Kirkland

Stolen car full of teens leads to Kirkland police chase

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Four Montreal minors have been arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle incident in Kirkland.

Quebec provincial police (SQ) said officers attempted to stop a westbound SUV on Highway 40 near Exit 61 on Friday.

Police said the vehicle failed to stop, prompting a brief pursuit that was called off due to heavy traffic.

A short time later, the SUV collided with another car that was stopped at a red light on Saint-Charles Boulevard in Kirkland, within the jurisdiction of Montreal police (SPVM).

According to police, the four occupants of the SUV fled the scene on foot.

Two suspects were arrested nearby by SQ officers. With assistance from Montreal police (SPVM), two additional minors were located and taken into custody.

All four suspects are minors. They were questioned by investigators and released with a promise to appear in court at a later date.

No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing. n

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Kirkland starts smart traffic management with new technology

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

In a significant move toward smart city innovation, Kirkland has become the first municipality in Quebec to implement NoTraffic’s artificial intelligence-powered traffic management system. The groundbreaking installation, emerging from a strategic partnership between NoTraffic and Orange Traffic, marks a new era in urban mobility for the region.

“With the new development, we needed to look at our roadwork and find a solution for the flow of traffic,” Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson told The Suburban. “We needed a way for cars to go from point A to point B, and this is an intelligent solution for cars, bikes, and pedestrians to have safety and efficiency on the roadways.”

The system represents a dramatic shift from traditional traffic management methods. While conventional traffic lights operate on pre-programmed timing based on historical studies, NoTraffic’s platform adapts to actual traffic conditions as they occur. “We’re not just installing boxes at intersections,” Tom Cooper, VP at NoTraffic said to The Suburban. “This is a comprehensive platform that uses sensors, radar, and AI to track everything happening at our intersections in real time, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.”

The journey to bring this technology to Quebec began in 2022, when Orange Traffic, a long-established Quebec-based traffic management company, first encountered NoTraffic representatives at a corporate event. “The partnership developed through extensive research and testing,” Hughes Michaud of Orange Traffic explained to The Suburban. “As integrators for NoTraffic technology in Quebec, we underwent a thorough qualification process, analyzing series of tests and performance metrics before becoming promoters and distributors.”

One of the most attractive aspects of the system is its cost-effectiveness. “What’s particularly impressive is how this solution enhances the capacity of existing infrastructure without any major civil works,” Michaud emphasizes. “Instead of spending millions on adding extra lanes or major infrastructure changes, municipalities can optimize their current roadwork for a few hundred thousand dollars. This is especially crucial in areas with increasing density surrounding major boulevards.”

Mayor Gibson acknowledges that the implementation required patience. “At the start, the system establishes a routine via trials. It takes a bit of time, but it is worth it. Now we have a normal flow along Saint Charles and Brunswick boulevards.” The mayor is enthusiastic about the results, stating, “I encourage other cities to follow us — it is working very well.”

The platform’s capabilities extend beyond simple traffic flow optimization. The system can detect pedestrians, including those with mobility challenges, and adjust signal timing accordingly. This feature aligns with Orange Traffic’s mandate to work within existing infrastructures while improving their efficiency. The AI-powered platform also adapts to special events, weather conditions, and emergency vehicle movements, ensuring optimal traffic flow in all situations.

The technology’s origin story adds another compelling dimension. In 2017, NoTraffic’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Uriel Katz, found himself sitting at a Tel Aviv intersection at 2 a.m., waiting at a red light with no other vehicles in sight. That frustrating moment sparked an idea that would eventually transform into a company at the forefront of urban mobility solutions.

The installation represents a significant milestone in Quebec’s smart city initiatives. Following successful implementations in British Columbia and several U.S. locations, Kirkland’s adoption of the technology positions the municipality as a leader in innovative urban solutions.

For residents, the benefits are tangible: shorter commute times, improved safety, and more efficient use of existing infrastructure. As municipalities across Quebec face increasing urbanization challenges, Kirkland’s experience with NoTraffic could serve as a blueprint for other cities looking to modernize their traffic management systems without extensive infrastructure overhauls.

The partnership between NoTraffic, Orange Traffic, and the City of Kirkland exemplifies how international innovation can be successfully adapted to local needs through strategic collaboration. As cities continue to grow and traffic patterns become more complex, this kind of smart infrastructure solution may become not just an innovative option, but an essential tool for modern urban management. n

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Vehicle torched in Kirkland industrial sector

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

An SUV was set ablaze behind a commercial building along the Trans-Canada service road near Houde Street in Kirkland last week, adding to a series of suspicious fires across the West Island.

Witnesses reported at least one suspect fleeing the scene. Initial reports suggest the vehicle may have been abandoned at the location before the fire was set.

SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant confirmed that firefighters discovered incendiary materials at the site. The vehicle, which was quickly engulfed in flames, was deemed a total loss by authorities.

This latest incident follows a pattern of vehicle fires in the West Island, including recent cases in Pointe-Claire and DDO at private residences. The SPVM arson squad has taken charge of the investigation.

The burned vehicle has been towed for inspection. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPVM. n

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Four attacks on three homes in Kirkland

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A private residence located on Beaubois Street, near Timberlea Trail in Kirkland, was hit by gunfire for a second time in just a few months last week. Four attacks on three homes on that same street have occurred since late July.

Multiple 911 callers reported shots fired in the neighbourhood at around 11:45 p.m. According to the initial information, the suspect or suspects were in a vehicle when they opened fire at the residence and then fled on Timberlea-Trail. When officers arrived, they discovered bullet impacts on the residence and cartridge casings on the ground. The neighbourhood has an unusual amount of surveillance cameras installed on private homes, particularly those in the vicinity of the three homes that were targeted by attacks since the summer.

The neighbouring home was also investigated for an arson attack on August 12 that occurred three days prior to the first shooting at the same house that was hit last week. A vehicle that was parked in front of a house two doors down was also subject to an arson attack at the end of July.

Montreal police have launched an investigation. Neighbours and potential witnesses were questioned. No injuries were reported. n

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Police investigate drive-by shooting in Kirkland

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Several 911 calls alerted police officers to a drive-by shooting early Monday morning in the Town of Kirkland.

At approximately 1:25 a.m., several gunshots were fired in the direction of a home located on Beaubois Street near Timberlea Street. When patrol officers arrived on site, they identified several bullet holes on the garage door of the residence along with shell casings on the ground. The officers set up a security perimeter around the crime scene and forensic experts were called in to investigate.

According to authorities, there were people inside the home at the time of the shooting. No injuries were reported.

Investigators reviewed camera surveillance footage from around the neighbourhood and spoke to potential witnesses Monday morning.

A lawn was set on fire with the use of accelerants at the house directly next door three days prior to this most recent attack. A vehicle that was parked in front of a house two doors down was also subject to an arson attack just two weeks ago. When The Suburban arrived on site, the neighbours from two houses were standing outside together discussing the attacks. They refused to comment to reporters on site and returned to their respective homes upon questioning. The Suburban also noted an unusual amount of surveillance cameras surrounding the property from neighbouring homes in comparison to homes further up the road and what could generally be expected in a similar neighbourhood.   

The investigation is ongoing. Updates and more information will follow in The Suburban hard copy.

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Kuper Academy students celebrate cultural diversity

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A unique and festive cultural celebration day was held at Kuper Academy in Kirkland last Friday.

Students dressed in traditional clothing representing different cultures set up tables throughout the school’s gym where they placed items related to the country or culture that they were representing as well as traditional food items. At each stop along the table tour, students enthusiastically described the items on display and described the foods that they prepared at home with their families or brought in from local restaurants to showcase their culture’s “best of” or “most known for” tasty treats.

Following the tour of the tables, a variety show featuring students who prepared dance and music performances related to their cultural representation took place followed by a “fashion show” where two students at a time representing different countries walked through the centre divide of the cheering crowd.

“Here at Kuper Academy we have a lot of cultural diversity and it is important to me to see these cultures come together and celebrate each other,” Event organizer and French teacher at Kuper Academy Annu Vir, representing India for the day’s activities, told The Suburban.

“This is an incredible endeavour initiated by one of my colleagues that has really grown into what you see today. I like seeing students sharing their cultural diversities. I am a proud Jew, born and raised in the West Island and proud to share this day with students at Kuper from all countries,” teacher Robyn Shiller told The Suburban.

The Suburban‘s assigned tour guide, student Kennedy Boucher, representing Canada at the festivities, explained more than 30 tables representing various cultures and countries in perfect detail. She finally took a short mid-day break as the stage performances took place. “Seeing all the performances was amazing and I learned of some hidden talents of some students that I didn’t know about.”

Kirkland city councillor Karen Cliffe attended the event and told The Suburban that she was in awe at the grandeur of the students’ involvement in the project. “The effort that the kids put in to making the food, preparing the tables and putting on a show is amazing.”

All who attended were visibly impressed with the collective works that created a jovial atmosphere combined with learning and sharing. n

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