Author name: The Laval News

In the picture from left to right: Aldo Geloso, President Groupe Geloso, Virginie Dufour, MNA for Mille-Îles, Isabelle Piché, councillor for Saint-François, David De Cotis, councillor for Saintt-Bruno, Jean Gagnon, director-general of Centre de bénévolat et moisson Laval, and Christopher Skeete, Quebec MNA for Sainte-Rose.

Martin C. Barry

Action Laval city councillors David De Cotis (Saint-Bruno) and Isabelle Piché (Saint-François) spent most of a morning and an afternoon one day last weekend helping to deliver Christmas baskets to needy families all over the Laval region.

The Laval city council colleagues (who are also a husband-and-wife team) volunteered their time and resources to the Centre de bénévolat/Moisson Laval to see that families in Laval that are less fortunate might have some Christmas joy in their lives during the upcoming holidays.

“We wanted to give of our time to see that citizens in need in Laval received what they needed,” said De Cotis, while adding both he and Piché do a fair amount of hands-on volunteering.

Melanie Massarelli, a former LJA educator who is now director of membership welfare for the Laurier Teachers’ Union, said in an interview with The Laval News that the LTU members have many of the same grievances as their counterparts in other provincial teachers’ unions.

Martin C. Barry

For parents of children attending Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board schools where rotating teacher strikes have disrupted many families’ lives, there’s a promise of labour peace until January at least, although strike action could resume then if the provincial government and the teachers don’t arrive at an agreement.

Picket line solidarity

Several hundred teachers from SWLSB schools and vocational centres from all over the board’s territory – including Laval but also the Lanaudière and Laurentian regions – gathered outside Laval Junior Academy on Daniel Johnson Blvd. earlier this month for a noisy picket line demonstration of solidarity.

Support lacking: union

The complaints centre largely around classroom working conditions and the pedagogical integration of students. “Unfortunately, as a generality there is no support for the teachers,” she said, noting that teaching students with disabilities has become a key issue because classroom assistance is lacking.

“There’s definitely understaffing – there’s a lack of teachers,” she continued. “Even the qualified teachers that leave university, within their first five years 50 per cent of them drop out. For us this is a big issue.”

Regarding working conditions within the SWLSB itself, she said the board struggles to convince qualified teachers to accept positions at schools located in some of the SWLSB’s northernmost reaches in the Laurentians.

Says incentives needed

She said the board would need to improve conditions and provide more incentives to fully certified teachers, many of whom completed their university studies in Montreal and other urban centres, so they agree to teach in rural areas like Joliette, St. Agathe and Rawdon.

While many of the teachers involved last week in the demonstration outside LJA previously walked picket lines outside their respective schools, they gathered together for one last massive show of unity before the Christmas holidays.

Massarelli said the teachers could walk out on strike again in January, prior to which the union leadership would have to serve seven days notice.

Selvananthini Shanmugarasa, owner of the Nanthu Kitchen in Montreal’s Côte des Neiges district, was intrigued by Keenon Robotics’ “Dinerbots,” but said she was unlikely to be able to use one at her relatively modest restaurant. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Martin C. Barry

While soaring inflation and labour shortages are just two of the issues currently afflicting restaurant operators in Laval, Montreal and the rest of Quebec, the province’s restauranteurs remain cautiously optimistic about their prospects in the new year, although there are still problems to be worked out.

Not all is good in the restaurant sector across Canada, according to reactions gathered by a nationwide restaurant industry group after the Trudeau government issued its 2023 Fall Economic Statement last month.

Inflation and labour

The government missed an opportunity to implement sector-specific support for the restaurant industry, which was the hardest hit by the pandemic, claimed Restaurants Canada.

“The industry does not want a handout, but rather they need more time for recovery and without more government support the foodservice industry is running out of runway,” they said in a statement.

The trade group said the update left little room for optimism for the more than 95,000 restaurant operators who employ over 1.1 million people across Canada to help deal with record-high inflation, the soaring cost of food, and increasing labour shortages.

CEBA and immigration

Among the measures Restaurants Canada is urging the government to adopt in order to promote bottom-line growth would be revisiting the Covid pandemic CEBA repayment plan by extending the interest-free period by 12 months. They are also calling on the government to implement a pilot project for a dedicated immigration stream for the hospitality sector.

While Restaurants Canada said the country’s food service sector achieved remarkable growth in the past year, projected to reach $110 billion by the end of 2023, the added that it didn’t translate into a fatter bottom line for most food service businesses, with 51 per cent operating at a loss or barely breaking even, compared to just 12 per cent before the pandemic.

Annual gathering of RAQ

Last month, Quebec’s largest trade group for restaurant operators, the Association Restauration Québec (ARQ), held its annual gathering for 5,600 RAQ members from all over the province at the Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal.

In an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia, RAQ vice-president for public and government affairs Martin Vézina named off a few of the most pressing issues now facing Quebec’s restauranteurs. Among them are the question of a growing discrepancy between the earnings of table service employees (up to $40 per hour with tips) and kitchen workers ($22-$25 an hour without tips).

Wage discrepancies

“There’s a difference of around $15 an hour and this is creating friction,” Vézina said, noting that the province’s current regulations regarding tipping revenues don’t allow the employer to divide them up more equitably between different types of workers.

He said the RAQ is lobbying the provincial government to allow restauranteurs to do just that, while also asking Quebec to include some protections in the law to prevent unscrupulous employers from using it as a pretext to clandestinely exploit workers.

Labour shortages persist

Like Restaurants Canada, the RAQ has serious concerns about labour shortages. In addition to a chronic lack of workers, the province’s labour laws currently place some limits on when and for how long employees can be asked to work. RAQ wouldn’t mind if that requirement were loosened up a bit – at least until the province’s economy picks up.

Finally, an issue that has been rankling a growing number of the province’s restauranteurs for some time has nothing to do workers or tips, but rather the restaurant customers themselves. According to Vézina, restaurant owners and personnel are fed up with clients who make table reservations, but then never show up.

Missed reservation penalty

He said that over the coming Christmas holidays, some restaurants will be writing off tens of thousands of dollars in income which will be lost for this reason alone: people who simply decide not to respect their reservation. He said the RAQ is asking Quebec to pass legislation that would allow restaurants to impose a $20 penalty.

According to Vézina, as many as 3,500 restaurants (15-18 per cent of the province’s eating establishments) closed permanently as a result of the Covid pandemic. Tracking the numbers by following lists of restaurant permits issued by the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the association has determined that closings continue to exceed openings of new restaurants.

Served by a ‘Dinerbot’

Some of the innovations being promoted as labour-saving alternatives during the RAQ’s trade show last month were Shanghai-based Keenon Robotics’ table server “Dinerbots,” capable of performing rudimentary waitressing tasks, such as delivering food and beverages to seated patrons. The concept reportedly has started to catch on in some parts of Asia, although not yet in Canada or Quebec.

Among the ARQ members looking for new ideas at the exhibition’s many corporate booths was Selvananthini Shanmugarasa, owner of the Nanthu Kitchen bakery/restaurant in Montreal’s Côte des Neiges district. Although she was intrigued by the idea of a robot providing a helping hand in her establishment, she passed on it, saying her business was probably too small to justify the cost.

Martin C. Barry

At the special meeting of December 12, 2023, the municipal council approved the award of the contract for the first phase of work, which will consist of selective interior demolition, i.e. the dismantling of electromechanical systems, stripping and decontamination.

With this first work contract, Laval is beginning the realization of its project to bring City Hall, one of the most important heritage buildings in the territory, up to standard. This preparatory work will begin in early 2024 and will form the foundation for construction work to come later, as part of an upcoming call for tenders.

During this meeting, the municipal council also terminated the professional services contract of Affleck de la Riva (ADLR), architects S.E.N.C. (ADLR) responsible for the development and upgrading of Laval City Hall. This decision was made following the joint recommendation of the Procurement Service and the Project Planning and Delivery Service.

It should be noted that the City of Laval is responsible for managing the funds entrusted to it by Laval residents with rigour and transparency. The teams carried out several mitigation measures with the architectural firm in order to ensure compliance with the obligations related to the contract. ADLR’s continued conduct, including numerous unjustified claims for additional professional fees, resulted in an irreparable breach of the City’s relationship of trust with it and led to the termination of the professional services contract for cause. This decision will save the City additional issues and potential delays. This is in the best interest of ensuring the success of the project.

Next Steps for the City Hall Restoration Project

In early 2024, the City will also launch three new calls for tenders (architecture and landscape architecture; mechanical, electrical and telecommunications; structural and civil) from professional firms to complete the design of the next city hall, produce execution plans and supervise the work. This action is necessary to ensure the continuation of the project, which has been the subject of a rigorous analysis for several months. As evidenced by this process, the City is very vigilant and is closely monitoring the impacts of the inflationary context in the construction industry, particularly with regard to the increase in material costs. Since the beginning of the project’s planning, the City has demonstrated exemplary transparency and rigorous budget management. It will also ensure that the successful bidder meets all the criteria of its call for proposals, including budget compliance.

Historical

Laval City Hall was built between 1963 and 1964. This building is part of Laval’s urban heritage: it represents a unique ensemble whose modern architectural solution allowed the designers to win the 1st architectural competition in Quebec. The work is necessary because the building has retained several original elements that are now in deterioration or no longer meet current standards.

Since 2020, the activities of the town hall and some municipal services have been relocated to 3131 Saint-Martin Boulevard West. The project consists of several phases, including: design, preparation of plans and specifications, repair and upgrading work, reconstruction of the building’s annex and all of its components (the old barracks, the link, the garage and the boiler room) as well as the exterior fittings.

Martin C. Barry

Val-des-Arbres city councillor and acting leader of Action Laval Achille Cifelli, along with Chomedey and Saint-François city councillors Aglaia Revelakis and Isabelle Piché, as well as Saint-Bruno and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul city councillors David De Cotis and Paolo Galati, are strongly criticizing Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s budget for 2024.

A call for restraint

They say that far from making responsible choices, “the mayor confirms his focus on big spending at a time when the economic situation calls for restraint.”

“By piling up on major mega projects in the downtown area, the mayor is negating the main role of a municipality: serving its citizens,” the opposition councillors said in a statement.

They say the administration should spend on the maintenance of existing infrastructure before it considers spending large sums on new super-projects.

“The mayor’s priorities are in the wrong place,” said De Cotis. “Real estate projects are stalled because our sewage systems are overflowing, literally. We need to spend $600 million to upgrade them. That’s a priority.”

The Action Laval councillors said it shouldn’t be forgotten that people in Laval are currently going through a housing crisis and that real estate projects are at a standstill because overflows are multiplying.

Can’t get construction permits

They said many real estate developers want to develop but can’t get their permits. Action Laval said it would have preferred the budget to also focus on local services such as sports and cultural infrastructure in the districts, pickleball fields, parks and community centres which are lacking all over the island.

“This year, we will be paying an additional $40 million just to pay down the debt from the mayor’s major projects,” insisted Piché. “The law requires us to replenish reserves, so we will have to pay $10 to $20 million to replenish the reserves depleted by these projects. This year alone, we have $50 to $60 million less to carry out the city’s basic tasks.”

In addition to criticism of what Action Laval referred to as “the uncontrolled growth of the administration,” the party said the administration must consider hiring additional staff for super-projects such as the central library and the aquatic centre. They said this addition results in recurring expenses to be paid for in years to come, straight from the taxpayers’ wallets.

Finance commission suggested

“We are going to propose setting up an all-party commission on municipal finances, like the ones in Montreal and Sherbrooke,” said Cifelli. “We will not let the mayor raise taxes without looking seriously at how to control spending.”

The party maintained that a substantial 4.8 per cent increase in municipal taxes was “the direct result of the mayor’s choices. These choices eliminate a very large number of options for the future. At this rate, Ville de Laval’s debt will rise from $781 million to $1.3 billion, representing an increase of 66 per cent, a radical change for an administration that does not have the public’s mandate to put the city into such debt.”

The councillors also said Mayor Boyer “was not taking any steps to reduce administration expenses. Tax increases are the result of the mayor’s political choices, which make it impossible to freeze taxes for the next few years.”

Responsible choices needed

“He spends money and then asks his boss for a raise to be able to pay off his debts, that is not proper management,” said Revelakis, adding that “the mayor needs to understand that he has to make responsible choices.”

Action Laval maintains that expenses which have contributed to the debt include $180 million for the central library and arts centre for professionals downtown, $100 million for land purchases, an $8 million website overhaul, the construction of a new $60 million municipal courtyard, $28.5 million for an office tower for civil servants at a time when many of them are increasingly working from home, $47 million for another building in the industrial district, and the cost of moving the multicultural library.

Martin C. Barry

As announced by Mayor Stéphane Boyer in November, the average household property owner in Laval will be paying 4.8 per cent more in taxes next year, representing a $162 increase on a $440,742 house since last year.

The budget endorsed by council amounts to $1.17 billion for next year. According to a statement issued by the city, the administration hopes this year to limit the tax burden on residents, while increasing revenues to make up for things like inflation.

“On the eve of 2024, I am well aware the wallets of taxpayers in Laval are being rudely tested,” said Boyer, while adding that the city is facing many of the same challenges. “This is why our teams have been mandated to optimize how they do things in order to generate savings, so that more maneuverability can be achieved.”

In spite of certain unavoidable hikes in expenses and the city’s responsibility to keep supporting mass transit, Boyer insisted his administration was in a position to table a budget that was responsible and rigorous.

“This exercise puts emphasis on that which is essential, while allowing us to maintain services, although without adding to the tax burden of Laval residents,” he said.

Yannick Langlois, the city councillor for L’Orée-des-Bois who is responsible for Laval’s finances, said factors such as interest rate increases and hikes in the cost of goods and services put pressure on the city, although administrators succeeded in introducing measures to limit their expenses.

He called Laval’s budget 2024 “realistic and lucid, without having to cut services, in order to continue to answer to the growing needs of the population.

“The city is an excellent financial position,” added Langlois, “as attested to by the fact we continue to maintain Standard and Poor’s AA+ credit rating, which is the highest for a Quebec municipality. We can be proud of this.”

Some facts from budget 2024

Creating better security

• The city is investing $7.8 million in the Laval Police Dept. for the period 2023-2028 to deal more effectively with urban violence.
• $1.6 million has been allotted at the Laval Fire Dept. for new equipment and new resources.
• An additional $700,000 is going to the Laval Police to beef up their street and road security enforcement.
• Laval’s 9-1-1 emergency phone line will be receiving improvements.

Improving services

• $4.4 million will be spent improving the city’s technological abilities with regards to digital access to services and information.
• $1.8 million is set aside for getting the Complexe aquatique, now under construction, up and running.
• $700,000 will be spent to help improve the issuance of construction and renovation permits issued by the city’s urban planning department.

A greener city

• $2.4 million on the city’s climate plan, to deal with concrete “heat islands,” while also contributing to the green canopy (more trees).
• $800,000 to make municipal buildings more environmentally sustainable.

Supporting social services

• A $3 million recurring amount has been allotted by Laval to support community organizations that provide assistance to vulnerable people.

Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis (centre holding bouquet) is seen here with some elected Action Laval members, as well as future candidates and supporters during the opposition party’s homage to her in early November. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Martin C. Barry

In politics – where an elected official might be expected to serve one or two terms – a full decade in office can be something to really brag about.

But that’s how long Action Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis has been a leading player in local municipal politics.

Raised to office in the City of Laval’s 2013 elections when Action Laval’s first councillors were elected, Revelakis has proven herself since then to be a key player within the opposition party.

Chomedey loves Aglaia

She has won overwhelming majorities in two elections, while retaining a large and reliable base of support for Action Laval within her district.

Last month, Action Laval councillors, as well as party members and local elected officials from other levels of government, decided to pay homage to Revelakis during a 10^th anniversary celebration event held at The Palace congress centre.

Among the nearly 300 guests attending were politicians old and new, including Consul General for Greece in Montreal Katerina Varvarigou, former Ahuntsic Liberal MP Eleni Bakopanos, longtime Montreal city councillor Mary Deros, former City of Laval executive-committee vice-president Basile Angelopoulos, Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier and Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis.

Known in the community

In an interview, Koutrakis recalled to the Laval News that Aglaia Revelakis had become a quiet but influential presence in Chomedey long before Revelakis’s name was widely known throughout the community.

Koutrakis said that as early as 1994, Revelakis was working for the Greek Orthodox community of Laval as a general secretary and coordinator, while Koutrakis sat as treasurer on the board.

“Aglaia was very helpful with the organization’s finances, among other things, and she’s always been a staple in our community,” said Revelakis.

Before entering Laval municipal politics, Revelakis gained political experience as a key organizer in Parc Extension councillor Mary Deros’s many election campaigns since 1998 when Deros first was elected.

Anchoring the party

Since 2013, Revelakis has been one of Action Laval’s most valuable assets. Party officials acknowledge that the Chomedey district can always be counted on to anchor support for Action Laval, based largely on Aglaia Revelakis’s continuing popularity with voters in municipal elections.

At one point, when the party’s fortunes flagged, Revelakis was the lone Action Laval councillor left on city council, but managed to hold the fort until Action Laval got back its strength. They have five elected council members now.

“She stood alone for a while and held it together,” said Action Laval councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis. “Credit has to be given to the person who made it happen, and that’s Aglaia Revelakis.”

So far, only part of Autobus Groupe Séguin’s school bus fleet is fully electric, although the company’s plan is to go all-electric by the year 2030. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Martin C. Barry

One of Quebec’s largest school bus service providers, Autobus Groupe Séguin, opened a sprawling new garage and headquarters in an industrial sector of Laval on Nov. 20, while leaving no doubt the family-owned firm is placing its faith in electrification as the future of school bus transport in Quebec.

“We made a commitment to continue the mission of our founder Gérald Séguin, while also investing in order to leave behind an innovative business to our children,” company president Stéphane Boisvert said in an address to more than 70 guests, including elected officials from the provincial and municipal levels of government.

A major investment

As a spokesman for the company acknowledged during an interview with the Laval News, Groupe Séguin has managed to make great strides in a sector of the economy where the margin of profit can at times be slim because of high overhead, which includes vehicle acquisition and maintenance as well as significant labor costs.

On the plus side, the company provides a vital service, in conjunction with education authorities and school boards, for which there is almost always a consistent demand (not taking into account the currently unfolding teachers’ strike which is causing disruptions).

Highly-competitive sector

Although Autobus Groupe Séguin ranks among the top-three privately-owned school bus service providers in Quebec, Transco is generally recognized as the largest player, although it is a division of First Student Canada which is owned in turn by the Cincinnati-based multinational First Student USA.

Groupe Séguin has more than 350 employees and runs a fleet of 330 buses and other vehicles. On any given school day, more than 30,000 individuals board Séguin buses in a wide area surrounding the Montreal region, including Montreal Island, Laval, the Laurentians and Lanaudière.

As part of the company’s latest strategy to expand further, they plan to convert their existing fleet, which is partly powered now by carbon-based fuels, to a 100 per cent electric standard by the year 2030.

Working closely with Cléo

While pursuing its electrification agenda, Groupe Séguin is working closely with Cléo, a Hydro-Québec division providing consultancy on electrification of transportation across the province. Cléo is helping Séguin resolve some outstanding electrification issues, including vehicle range per charge and how long it takes to recharge vehicles using cutting-edge monitoring systems and controls.

Regarded as a pilot project for other businesses in Quebec, Groupe Séguin’s expansion program is receiving significant financial support from a number of government economic development agencies, including Investissement Québec, the Infrastructure Bank of Canada and Business Development Canada.

A family-driven business

“This is an entrepreneurial family from Laval who are making a significant investment in order to automate their operating systems, while creating a continuous training centre and implementing a recharging centre for a fleet of electric buses,” said Sainte-Rose CAQ MNA Christopher Skeete who is the delegated minister for economic issues in the Legault cabinet.

“In Laval, transportation accounts for nearly 70 per cent of greenhouse gases from our territory,” said Laval city councillor for Sainte-Rose Flavia Alexandra Novac. “To see this company which has been present on our territory for more than 50 years becoming committed to environmental change makes us all proud.”

Montreal-area Liberal MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the federal minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency in the regions of Quebec, notes that the Trudeau government is prioritizing creation of new housing in its Fall Economic Statement.

Martin C. Barry

The Trudeau government is downplaying the possibility of a recession taking hold of Canada’s economy in 2024, while maintaining that the signs are good because inflation is dropping, wages are rising and private sector analysts are optimistic about the country’s economic future.

The Liberal government presented its Fall Economic Statement recently. In it, they provided an economic update that prioritizes housing and the cost of living for families and the middle class, which are two major segments of Laval’s population.

The impact of inflation

The measures announced by the government are aimed primarily at promoting access to housing for those who can’t afford it, in addition to helping families pay their bills and reduce the cost of groceries. At the moment, a good number of Laval residents are suffering, as the cost of goods continues to rise.

Pondering the economic outlook for the coming year during an interview last week with Newsfirst Multimedia, Hochelaga Liberal MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who is the federal minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency in the regions of Quebec, maintained that since the country isn’t in a recession now, “that puts it in a good position” in terms of future investments, employment and economic renewal.

Outlook positive, says Ferrada

“Contrary to what some people might tell you or what Conservatives will tell you, that Canada is broke, Canada is not broken, Canada is in a good position,” she added, while acknowledging that “these are difficult times and we’re making sure that we will continue to support Canadians through this.”

Asked whether the government agrees with some economists’ forecasts that 2024 will see an economic downturn leading into a recession, Ferrada said, “Not at this moment. I think we’re looking at that very closely. But our economy right now is in a very good position.

‘On a good path’

“Looking at the numbers, we’re monitoring that very closely,” she continued. “But I think we’re taking the right balanced approach in terms of making a Fall Economic Statement that supports Canadians and their needs in a way that is very surgical and in terms that don’t feed inflation to make sure we don’t go into recession. I think we are on a good path.”

Apart from the annual budget which the federal government issues in March each year, the government publishes a financial update in the autumn to provide some guidance on the country’s economic status, as well as for the purpose of building on it.

The Trudeau government claims in this latest economic statement that in the first half of this year, Canada received the third-most foreign direct investment of any country in the world – and the highest per capita in the G7. The statement also notes that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Canada to see the strongest economic growth in the G7 next year.

Some targeted measures

In a foreword to the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland suggests the government will be taking measures “to ensure that interest rates can fall as soon as possible,” while adding that “some prices are still high and mortgage renewals are looming. That is why we are introducing new targeted measures to help stabilize prices, make life more affordable, and protect Canadians with mortgages.”

Ferrada said the government’s latest economic statement emphasizes support for the country’s middle-class by speeding up and enabling the construction of more homes, while helping make them more affordable. “That’s the main message of this Fall Economic Statement,” added Ferrada.

Breaking zoning barriers

In an outline of its Housing Action Plan, the government says it is working with provinces, territories, and municipalities across Canada “to break down local zoning barriers and create the conditions that will help to rapidly increase Canada’s housing supply.”

While elements of the plan vary across the country, the Liberal government notes that in early November it signed an agreement with Quebec for a joint contribution, which included $900 million provided by the federal government – nearly 23 per cent of all Housing Accelerator Funding across the country – to help cut red tape and contribute to the building of more homes for Quebecers.

Gov’t hopes for lower apt. rents

“The federal government will continue working with Quebec to build on the bold reforms it has committed to in the new Housing Accelerator Fund bilateral agreement to make housing more affordable for Quebecers,” according to the Fall Economic Statement.

Ferrada said an increased supply of new apartment units the government expects to see as a result of its measures should contribute to a badly-needed lowering of rents, which skyrocketed with inflation that shot up following the Covid pandemic. “What’s going to lower costs is competition by increasing the supply,” she said.

From the left, Chris Ann Nakis, president of the Shield of Athena board of directors, CJAD traffic reporter Debbie Marsellos who helped host the evening, Carole Leblanc, president of Mercedes-Benz Laval and Godmother of the Second Step Resource and Melpa Kamateros. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Martin C. Barry

For the last 32 years, when many women and children have been in crisis in the greater Montreal region, they turned to the Shield of Athena for help.

With that in mind, a cross-section of supporters from the community came together recently to raise $150,000 to help fund Shield of Athena’s biggest expansion to date: the Second Step Shelter, which is being built in Laval.

Family violence

The Shield of Athena is a non-profit organization for victims of family violence. It has three points of service in Montreal and Laval, as well as a community outreach department.

Their network offers emergency shelter and professional services to women and their children. Shield of Athena’s multilingual support, intervention and prevention services are also adapted to meet the needs of many of the region’s communities.

Thousands reached

As well, the Shield of Athena reaches thousands more through information sessions, publications, videos and media programs offered through their multilingual community outreach.

The Shield of Athena’s Lilac Event, which was held at the Palace Convention Centre in mid-November, celebrated the work the Shield and its staff conduct on a daily basis.

As the need for the Shield’s services has continued to grow, funds raised will ensure the completion of Laval’s only Second Step shelter, while supporting the expansion of Athena’s House, the Shield’s emergency shelter.

The support they need

Set to open in 2024, the Second Step shelter will have 17 apartments which will be able to house women and children for up to two years. During their time at the Second Step shelter, the women will receive the specialized support they need to emerge stronger and self-sufficient.

“Our Second Step shelter will be able to house between 34 and 54 people at any given time,” Melpa Kamateros, executive director of the Shield of Athena, told 200 supporters who turned out on Nov. 17 at The Palace congress centre in Laval for the Lilac Event.

“On behalf of our entire organization – and the people that their contributions will help to lift up – I cannot thank our community and our sponsors enough for their support.”

Just the beginning…

“Our Lilac Event was an incredible success, and this evening is only the beginning of a concerted campaign to increase the support for women and children in crisis,” added Chris Ann Nakis, president of the Shield of Athena board of directors.

“Currently, we provide services in 17 languages and to 1,100 women and children annually. Every penny raised is critical to continuing and expanding our work,” she said.

“Our ultimate goal is to eradicate violence against women and children,” said Carole Leblanc, president of Mercedes-Benz Laval, Godmother of the Second Step Resource, and a Silver level premium donor to the Lilac Event.

A precious resource

“Unfortunately, until that dream becomes a reality, the women working at the Shield and all the resources they provide are so very precious to our community,” Leblanc said.

In addition to a host of individual donors, premium sponsors of the Lilac Event were: The Azrieli Foundation (Platinum), Schwartz’s (Gold), Global Montreal (Media), ICI Television (Media), Mercedes-Benz Laval (Silver), Banque Scotia (Silver), Pantazis and Associates (Silver) and The Papadimitriou Family (Silver).

Santa’s elves will on hand at Laval’s Centre de la Nature in Duvernay next weekend at the Marché de Noël. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Martin C. Barry

If you’re hoping to get into the holiday spirit with Christmas less than three weeks away, there will still be time next weekend to get over to Laval’s Centre de la Nature in Duvernay for the city’s 12^th annual Marché de Noël.

The first of two weekends for the Marché took place from last Friday Dec. 1 to Sunday Dec. 3. There’ll be a repeat beginning this Friday Dec. 8 until next Sunday Dec. 10.

Some fifty exhibitors will be offering their creations, including handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, beauty products, decorations and delicacies. The exhibitors will be located in wooden huts, lending the event a European market style.

The magical atmosphere of the holiday season will be reigning supreme over a large area of the sprawling Centre de la Nature site, which will be dressed up with festive décor for the occasion.

Some of Santa’s helpers will even be on hand, making their way around entertaining the moms, dads and kids.

The schedule for next weekend: Friday December 8, 10 am – 7 p.m.; Saturday December 9, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday December 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

So far, only part of Autobus Groupe Séguin’s school bus fleet is fully electric, although the company’s plan is to go all-electric by the year 2030. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Martin C. Barry

One of Quebec’s largest school bus service providers, Autobus Groupe Séguin, opened a sprawling new garage and headquarters in an industrial sector of Laval on Nov. 20, while leaving no doubt the family-owned firm is placing its faith in electrification as the future of school bus transport in Quebec.

“We made a commitment to continue the mission of our founder Gérald Séguin, while also investing in order to leave behind an innovative business to our children,” company president Stéphane Boisvert said in an address to more than 70 guests, including elected officials from the provincial and municipal levels of government.

A major investment

As a spokesman for the company acknowledged during an interview with the Laval News, Groupe Séguin has managed to make great strides in a sector of the economy where the margin of profit can at times be slim because of high overhead, which includes vehicle acquisition and maintenance as well as significant labor costs.

On the plus side, the company provides a vital service, in conjunction with education authorities and school boards, for which there is almost always a consistent demand (not taking into account the currently unfolding teachers’ strike which is causing disruptions).

Highly-competitive sector

Although Autobus Groupe Séguin ranks among the top-three privately-owned school bus service providers in Quebec, Transco is generally recognized as the largest player, although it is a division of First Student Canada which is owned in turn by the Cincinnati-based multinational First Student USA.

Groupe Séguin has more than 350 employees and runs a fleet of 330 buses and other vehicles. On any given school day, more than 30,000 individuals board Séguin buses in a wide area surrounding the Montreal region, including Montreal Island, Laval, the Laurentians and Lanaudière.

As part of the company’s latest strategy to expand further, they plan to convert their existing fleet, which is partly powered now by carbon-based fuels, to a 100 per cent electric standard by the year 2030.

Working closely with Cléo

While pursuing its electrification agenda, Groupe Séguin is working closely with Cléo, a Hydro-Québec division providing consultancy on electrification of transportation across the province. Cléo is helping Séguin resolve some outstanding electrification issues, including vehicle range per charge and how long it takes to recharge vehicles using cutting-edge monitoring systems and controls.

Regarded as a pilot project for other businesses in Quebec, Groupe Séguin’s expansion program is receiving significant financial support from a number of government economic development agencies, including Investissement Québec, the Infrastructure Bank of Canada and Business Development Canada.

A family-driven business

“This is an entrepreneurial family from Laval who are making a significant investment in order to automate their operating systems, while creating a continuous training centre and implementing a recharging centre for a fleet of electric buses,” said Sainte-Rose CAQ MNA Christopher Skeete who is the delegated minister for economic issues in the Legault cabinet.

“In Laval, transportation accounts for nearly 70 per cent of greenhouse gases from our territory,” said Laval city councillor for Sainte-Rose Flavia Alexandra Novac. “To see this company which has been present on our territory for more than 50 years becoming committed to environmental change makes us all proud.”

Santa’s elves will on hand at Laval’s Centre de la Nature in Duvernay next weekend at the Marché de Noël. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Martin C. Barry

If you’re hoping to get into the holiday spirit with Christmas less than three weeks away, there will still be time next weekend to get over to Laval’s Centre de la Nature in Duvernay for the city’s 12^th annual Marché de Noël.

The first of two weekends for the Marché took place from last Friday Dec. 1 to Sunday Dec. 3. There’ll be a repeat beginning this Friday Dec. 8 until next Sunday Dec. 10.

Some fifty exhibitors will be offering their creations, including handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, beauty products, decorations and delicacies. The exhibitors will be located in wooden huts, lending the event a European market style.

The magical atmosphere of the holiday season will be reigning supreme over a large area of the sprawling Centre de la Nature site, which will be dressed up with festive décor for the occasion.

Some of Santa’s helpers will even be on hand, making their way around entertaining the moms, dads and kids.

The schedule for next weekend: Friday December 8, 10 am – 7 p.m.; Saturday December 9, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday December 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Martin C. Barry

Although Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer announced the 2024 property tax rate last week while emphasizing that the hike is less than the rate of inflation, there’s no getting around the fact it’s a whopping 4.8 per cent increase, even though that should only translate into $162 more on a house worth $440,742.

Costs to be cut

In order to make ends meet next year, some serious cost-cutting lies ahead, according to a statement issued by the mayor’s office. To get there, Laval will be seeking new sources of revenue and ways to streamline operations.

The administration maintains that a few dozen millions of dollars in savings have already been achieved through close scrutiny of the city’s expenses, without cutting into residents’ services at this point.

Although the 2024 budget will only be tabled next month, the mayor has already revealed that one way to keep expenses down next year will be “greatly limit” new employee hirings, following up on a policy the city followed last year.

$300 mil. project axed

The city isn’t concealing that a major casualty of the cuts is the cancellation of a biomethane waste processing plant project that had been scheduled to start next year. The City of Laval won’t have to worry for now about the $300 million cost, even though that probably would have been paid out gradually over many years.

“Our administration made every effort to make sure taxes were under inflation, but without compromising services to citizens,” Mayor Boyer said. “We are proud of the rigor shown in this budgetary exercise and the efficiency ever since our arrival in 2021. Once again this year, we were able to find a responsible equilibrium to maintain taxes at their lowest, without having to cut services all the same.”

Some budget highlights

• A special tax on water infrastructure will increase from $72 to $73;
• The tarif for water service will rise from $321 to $337, representing a $16 increase for all households;
• A tax will be introduced to help for the City of Laval’s contribution to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM). The average household will pay $232 for this.

At least one of Laval city council’s opposition parties, Action Laval, reacted negatively to news of the city’s latest budget.

It’s all about taxes

Action Laval’s interim-leader Achille Cifelli, as well as councillors Aglaia Revelakis (Chomedey), David De Cotis (Saint-Bruno), Paolo Galati (Saint-Vincent-de-Paul) and Isabelle Piché (Saint-François) noted the Boyer administration had chosen to peg the ARTM tax to property values, bringing $52.6 million in revenue to the city.

“When the mayor talks about diversifying sources of revenue, what you need to understand is that he’s talking about new taxes,” said Cifelli. “Regardless of what shape the tax comes in, it will always come out of the same pockets, those of the citizens.” In the meantime, he municipal services and the city’s priorities “are abandoned,” said Cifelli.

Debt service costs up

“The citizens are already up on anger over services they are not receiving from the city,” said Galati, adding that he receives calls daily on that issue. He said the 4.8 per cent increase won’t go over well, “especially during an economic slowdown,” according to Galati.

Action Laval pointed out that the new budget increases the cost of debt servicing for capital works projects substantially.

“While we are currently undergoing a housing crisis, and our sewers need an investment of $600 million, and while the population are demanding services nearby in their districts, the mayor persists with projects downtown which don’t meet the needs of citizens,” they said. “The mayor’s choices are disconnected from the reality of the citizens,” said De Cotis.

Martin C. Barry

Pink in the City founder Denise Vourtzoumis was recently presented with the Quebec National Assembly Medal by Fabre MNA Alice Abou-Khalil.

Denise started the non-profit Pink in the City with her family 17 years ago, and has worked tirelessly since then to help support research and provide care for people affected by breast cancer.

She is also an ambassador and volunteer for the #FedExCares community programs, having organized and participated in countless projects with local FedEx teams over the years.

Pink in the City started as a single event in 2006. Denise’s young son decided that he wanted to shave his head in support of breast cancer patients. That event created an awareness about breast cancer in the community and the need to support those who had been impacted by this insidious disease.

It also served to demonstrate that every selfless gesture of support makes a difference. From this first experience, it was clear that there was much more to do and the entire family were able to create new opportunities to support this important cause.

Having been raised with a strong belief in volunteerism and giving back to the community, Denise said she felt it was important to rally likeminded people to the cause. That meant people who cared and wanted to make a difference.

Over time, Pink in the City’s dedicated volunteers, sponsors, partners and medical advisors allowed the organization to attain and exceed its goals. They reached out to others to make the team stronger, more dynamic and diverse.

Community partners also played a key role by supporting and attending Pink in the City’s various functions and events. “Their contributions are invaluable,” said Denise.

Partnerships extended to leadership programs in Laval’s high schools, through the Model the Way program. Model the Way assures that the commitment to the cause will be carried forward by young people in the future, according to Denise.

Martin C. Barry

Members of the Canadian Forces, including soldiers from the Royal 22^nd Regiment’s Fourth Bataillon, as well as Air, Sea and Army Cadets and Royal Canadian Legion members, joined dignitaries and citizens at Laval’s War Cenotaph near city hall on Saturday Nov. 11 for a ceremony marking Remembrance Day.

Deposit of wreaths

Among the dignitaries depositing wreaths at the base of the monument on Souvenir Boulevard were Liberal MPs Annie Koutrakis and Fayçal El-Khoury, Quebec Liberal MNAs Sona Lakhoyan Olivier and Virginie Dufour, and CAQ MNAs Céline Haytayan, Valérie Schmaltz and Christopher Skeete.

Laval city council president Cecilia Macedo and councillors Christine Poirier, Yannick Langlois and Paolo Galati deposited a wreath on behalf of the municipality.

Paying their respects

Representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces, the 4^th Bataillon Royal 22^nd, Legion Branch 251, the Navy/Army/Aviation Cadets, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) and the Centre de services scolaire de Laval (CSDL) deposited wreaths to pay their respects.

This year’s Silver Cross Mother was Susan Bergevin, representing mothers who have lost a son or daughter, be it in action or over the course of military duty.

Towards the end of the ceremony, a special recognition was paid to 98-year-old Henri Rousseau. He was a World War II anti-aircraft gunner and is believed to be one of the last surviving Second World War veterans in Laval.

Officers with the Laval Police Dept. are seen here with representatives of the Fondation Martin-Matte during the recent launch of the 2024 LPD Dog Calendar. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Martin C. Barry

Dog lovers – especially those with a fondness for German Shepherds – will be able to indulge their appreciation once again over the coming year as the Laval Police Dept. has released the 2024 version of its ever-popular Dog Calendar.

The proceeds of its sale are going to the Fondation Martin-Matte, which raises money to help persons who’ve suffered head traumas.

It has been 15 years since the LPD first published the calendar, which features photos for all the months with police dogs posing with their human handlers.

Since 2009, sales of the calendar have managed to raise more than $550,000 for the foundation. The money helps pay for respite and leisure activities for persons who’ve been diagnosed with head trauma resulting from accidents and other causes.

The LPD has been supporting the cause since the untimely death of Constable Éric Lavoie, who was a dog handler with the police force. He died of a head trauma following a road accident which happened when he was on duty and responding to an emergency call.

During a recent launch at LPD headquarters for the new calendar, a cheque for $33,132 was handed over to officials with the Fondation Martin-Matte, representing the proceeds from the sale of the 2023 calendar.

The Laval Police Dept.’s 2024 Dog Calendar is available for $5 at the LPD’s east-end Laval station at 3225 Saint-Martin Blvd. East, as well as at LPD headquarters at 2911 Chomedey Blvd. in Chomedey.

It’s also available at the following website: https://www.fondationmartinmatte.com/calendriers-des-maitres-chiens.

Martin C. Barry

The Laval Police Dept. says it has identified a white powder found in envelopes mailed to several Laval homes as a harmless substance, although they are still advising residents to remain on the alert should more of the envelopes be received.

The LPD opened an investigation after several residents were seemingly chosen at random by an unknown perpetrator to receive mailed letters containing white powder along with extortion threats.

A spokesperson for the LPD said that at least 10 residents had been identified as having received the mailings. The spokesperson said samples of the powder were sent for analysis to a lab where the substance was eventually declared harmless.

“The results of the analyses conducted on this substance revealed that it was a non-toxic product, non-lethal, and which posed no danger to health,” the LPD said in a statement.

That said, the police warned that persons receiving similar envelopes would be best not to handle their contents and to call 9-1-1 immediately. The LPD said their investigation is still underway to identify who the perpetrators are.

The LPD first became aware of the envelopes on Nov. 13 when a number of Laval residents contacted the police. All the envelopes contained the powder, as well as a letter with threatening statements, and extortion being the perpetrator’s apparent motive.

The LPD is advising anyone who believes they may also have received one of the envelopes to handle it cautiously, to call the police and to wait for officers to arrive. The LPD can be contacted through their special hotline at 450-662-INFO (4636).

SQ catches up to Laval truck thief in Saint-Esprit

A 56-year-old man will be facing charges of vehicle theft and refusing an order to stop from police after he allegedly stole a truck in Laval but only surrendered after a long drive up to Saint-Esprit in the Laurentians.

Around 4:45 pm on Nov. 16, officers with the Sûreté du Québec who were stationed along Autoroute 440 in Laval received a call for assistance from the Laval Police to pursue the grey truck which was reported stolen.

According to a spokesperson for the SQ, officers put down a nail strip on the A-440 near Curé-Labelle Blvd. in an attempt to stop the driver. Despite that, the truck continued eastward.

The vehicle then pursued its route onto the A-25 northward, passing over two more nail strips along the way, eventually getting onto Route 158 and ending up in Saint-Esprit. He was arrested by the SQ and turned over to the Laval Police for the processing of charges.

Laval Fire Dept. calls

November 19: The LFD reported a commercial building on fire on des Laurentides Blvd. in Laval’s Pont-Viau district. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control, although there was one unusual development. While carrying out the intervention, they encountered a homeless person in a room of the building.

November19: The LFD responded to a fairly serious two-car collision at the intersection of Jolibourg Blvd. and Avenue des Bois in Laval-sur-le-Lac. Four persons sustained injuries in the accident described by the LFD as involving “high impact velocity.” Firefighters as well as ambulance personnel were summoned to the scene.

November 13: Fire broke out in a home on Fauteux St. in Laval’s Chomedey district. Flames were apparent when the firefighters arrived on the scene. They called in a code 10-09, meaning rescue operation underway with possible aggravating factors.

November 10: Fire reported by the LFD at one-storey home on Salois St. in Laval’s Auteuil district. Firefighters reported seeing flames inside one of the building’s rooms. They called a code 10-07, meaning intervention was necessary.

City of Laval ombudsman Nathalie Blais has issued an apology to those Laval residents whose complaints her office has been unable to process because of inadequate technological support from the administration, she says.

Martin C. Barry

The City of Laval’s ombudsman says she wants to apologize to some residents for not being able to follow up on their complaints in a timely fashion because of “operational challenges” that have been impacting her office’s productivity.

In her report for the year ending in December 2022, ombudsman Nathalie Blais initially said that last year was marked by improved operations for Laval, although some challenges remained.

Sustainable solutions

“We have worked closely with the General Management and the Mayor,” said Blais. “Their support has enabled us to resolve some persistent operational issues and to consider the implementation of sustainable solutions.

“Although challenges remain, we are optimistic about the future,” she added. “We would also like to highlight the increased cooperation of the various municipal departments in improving the handling of citizen complaints, with a collaborative strategy that is beginning to bear fruit.

“For the coming year, our vision is clear: to resolve disputes between the municipal administration and citizens through openness, listening and communication. Our primary objective is to strengthen ties between all parties involved, facilitate dialogue, and contribute to a harmonious community.”

Obsolete computer systems

On the downside, the ombudsman’s office said several operational challenges had been hampering the processing of complaints and impacting productivity.

“These challenges include the obsolescence of its online system for processing complaints, which is no longer capable of producing reports and statistics, response times from municipal services, and a lack of resources within the team,” the office stated.

They added that with the support of the city administration as well as the City of Laval’s Innovation and Technology Department, the ombudsman’s office hopes that a new software system will be implemented in 2024-2025 to better integrate services and process complaints more transparently and efficiently.

In a key passage of the statement, they said the ombudsman would like to offer her “sincerest apologies to certain citizens for not being able to follow up on their complaints within a reasonable delay due to these problems.

Efforts towards progress

“These operational issues had been identified since Ms. Blais’ arrival, but it was not until 2023 that concrete solutions could begin to be implemented, thanks to the commitment and support of the General Management and the Mayor.” In spite of these challenges, the ombudsman’s office says they have redoubled their efforts to make progress on as many issues as possible.

The ombudsman’s office said they managed to process 457 requests over the past year. They maintain that 52 per cent of cases were handled within 30 days, including 29 per cent in five days or less. Also, in 58 per cent of cases, the ombudsman’s office guided citizens, informing them of their rights and putting them in touch with the relevant municipal administration or organization.

Some complex cases remain

In 42 per cent of cases they managed to work in collaboration with the departments concerned “to resolve the case fairly,” they said. In 10 per cent of cases, the department concerned changed its position. They said that some of these cases are still active due to their complexity.

In all, 36 per cent of the cases handled by the ombudsman were admissible (i.e. the complaints were deemed to be founded). The departments most often involved were: public works: 20.6 per cent, environment and eco-citizenship: 15.2 per cent, urban planning: 12.9 per cent and engineering: 8.5 per cent.

Blais seeks ‘commitments’

They said that in keeping with a spirit of collaboration in which the ombudsman seeks to run the office, Blais favors “commitments” from municipal departments rather than recommendations from the office. “The commitment is the result of an agreement between the Ombudsman’s Office and the City departments,” they said.

In the period between January 1 and December 31, 2022, up to the production of the report, 31 commitments (20 files, including systemic complaints) were recorded, and 55 per cent were completed. They said the majority of commitments concerned the City of Laval’s engineering department.

Martin C. Barry

Patriotic Greeks from all over Montreal joined elected officials from across the region along with leaders from the Hellenic community for a ceremony on Oct. 29 at the Greek Community Centre in Côte des Neiges marking the 83^rd anniversary of the historic day during World War II when Greece rejected its occupation by Axis forces.

Each year, Ohi Day is celebrated throughout Greece, Cyprus and Greek communities around the world to commemorate the refusal by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas when presented on Oct. 28, 1940 with an ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

A straightforward ‘no’

The ultimatum was presented to Metaxas by the Italian ambassador to Greece. It demanded that Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain strategic locations, or otherwise face war. The name for the day comes from Metaxas’ straightforward reply. “No,” he is reputed to have said curtly, following which he added, “Then it is war.”

In response, Italian troops stationed in Albania, which was an Italian protectorate, attacked the Greek border, marking the beginning of Greece’s involvement in World War II. On the morning of Oct. 28, Greeks took to the streets, irrespective of political affiliation, shouting “Ohi.” Since 1942, it has been a national celebration marked annually.

Saying ‘ohi’ to fascists

Dignitaries who attended this year’s event organized by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal included the Consul General in Montreal for Greece Katerina Varvarigou, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Saint-Laurent Liberal MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, Laval city councillors Aglaia Revelakis and Vasilios Karidogiannis and local Greek community leaders.

In interviews with Newsfirst Multimedia, some of the dignitaries who attended shared their thoughts on the significance of Ohi Day. “In 1940, the Greeks said ohi to fascism,” said Revelakis, suggesting that Greeks at that time fundamentally rejected the war-mongering tenets of fascist extremism and chose to fight back in order to preserve their freedom.

“It’s very important that people understand that united we are strong and that this is the way we can have peace in the world,” she added. Councillor Karidogiannis agreed that resistance to fascism remains one of the most important lessons to be learned from Ohi Day. “It’s still very relevant today,” he said.

Vigilance still needed

“The fight against fascism and nazism and all sorts of extremes is still ongoing on a worldwide scale. But, you know, surprisingly also even on a very local scale within Laval there are extremist elements here and there causing trouble in our community and this must be fought because it tends to spread very easily if not taken care of at the start.

“So, it’s very important that we celebrate Ohi Day every year and remember how and why it happened, why we continue to celebrate it so that we can pass on the message to future generations in order to fight extremisms of all sorts,” said Karidogiannis.

‘Heroes fight like Greeks’

Councillor Deros said Ohi Day should serve to remind us all, regardless of whether we have Hellenic roots or not, that when Greece faced such a great threat “there were strong individuals who said no, they didn’t want to give in, and they were willing to fight so that we could have the freedom that we have today.”

Paraphrasing Winston Churchill, who once said “Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks,” Deros continued, “they weren’t afraid to die, but they went out for their beliefs. They believed in their freedom and democracy and they fought hard for it and won.”

Lambropoulos said, “It’s a day that I believe needs to continue to be celebrated year after year. It’s especially important because Greece stood up to the nazis and fought in order to stand up for their values when a lot of other countries did not put up such a fight. It’s a day to be proud to be Greek and to honour the heroes who fought in that war.”

Martin C. Barry

For the 15^th consecutive year, Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis held a large outdoor Halloween party on Oct. 31 in Lausanne Park near the centre of his district.

The spooky and ghoulish event drew as many as seven thousand residents, including many children with their parents, from the area.

They were able to have fun entering and passing through a “haunted house” which had been set up, while also being able to walk through a challenging outdoor maze.

The event, like several other community gatherings De Cotis sponsors in Saint-Bruno throughout the year, was supported through sponsorship from several local businesses, rather than funding from the city, he pointed out.

The year’s other events include a Fête de quartier (which raises funds for the Société d’Alzheimer), and a Fête nationale event. “All of these are done in the spirit of building a sense of belonging to the community,” added De Cotis. “To be of service to the citizens: this is what it’s all about.”

Martin C. Barry

Members and supporters of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Branch 251 (Chomedey) gathered at the veterans’ hall on Curé Labelle Blvd. recently to open the Legion’s annual poppy-selling campaign which will be taking place up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

In keeping with an annual tradition, the first poppy was presented to a leader from the local community. This year it was a representative from Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis’ office, political attaché Aaron Stafford, who accepted on her behalf.

Barbara Vezina, who is chairing the branch’s poppy campaign this year, said funds from the campaign will be going towards several good causes.

They include La Maison du Père, the Old Brewery Mission, several palliative care facilities, Saint Anne’s Veterans’ Hospital, as well as shelters for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Branch 251 is extending an invitation to all who may wish to join them at Remembrance Day ceremonies being held in Laval at the Veterans’ Cenotaph on Souvenir Blvd. near City Hall beginning after 10:30 am on Saturday Nov. 11.

Martin C. Barry

The City of Laval is going all out this year to thanks its volunteers, with several events and other ways of showing gratitude planned.

On Oct. 25, the city kicked off a month-long celebration of homage to the volunteers, with a show held at the Salle André-Mathieu. More than 700 volunteers turned up to enjoy the entertainment and merriment.

The city plans to keep up the pace with an ongoing publicity campaign that will include ad spots in local newspapers as well as online social media. In addition, an exhibition of photos of volunteers will be making the rounds at City of Laval public library branches over the coming months.

During the same timeframe, the city will be holding special volunteer training days in conjunction with community organizations in Laval that are working closely with the municipality.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about aspects of volunteer work involving financial and administrative responsibilities.

Festival NUM 2023: the place to be this month in Laval

The City of Laval’s public library branches are inviting families to come on out and have fun with art and digital technology at the fifth annual Festival NUM.

Until Nov. 12, it’s a chance to learn about the practical artistic applications of digital technology at nine library branches. A grand finale event will be held Nov. 11 and 12 and the Multicultural Library branch.

Virtual reality, creative music, coding, digital projections and robots are just some of the activities to be enjoyed by children six years old and up, as well as by teens and their parents.

“The universe of technologies and digital may seem rather complex and technical, but it is more important than ever to know how to use them, since more than ever they are part of our lives,” says Laval city councillor for Sainte-Rose Flavia Alexandra Novac, who is responsible for cultural dossiers on city council.

In all, more than 50 activities are planned. They include: virtual reality (using VR headsets) for 12-year-olds and older; electronically-lit sweater creation using electrical circuits; and techno-tinkering, where you can handmake all types of interesting devices, including mini-robots, magic bracelets, bike lights, etc.

The library has invited special guest presenters. They include franco-Montrealer Téo Leroux who will be unveiling his original digital work, La forêt fantastique. Presented in conjunction with MAPP MTL, this event will be a collaboration between Leroux and children from daycamps in Laval.

During the presentation, members of the public will be able to make their own contributions to the work from iPads, including animations projected in real-time on the outer façade of the Multicultural Library building.

Finally, during the entire month of November at the Gabrielle-Roy branch of the library network, artist Louis Bouvier will be presenting his exhibition, “La conjugaison des pensées complexes.”

The exhibit is made up of two sculpture-instruments producing sounds whenever they are approached by people. Children and parents may be interested in trying this concept out.

Martin C. Barry

Four years after first being elected as the Member of Parliament for the Laval riding of Vimy, Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis is recollecting on the two mandates she received, as well as some of the crises she found herself facing.

Two elections in four years

“So many differences – the world is a different place from when I was first elected in 20109,” she said in an interview last week with the Laval News during a pause from one of her many engagements.

Although four years is the average length of a term in office for most politicians, Koutrakis is already in the midst of her second. First elected in the 2019 federal general election, she was re-elected in 2021 when the Trudeau government decided to hold a snap election.

She won the nomination from Vimy Liberal riding association members in early September 2019, with the election itself taking place on Oct 21. She was re-elected in the next general election which took place on Sept. 20 two years ago.

Was promoted quickly

Prior to entering politics, Koutrakis, who is fluently trilingual (French, English and Greek), had been an investment councillor and business administrator. Shortly before being elected, she was elected president of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) – the first woman to hold that position.

For a neophyte politician, her rise within the Trudeau government has been noteworthy. She is currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

As well, she sits as a member on several parliamentary committees: the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,

and the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament.

A learning experience

“It’s a real honour to have been entrusted with the portfolio that I have been,” said Koutrakis. “I have an amazing team of colleagues who are helping. We have an amazing staff.” She said several of the committee portfolios are interconnected.

Koutrakis acknowledged that she faced a steep learning curve after she was first elected. “There was a lot to learn, because this was the first time I stood for election,” she said. “I had to make sure that my constituency office was up and running and the right people were around me to help me.

“It was steep, but you know what – that’s how you grow,” she continued. “You move out of your comfort zone. And I’ve always been a very hard worker. Some people say I’m an overachiever. But I stood up to the challenge and I think I’m better for it and it’s very humbling.”

An early election?

With two years left in the Trudeau government’s current mandate (an election could be held by late 2025 if the minority government manages to hold onto the support it receives from the NDP), Koutrakis speculated on the future political scenario.

“It’s a very, very tough political landscape,” she admitted. “We do have supply agreements in place with the NDP party. And as long as we have that agreement in place, we foresee the next elections to be 2025. But with any minority government, you never know. I mean, we agree on issues now.

Not before 2025, she says

“But it doesn’t mean that tomorrow,” she added. “Some people say that a day in politics is an eternity. I remain optimistic that we will go to the next elections of 2025. There’s no indication right now to say otherwise. People are going through a very difficult time right now with affordability and housing.

“We’re very much aware of that. Our government is trying to give as much help as we can, but focused help, not to everybody at large, but to families that really need it. So, I think that as long as we’ve got the backs of Canadians and we work hard, I’m hoping that we will see the next elections in 2025.”

Martin C. Barry

Quebec public sector union workers who walked off the job earlier this week have announced three more strike days for Nov. 21 to 23, unless a deal can be reached before then with the provincial government.

Around 420,000 public sector employees were on strike last Monday as part of a one-day walkout to protest the Quebec government’s latest contract offer.

They disrupted schools, health-care facilities and social services. Union members, who are seeking better wages and improved working conditions, dismissed the government’s latest offer which was made on Oct. 28.

Common front formed

The workers from various unions (Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS) and Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) have formed a common front.

“Everything in Quebec will be closed for three days,” CSN vice-president François Enault said earlier this week during a news conference regarding the upcoming strike days. An FTQ leader said the workers will walk off the job again unless the government returns to the negotiating table with better offers.

They rejected gov’t offer

The provincial government’s latest contract offer included an increase of 10.3 per cent over five years for base salaries, which was just over a percentage point higher than the previous offer. However, some jobs would get an extra 2.5 to three per cent increase from the government.

The common front is demanding an increase of up to 20 per cent over the next three years. The impact of the strike last Monday was felt at public schools throughout the province, where teachers picketed and classes could only start by late morning or by the afternoon.

Martin C. Barry

A cooking fire in Chomedey left six families homeless last week. According to authorities, the blaze started around 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 in the basement unit of a six-unit apartment building on 80^th Ave. near Perron Blvd.

Laval fire department chief of operations Jean-Francois Lortie said firefighters brought the blaze under control by 6:43 p.m. He said it started in a basement unit, causing major damage to other units.

Other units in the building were damaged by smoke, and for that reason, occupants were not be able to return for several days. The Red Cross was at the scene to provide immediate shelter and food assistance to those who needed it.

LPD arrests man for alleged sex crimes against children

The Laval Police say they are searching for potential victims after arresting a 64-year-old man in Sainte-Rose in connection with sex-related crimes against children.

Jean-Claude Deslauriers was taken into custody in August. He faces charges of sexual assault, sexual contact with a minor and breach of conditions. He was released with conditions following an initial court appearance.

According to police, the alleged offences occurred between the summer of 2022 and August 2023. They allege the suspect would often walk his dog around Sainte-Rose and would invite young, underage girls to his home.

While there, he allegedly took advantage. Deslauriers is expected to return to court on Dec. 6.

Anyone with information about Jean-Claude Deslauriers is encouraged to call 450 662- INFO (4636) or dial 911 and mention file LVl-230806-042.

Two from Laval arrested in Ontario on stolen car allegations

Police in Waterloo west of Toronto say two men from Laval were arrested in nearby Cambridge earlier this month while allegedly putting stolen vehicles into a shipping container.

Waterloo Regional Police officers were dispatched after a suspicious vehicle was reported, according to police.

They said when officers arrived, they found the men putting four vehicles into the container.

Four vehicles with an approximate total value of $320,000 were recovered. The two Laval residents, aged 24 and 27, are facing several counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and trafficking stolen property over $5,000.

Laval Police seize more than $1.5 million worth of unauthorized cannabis

The Laval Police announced recently that three drug raids they conducted on Oct. 3 led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be connected to the unauthorized distribution of marijuana.

According to the LPD, an investigation that began last January based on a citizen’s tip led organized crime investigators to an address in Fabreville.

In addition to the Fabreville location, the trail also led to addresses in Boisbriand on the North Shore and Saint-Adèle in the Laurentians.

The investigators found that three suspects who were arrested and later released, with pre-court arraignment conditions to be followed, had a valid license from Health Canada for cannabis production.

However, they were diverting some or all of their product for distribution and use beyond the strictures of the law and the conditions of their license.

What the LPD seized:

• 1,453 cannabis plants valued at $1,453,000;
• 1,565.78 grams of dried cannabis worth $15,657;
• 1,532.99 grams of solid concentrated cannabis worth $30,659;
• 1,804.56 grams of cannabis residue worth $9,022;
• 2.75 grams of psilocybin worth $27.50;
• Equipment for processing cannnabis worth $170,000;
• One jackknife;
• One Glock-type air pistol;
• 4 cell phones worth $4,000;
• Cash Canadian, amounting to $36,575.

Motorcyclist dies after head-on collision in Sainte-Rose

A 30-year-old motorcyclist died on Oct. 20 after he collided with a vehicle in Laval’s Sainte-Rose district.

The collision happened around 2 p.m. at the intersection of Avenue de la Renaissance and Boulevard Sainte-Rose.

The vehicle was travelling westbound on Avenue de la Renaissance, while the motorcycle was travelling eastbound on Boulevard Sainte-Rose, according to the Service de police de Laval (SPL).

“At the intersection, there is a traffic light. The vehicle wanted to turn onto Highway 15 North. That’s when the motorcycle hit the vehicle,” said SPL spokesperson Stéphanie Beshara.

The motorcyclist was then ejected from the vehicle. The seriously injured man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead, said Beshara.

A security perimeter was set up and police were continuing their investigation on Friday evening to better understand the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Seen here with firefighters with the Laval Fire Department, including department director Patrick Taillefer, are members of the Foley and Nadeau families at Chomedey No. 2 firehall last Sunday Oct. 8. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Martin C. Barry

At some point during their lives, children and parents alike have thought for a moment or two about living the life of a firefighter.

A learning experience

While only a relative few ever follow through on it, once a year – on Thanksgiving Weekend – management and staff at the Laval Fire Dept. fling open the garage doors at the city’s nine firehalls.

Every kid living in Laval – young or older – gets a chance to make believe they’re a fireman or firewoman. It’s always an opportunity to get up close to the shiny, bright red ladder and pump trucks parked in firehall garages all over the island.

A day at the firehall

For kids probably more used to playing with scale-models, actually being able to climb behind the wheel of a huge shiny red rig and being able to touch the intricate controls is something they will probably remember for a long time.

From morning to late afternoon last Sunday, everybody got a chance to learn all about the work of firefighters, to watch and take part in equipment demonstrations, to receive fire prevention advice, and even to climb into a truck and feel what it’s like to live the life of a firefighter.