored warnings.

For people in the area and for those who rely on this crossing, the issue goes beyond technical details. Trust in a basic public service has been shaken, especially in a stretch of river where the current is strong and small mistakes can quickly turn dangerous.

In detail

Coucheโ€‘Tard gas discount arrives as prices remain high in Quebec

Participating Coucheโ€‘Tard stations will offer a 10โ€‘centโ€‘perโ€‘litre discount on Thursday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., while supplies last. The price displayed at the pump will include the discount.

For many drivers, it is not the kind of news that changes an entire week, but it is enough to influence the timing of a detour. And when it comes to gas, these small calculations have become part of the routine whether we like it or not.

Quebec government engineers begin a strike during a critical period

Government engineers are launching a oneโ€‘day strike starting at midnight.

The APIGQ represents 1,900 members, mainly at the Ministry of Transport but also in other departments. The union says negotiations are at a standstill and the movement could intensify through June.

The key point here is timing. The conflict arrives during an important period for authorizing and launching infrastructure projects. Even when a strike seems far from everyday life, it rarely is when it affects the machinery behind public works.

Calls for better coordination on homelessness across Quebec

Thirty public figures, including former premier Pauline Marois, researchers, community leaders and union representatives, are asking the government to organize a national summit on homelessness by June 2027.

Their message is straightforward: current responses are too fragmented. They want a shared approach that aligns cities, community groups and the provincial government. For Laval, the issue is very concrete, touching frontline services, public space and the capacity of the social safety net to keep up with reality on the ground.

Ebola in Central Africa: Canada advises against certain travel and reports no Canadians affected

Global Affairs Canada says it is not aware of any Canadians affected by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The government is advising against travel to Ituri, a region where thousands of Canadians are registered. Federal authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

For families with relatives abroad or upcoming travel plans, this remains a file to watch.

Coup de coeur

Todayโ€™s cultural highlight comes from Montreal, with the return of the Mario Bartolini exhibition and an activity designed for children. Watching art move from a studio to a gallery and then into small paintโ€‘covered hands is a good reminder that culture thrives when it circulates.

In closing

Thank you for making space for this read in your morning. Take what is useful, leave the rest for later and move into your day with a bit more clarity than you had a moment ago. โ˜•