Laval

Three out of four Laval Liberal MPs say they will run in the next federal election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Saying they have every intention of running in the next federal election, which ordinarily would be scheduled for October next year, two of the Laval region’s four Liberal Members of Parliament said in an interview with The Laval News earlier this week that Canadians could actually be heading back to the polls much sooner – as early as January possibly.

Early election ‘possible’

“For me, my answer is it’s possible,” Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury replied when the question of an early election was put to him. “I think so, too,” Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis responded, although she was more nuanced in her response.

“Personally, I don’t think it’ll happen before Christmas,” said Koutrakis. “But I would not think that it would be beyond the realm of possibility that it could be by the end of January. I suspect that it will probably even before spring.”

Growing caucus split

Those who follow the news from the nation’s capital lately couldn’t possibly have missed the growing turmoil in the Liberal ranks over the future of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His popularity among Canadians is at an all-time low, leading to a growing rift within the Liberal caucus, between MPs who want him to go and others who remain loyal.

On that issue, Koutrakis and El-Khoury left no doubt as to their feelings. Asked where they stand on Justin Trudeau’s future, El-Khoury made the following statement. “Me, I could tell you he is the Prime Minister of Canada,” he said.

“He is concentrating on doing a job for the benefit of Canadians. That’s his main mission right now. I’m supporting the Prime Minister and I think, I believe and I’m convinced he should stay as the leader to lead us for the next election.”

Trudeau’s choice, Koutrakis says

Koutrakis said: “I think only he [Trudeau] has the answer. I mean, there’s no question he knows … there’s a lot of malaise within the caucus. I’m not going to, you know, sugarcoat it.

“There are a lot of people who are sharing with the media and with us as colleagues what they hear at the door,” she continued.

“I have to tell you, when I do door-to-door, and I’ve been honest with you face out, yes, a lot of the comments at the door say that, you know, it’s time for the Prime Minister to move on. But when you push them and you ask them, you know, what does that change look like for you? You’re telling me you want change after nine years and I get it, I’m an elector, as well.”

Iacono in, Robillard out?

Laval’s two other federal ridings are currently held by Liberal MPs. According to the Montreal daily Le Devoir, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Liberal MP Yves Robillard is one of several Liberal caucus members from Quebec who have expressed doubts in recent months about running in the next federal election.

Late last week in an interview during a fundraising event in Chomedey, Alfred-Pellan Liberal MP Angelo Iacono confirmed he will be running and has obtained official candidate status to run for the Liberals in Alfred-Pellan.

That said, both El-Khoury and Koutrakis stand steadfastly by the Liberals’ achievements since 2015 when Justin Trudeau formed his first government. They emphasized the government’s handling of the more than three-year-long Covid-19 crisis, with generous amounts of subsidized relief to financially-challenged individuals and businesses.

Defending the Liberal record

“Thank god it was this government in place, thank god it was this Prime Minister,” said Koutrakis, maintaining that Canadians stand to live four years longer than their counterparts in the United States, because of the generous pandemic relief provided in Canada compared to the U.S.

She also suggested that a Conservative government would have acted with a great deal more austerity and restraint, to the detriment of needy Canadians. She and El-Khoury cited the federal dental care and pharmacare programs introduced in more recent years as examples of positive government spending.

“It’s covering medicine for diabetic people,” Koutrakis said of pharmacare. “If you look at our population, and I have the number here because I wanted to make sure that I got it right, diabetes affects 9.4 % of Canadians or around 3.7 million people across Canada.

“Most medications for people who suffer with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is $1,000 a month. I mean, that is money that people can now take out of their monthly budget and can send their children to summer camp if they wanted to. Or they can buy that bicycle that they wanted to buy to their children that they couldn’t.”

The Trudeau government’s generous spending has also led the Liberals into previously unexplored territory for record-setting deficits. However, in El-Khoury’s view, spending is necessary in order to succeed.

Spending necessary, El-Khoury says

“I was a businessman and my mind is still on business,” he said. “In order to succeed in any business or to reach your goal, you have to invest. For us, when we put money in this system, we’re investing for a better future for us and for generations to come.

“If we had not invested during Covid, and had the possibility of our economy collapsing, our health system also would be collapsing, losing lives and losing jobs,” he added.

“You know what the consequences would be? It would take years and years to recover. We protected that. It was a great investment. People have to understand the difference between throwing money on the street or investing money for a better future. And that’s exactly what we did.”

Three out of four Laval Liberal MPs say they will run in the next federal election Read More »

Training with Dylan

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Dyan Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A significant portion of the first question period was dominated by residents voicing frustrations over tree cutting and fence-related issues near their properties. One resident was particularly vocal, stating, “He’s cutting trees, healthy ones, mature trees—just for no reason!” This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the cutting had been excessive and without proper consultation with those affected.

Another resident pointed out that not only were trees being removed, but the individual in question also failed to follow regulations, making their property maintenance more difficult. “The fence posts have been installed right on the boundary lines, and now they’ve been cemented in. I was told they would be moved, but here we are months later, and nothing has changed,” they complained.

The residents felt their complaints had not been taken seriously enough, with one individual emphasizing, “We’ve been talking about this for months, but it seems nothing is happening.” The council tried to reassure them, explaining that while the town was aware of the problem, legal and administrative steps had to be followed before any further actions could be taken. “We’re in the administrative phase, and while actions have been taken against the property owner, we have to follow legal protocols,” a councillor clarified. The council emphasized that they were doing what they could, but that these processes often take time.

Another resident highlighted the inconsistency in enforcement of tree-cutting permits, saying, “I applied for a permit to cut down a tree that was damaging my property, and it was denied, yet he’s cutting down healthy trees with no issues.” The councillor responded that while the town tries to enforce regulations fairly, there are situations where actions happen too quickly for intervention. “If someone decides to cut trees over the weekend, we don’t always have the power to stop them right away,” they admitted.

The discussion also delved into the impact of these developments on property values. One resident voiced concerns about their property’s declining value due to the construction, saying, “This is affecting the sale of my house. It’s not right that the town isn’t stepping in sooner to stop this.”

Training with Dylan Read More »

Laval among cities where raids lead to arrest of fraud artists

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Laval was among six municipalities in Quebec and Ontario where police executed warrants and led concerted raids last week in order to arrest suspects in a fraud ring that targeted senior citizens.

In all, five people were taken into custody in the operation involving 22 warrants executed in Laval, Sherbrooke, Brossard, St-Lin-des-Laurentides, Sainte-Thérèse and Toronto.

According to police, the suspects made up to 140,000 phone calls to set up seniors for scams which finally became the subject of a police investigation beginning in November 2023.

Suspect from Laval among three arrested for alleged firearms trafficking

A suspect from Laval was one of three individuals arrested last week by the Montreal Police in conjunction with alleged firearms trafficking and illegal firearms possession.

The three, who are 18, 20 and 23 years of age respectively, were arraigned at the Palais de Justice in Montreal.

According to a statement issued by the Montreal Police, warrants were executed in Laval, the Montreal borough of Mercier-Hochelaga and in Saint-Colomban in the lower Laurentians.

Six handguns were confiscated, as were an unspecified amount of ammunition and other incriminating evidence, according to the Montreal Police.

Former Laval department manager guilty of raping sleeping woman

A former Laval city department manager was found guilty of sexual assault recently after failing to obtain the consent of a woman with whom he had just engaged in sexual activity, but who was unable to consent again after she fell asleep.

According to testimony rendered during the trial at the Palais de Justice de Laval, the two met through the online social media website Tinder.

Judge Serge Cimon ruled that Julien Leclerc, 39, who no longer works for the City of Laval’s tree maintenance division, failed to obtain the woman’s consent as she was asleep when Leclerc tried to have sex with her in the fall of 2022 as she slumbered at his home.

Although Leclerc and the woman, whose identity can’t be revealed, initially appeared to get along well, and she agreed to go to his home where she willingly had sex, she testified that when he tried a second time, she refused and he relented.

However, later in the evening, according to her testimony, he tried again. On awaking, she maintained, he was raping her because she didn’t give her consent.

She reported the incident to a friend who works with the Sûreté du Québec and later filed a formal criminal complaint. Leclerc hasn’t worked for the City of Laval since late 2022 after he resigned.

Recent Laval fire calls

Although it’s been empty for nearly a year following an arson attack, the remains of the Al Sultan Restaurant on Curé Labelle Blvd. in Chomedey went up in flames again on Oct. 4, with arson again suspected. The Laval Police have opened yet another investigation.

A few weeks earlier, on Saturday Sept. 28, a house in the upscale Île Roussin neighbourhood in Laval-sur-le-Lac also went up in flames, with Laval Fire Dept. firefighters calling in a code 10-13, signifying a third necessary alarm.

The Laval Police were called in to open an investigation as the LFD initially suspected arson. The home’s fire alarm system alerted 9-1-1.

Upon arrival, LFD firefighters could see flames shooting out of windows on the first floor, although they also determined that no one was home.

Damage has been estimated at $500,000 on a residential building valued at $2,630,000, with an additional $300,000 in damages to property and materials inside the dwelling. Two firefighters sustained injuries which were relatively minor.

Laval among cities where raids lead to arrest of fraud artists Read More »

Indian-Canadians celebrate their country’s 78th year of independence

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More than fifty guests – including many Laval and Montreal residents of Indian-Canadian heritage – were joined by elected officials from the City of Montreal on the evening of Sept. 29 for a celebration in Laval of the 78th anniversary of the Republic of India’s independence.

India’s economic strength

While the current Indian government’s leadership continues to get high approval ratings – largely on the basis of its development strategies which have greatly expanded India’s economy – the tone of the gathering sponsored by the India-Canada Association of Montreal (ICAM) was a mostly apolitical salute to India’s cultural strength.

Several guests who delivered addresses during the reception held at the Mehfil Restaurant on Curé Labelle Blvd. noted that India is currently the world’s largest democratically-governed nation.

This is in spite of an autocratic shift taken in recent years by the current Indian government.

Ram Mandir inaugurated

C.B. Singh, longtime president of ICAM, noted in a foreword to the evening’s published program that the beginning of 2024 was auspicious for India, as it marked the inauguration in January of the Ram Mandir (the temple honoring the Hindu deity Rama), following centuries of cultural tension.

“Mr. Narendra Modi is the second Prime Minister to ever win a third term after Jawar Lal Nehru,” Singh pointed out, referring to India’s current leader.

He added that “Mr. Modi humbly took the election winnings with the help of Chandra Babu Naidu of Andra Pradesh and Nitesh Kumar of Bihar who was a huge critic of Narendra Modi, but clearly saw he was the best suited for the responsibilities that come with running the largest democratic country in the world with the fastest growing economy.”

World’s 5th largest economy

In a message also published in the program, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Republic of India’s High Commissioner to Canada, wrote that “India’s emergence as the world’s fifth-largest economy is a testament to our collective efforts and aspirations.”

He said that with a consistent average growth rate of eight per cent annually between 2021 and 2024, “India is on track to become one of the top three global economies in the near future.”

He said the country’s strategic roadmap envisions India evolving in global status from an economically developing nation into a developed one by the year 2047.

Port of entry for immigration

Although a significant percentage of the Montreal region’s Indian community has traditionally first settled in Park Extension (a popular “port of entry”), many have subsequently relocated to suburbs such as Laval, as well as the West Island, Saint-Laurent and the South Shore, where the presence of Indian Canadians has grown exponentially.

A trio of elected officials from the City of Montreal (Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, St. Laurent Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa and St. Laurent councillor Aref Salem, who is interim-leader of the Montreal city council opposition Ensemble Montréal party) were among the evening’s guests.

“India Independence is always something special because this is one of the largest democracies in the world,” DeSousa said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia.

An active diaspora, DeSousa says

“This is not only a celebration of India’s independence, but also a sign that democracy is alive and well,” he continued.

“There’s also an important Indian diaspora in Quebec and Canada which is very active economically and culturally. It’s good to see that the diaspora is doing well here, while maintaining good ties with the mother country.”

Deros summed up how she feels close to members of the Indian-Canadian community who reside in her district when she said, “I feel like part of the family.”

She noted that in Park Extension alone, there are three temples where Indian-Canadians attend services regularly. She said she has cherished their friendship and support since she came to live in Park Extension more than 50 years ago.

Indian-Canadians celebrate their country’s 78th year of independence Read More »

Trudeau’s hawkish stance on Russia/Ukraine ‘unthinking’ and ‘dangerous,’ says Mulcair

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tom Mulcair, who came closer in 2015 than most Canadians ever will to becoming Canada’s Prime Minister, lashed out at the country’s embattled current PM when he told a gathering of lawyers and law students last month at Concordia University that Justin Trudeau’s suggestion to world leaders – that they arm Ukraine with missiles to penetrate deep into Russia – was “as unthinking as it is dangerous.”

In an address on Canada’s Role on the World Stage as part of the Jurist-in-Residence program at Concordia’s downtown campus, the former NDP leader, former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister and ex-MNA for Chomedey raised questions about Trudeau’s understanding of diplomacy and international relations.

Trudeau ‘incredibly irresponsible’

While Mulcair suggested that “there are times when a more thoughtful, independent Canadian foreign policy could be very helpful,” he said that Justin Trudeau instead repeated the statements he made a few days later.

“What does it mean for Mr. Trudeau to be saying that Ukraine should be using weapons supplied by NATO to fire deep into Russia? If not, then he’s inviting NATO to join the war into Russia. Is that responsible?”

Answering questions, Mulcair added, “I don’t take it seriously when Mr. Trudeau says he doesn’t see any problem with Ukraine using NATO weapons to fire deep into Russia. I just find it so incredibly irresponsible.”

Sees Canada as peacemaker

Alluding to “NATO’s behavior since the fall of the Soviet Union,” while adding that “Russia today has its own security concerns that we chose to ignore and in fact dismiss,” Mulcair insisted nonetheless that Canada “has correctly chosen to support Ukraine since the [Russian] invasion… But Canada could play a significant role in helping shape the rules that would govern the peace that will inevitably follow the end of that tragic war.”

Clarifying his position on this point, he said later, “I think if there were cooler heads out there saying ‘can we just look at our own behavior here,’ and if we create a system where a wounded Russian bear continues to sense that on its own it doesn’t have security and NATO is not only dismissing it, but just completely just completely ignoring it, I think we’re paying a heavy price … without in any way trying to justify it or soft-pedal with the horrors that Putin and his regime have brought since then.”

Trudeau’s immigration policy

Addressing Canada’s growing immigration concerns, Mulcair said he thought it was wrong for Trudeau to seize upon a plan initially promoted by former McKinsey and Co. managing partner Dominic Barton (who became Canada’s ambassador to China) to have a population of 100 million Canadians by the end of this century, “without at the same time doing his basic leg work,” added Mulcair.

“You know, it’s the basic work of government to plan these things. And the backlash that you’re feeling now, that a lot of immigrants are feeling especially in Quebec, is the result of that lack of proper execution of a plan.”

Rules of peace, not war

Referring to a lengthy U.S. Department of Defense publication known as the Law of War Manual, Mulcair said that in light of the many current conflicts around the world, it serves as a reminder that legal rules aren’t enough to safeguard the world from the impacts of war.

He concluded by suggesting that rather than have rules for the conduct of war, we should have an equivalent code that aims for peace.

“Peace has to be the ultimate purpose of international law, and Canada can and should be playing a much larger and more positive role,” said Mulcair.

Trudeau’s hawkish stance on Russia/Ukraine ‘unthinking’ and ‘dangerous,’ says Mulcair Read More »

Laval’s firefighters hold ‘Open House’ at firehalls

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Last Sunday all day, firefighters with the Laval Fire Dept. laid out the welcome mat at eight of its nine firehalls scattered all over the island for their annual Open House.

And as any adult in the habit of scrutinizing the toy section in department or discount stores probably knows, toy fire engines remain a perennial favourite among children – regardless of whether they are girls or boys.

Whatever generation you belong to, there is something about the shiny crimson red of the body paint, the blinking lights, and the shrill sounds of real or toy fire engines that continues to inspire children.

Boys and girls of all ages had the opportunity to get up close to pump trucks – as well as hook-and-ladder rigs – while playing with the sirens and the flashing overhead “cherry” lights.

During the event, fire department information officers also provided information to parents on recent changes in City of Laval fire prevention regulations, including the new rule making lithium batteries mandatory in all household smoke detectors.

Other interesting things to do during the day at the firehalls included detailed explanations of how firefighting equipment works, and how firefighters live at the firehall while on duty.

New park among plans to revitalize Laval’s Cartier sector

Laval city council recently awarded an almost $15 million contract for layout and landscaping of a new park to be built at the entry-point into Laval at the Pont-Viau Bridge, as well as rehabilitation work on several nearby streets.

It’s part of a larger plan by Laval to eventually spruce up all the roadways leading into the city. The work at Pont-Viau is expected to begin this fall and will include the upgrading of several public spaces, as well as rejuvenation of the Père-Dalmas and Délia-Tétreault riverside parks.

“This decision constitutes a major step forward for the city entrance project in Pont-Viau, which something that was long awaited with much enthusiasm and which is at the centre of our efforts to revitalize the Cartier sector,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

“Laval continues to consolidate its position as a modern and innovative city, offering all its citizens living spaces of quality,” he added.

“The layout for this green and inviting entrance to the city is an important commitment for the city and is part of a sustainable development perspective for the valorization of public spaces.”

The Pont-Viau entrance project encompasses Pont-Viau St., northward to des Prairies Blvd., and southward to between Talbot Blvd. and Saint-Eusèbe St. The city hopes not only to improve the movement of traffic in the area, but also to make the quality of life better for nearby residents.

Lithium-powered smoke detectors now mandatory in Laval

The city has issued a reminder to residents that all residential buildings erected before 1985 must now be equipped with smoke detector alarms powered by a non-removable lithium battery with a 10-year lifespan.

In other words, the old-style smoke detectors powered by a nine-volt battery will no longer do.

Low Angle View Of A Person’s Hand Installing Smoke Detector On Ceiling Wall At Home

The city says that residents have until April 2025 at the latest to make sure their smoke detectors are compliant with the new municipal regulation. The change is in line with recommendations made by Quebec coroner Jacques Ramsay who conducted several inquiries into deadly fires on the island of Montreal.

“We can never say it often enough: in case of fire, a smoke detector can save your life,” says Laval city councillor Sandra Desmeules, who is responsible for public safety dossiers on the executive-committee.

“We are hoping that this change in the rules strengthens the sense of security of all Laval residents by limiting the risks linked to smoke detectors which are non-functioning because someone forgot to change the battery,” added Desmeules.

Laval’s firefighters hold ‘Open House’ at firehalls Read More »

Tropical Storm Debby fallout the focus at October Laval City Council

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the Oct. 1 Laval city council meeting, Mayor Stéphane Boyer said the administration was working on a report to be released in a few weeks on all the various causes for the devastating floods which assailed households in Laval on Aug. 9.

Floods on everyone’s mind

“There are a lot of questions – why my street, why not the next one – why some neighborhoods were affected much more than others,” said the mayor who was uncharacteristically brief in his opening remarks this month.

Mayor Boyer normally addresses more than one issue at least briefly at the beginning of city council meetings, but confined himself to the issue of the aftermath of the flooding this time. He said the expected report will include proposed interventions that would hopefully serve to minimize flood risks in the future.

On that note, Laval city councillor for Fabreville Claude Larochelle tabled a petition signed by nearly 1,600 Laval residents asking the city to launch an independent inquiry led by experts into the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby in Laval.

Galati explains himself

Following recent media reports raising questions about Action Laval councillor for Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Paolo Galati’s research budget spending practices, he read out a statement at the council meeting, clarifying the situation.

“The last two weeks were difficult for me, my spouse and my two girls,” said Galati.

He said that after he reviewed expense reports submitted by other Laval city councillors to the city’s treasury department, he came to the conclusion that several other councillors – belonging to all political parties – had submitted expenses which should also come under scrutiny – in the same way as his.

He said the food products mentioned in the news reports as being among his purchases “were used exclusively during gatherings or meetings with citizens,” added Galati.

“Rest assured that I will continue to act in complete transparency in accordance with comments which might be formulated by the city’s treasurer. I thank you and hope that these clarifications help us to understand correctly the situation.”

Action Laval interim-leader Achille Cifelli tabled a motion during the council meeting, saying that an inquiry launched by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ), in response to the revelations about Galati’s expenses, should be enlarged to include all members of Laval city council.

“Our democratic institutions have already been harshly put to the test in the last few years and the level of participation in the last elections was historically low,” Cifelli said in a statement issued by Action Laval last Monday. “It is urgent that we re-establish the confidence of the population in their institutions,” he said.

Fears expressed for Lebanon

During a period for councillors’ statements, several members of city council, including Sainte-Dorothée councillor Ray Khalil, Saint-Martin councillor Aline Dib and Souvenir-Labelle councillor Sandra El-Helou, expressed their growing alarm and concerns about the war in the Middle East, during which Israel’s recent invasion of Lebanon is the latest chapter.

“I think of all the families who are crying, of those who have lost loved ones, who are sleeping in the streets and who have nothing to eat, and of those who are frightened and who are fighting for a better future,” said El-Helou.

“The strength of this great nation is a powerful testimony to the indomitable spirit of the Lebanese people, this people with an inspiring and moving endurance,” she continued. “Let us never forget that hope and aspirations are both acts of resistance.”

Tropical Storm Debby

During the public question period, a resident asked Mayor Boyer whether he could confirm whether all sewer pumping stations throughout Laval are equipped with emergency power generators in case the regular hydro power fails.

The mayor acknowledged that during Tropical Storm Debby, some sewer pumping stations lost power, but that the city is now in the process of analyzing why that happened and what can be done to prevent a recurrence.

Another resident, from Vimont, complained that since Tropical Storm Debby, she can no longer get insurance coverage, while adding that she considers delays by the city to install sewer pumps on nearby streets to be unacceptable.

Acute weather anxieties

“What you need to understand is that for us, the situation is unbearable,” she said.

“Each time the weather forecast is for rain, we become anxious, and now even more so, knowing that we are not or almost not insured. I say that again: I am no longer insurable. You must understand that I am trying to make you understand that the postponements for your works are completely unacceptable.

“You absolutely must do these works before,” she continued. “What is being done on our side to avoid the floods which will evidently be coming back before your work? And I repeat, this isn’t just about [Tropical Storm] Debby: it’s with all the major rainfalls that water is accumulating in the street.”

Tropical Storm Debby fallout the focus at October Laval City Council Read More »

Laval Police release video of boutique jewelry theft suspect

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Laval Police are asking members of the public to help track down a suspect wanted following a jewelry-store theft that was committed in Chomedey during the summer.

The incident occurred Aug. 12. A person walked into the store and asked to see a gold chain, according to police. When the clerk pulled out a display panel of gold chains, the suspect grabbed it and fled on foot.

The display contained 20 gold chains worth $800 to $1,000 each.

The suspect is described as a white male, French-speaking, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing around 200 pounds.

He had very short hair and is partially balding. At the time of the theft, he was wearing a blue checked, long-sleeved shirt, jeans and black and white running shoes.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the Laval Police info line at 450-662-4636 or 911. The file is LVL 240812-045.

Street racing, const. zone speeding lead to over $15,000 in fines in two days

Earlier this month, Sûreté du Québec (SQ) officers handed out over $15,000 worth of fines in a two-day span to motorists, including some in Laval, who were caught speeding or engaging in street racing.

Some were caught speeding in street repair work zones, where fines are doubled. SQ officers stopped a 20-year-old man from St. Eustache heading north on Autoroute 13 in Laval after he was clocked doing 190 km/h in the 100 km/h zone.

He was issued a $1,676 ticket for excessive speeding as well as a $1,576 fine for racing. His license was also suspended for a week, his vehicle was seized, and he could face criminal charges for dangerous driving.

The next morning at around 1:15 a.m., SQ officers in Laval intercepted two Laval drivers, aged 20 and 35, for going more than 186 km/h also on the A-13.

The 20-year-old picked up a $1,976 fine for speeding, in addition to the $1,576 street racing ticket, and the 35-year-old received a $1,676 fine and a street racing ticket.

Street racing tickets come with 12 demerit points, as well as a licence suspension and vehicle seizure.

Laval man convicted of conspiring in tax evasion, money laundering

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced recently that Kamel Ghaddar of Laval was sentenced on Sept. 18 at the Montréal Courthouse to three years in jail and was fined a total of $28,492.

Ghaddar pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2023, to a charge of conspiracy under the Criminal Code relating to tax evasion and laundering proceeds of crime. This was the fourth conviction related to tax evasion as part of the CRA’s Collecteur Project. 

An investigation revealed that Ghaddar acted as an intermediary for Mohamad Jaber, convicted in June 2023 as part of the same investigation.

Jaber had set up a system to launder money derived from the illicit activities of various individuals. In the context of this scheme, Mr. Ghaddar was meeting with Mr. Jaber’s clients to collect and remit cash money, checks and false invoices.

Collecteur Project is a joint investigation by the CRA and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) into a money laundering and tax evasion scheme. In addition to Kamel Ghaddar and Mohamed Jaber, two other taxpayers, Nader Gramian-Nik and Frederick Rayman, were also convicted.

It’s worth noting that in addition to court-imposed fines and/or jail sentences, convicted taxpayers have to pay the full amount of tax owing, plus related interest and any penalties assessed by the CRA.

Laval Police release video of boutique jewelry theft suspect Read More »

Ex-SWLSB administrator charged by UPAC was ‘Outstanding Principal’ six years ago

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

If anyone felt blindsided last week when a specialized unit of Quebec’s Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) announced it was pressing charges against three people – including a former SWLSB school principal from Laval – it may well have been a national selection committee at Learning Partnership Canada.

Former Laval Junior Academy principal Alan Simoneau was one member of the trio named in a communiqué issued on Sept. 12 by UPAC’s Commissaire à la lutte contre la corruption (CLCC).

Alleged billing fraud

In its release, the CLCC named Simoneau, as well as SWLSB employee Rajesh Awasthi, and Barbara Tomasini, identified as the owner of Édu-Vation, a company the CLCC claims was being used as a front to send invoices for services which were never delivered.

The province’s online Registraire des entreprises (business registry) confirms Tomasini, a Dollard des Ormeaux resident, as the owner of the company, which also did business under Photographie Moments/Moments Photography. However, Édu-Vation’s corporate charter, according to the registry, expired long ago.

A 2018 ‘Outstanding Principal’

Simoneau was the principal of Lake of Two Mountains High School in 2018 when the Toronto-based Learning Partnership Canada selected him among others to receive their Canada’s Outstanding Principal award, according to Newsfirst Multimedia files dating from back then.

Simoneau was one of 40 principals judged as outstanding across Canada – three of whom were in Quebec – for demonstrating innovation and exemplary leadership within their schools. “Mr. Simoneau’s profound impact on our students, teachers and community makes him perfect for this distinguished award,” Guy Gagnon, who was the commissioner for the SWLSB’s Ward 3 on the North Shore, said at the time.

Gagnon said that Simoneau at LTMHS had “surpassed expectations by being an exceptional administrator, a dynamic leader and a visionary pedagogue for our learning community. It’s a well-deserved recognition.”

Was praised for his skills

The Learning Partnership said Alan Simoneau was recognized for his skills, results-based approach, and student-first perspective to change the culture at LTMHS. They said he sought out grants, community partnerships and foundations to make changes.

In a September 2018 post on the SWLSB’s Facebook page, which drew attention to Simoneau’s Learning Partnership award, Rajesh Awasthi (who was mentioned in a December 2018 issue of the North Shore publication Community Connections as an administrative technician at LTMHS) wrote, “Congratulations Alan Simoneau. Your hard work and dedication to LTM the past 5 years has not gone unnoticed!”

Simoneau was also honored by the SWSLB in 2015, after LTMHS was awarded two grants of $10,000 each by the National Bank of Canada for student science projects. He was presented by the SWLSB commissioners with a Certificate of Achievement at the board’s February 2015 meeting at SWLSB headquarters in Rosemère.

Alleged breach of trust

In its release, the UPAC unit said that Simoneau faces a charge of breach of trust, one count of fraud of more than $5,000 and a charge of possession or trafficking of a forged document.

Some of the charges were also authorized against Awasthi and Tomasini, the latter being described in the CLCC’s statement as involved in a relationship (“en relation”) with Awasthi.

“The investigation, led by the CLCC, attempts to demonstrate that from March 8, 2016 to May 16, 2019, Alan Simoneau, with the help of his accomplices, put into place a system of false billing through a front company to the detriment of the SWSLB, his employer at that time,” the CLCC stated.

“The scheme seemingly consisted of paying sums of money to Édu-Vation.”

Ex-SWLSB administrator charged by UPAC was ‘Outstanding Principal’ six years ago Read More »

Fifteenth annual Fête de quartier de Val-des-Brises

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(Newsfirst) It was as a member of the volunteer committee and founder of the Fête de quartier de Val-des-Brises that Action Laval interim-leader Achille Cifelli, who is also the city councillor for Val-des-Arbres, summed up as a success the 15th annual Fête de quartier Val-des-Brises which took place Sept. 15 in Royal 22nd Regiment Park from 2 to 7 pm.

“Over the past 15 years, more than $280,000 have been collected to support various causes for children,” noted Cifelli. “This year, we will be adding nearly $45,000 to the non-profit group Les Dragons de Laval to support their sports mission with youths 5 to 14 years of age.”

On the menu at the Fête de quartier were activities for every age, including music made available by DJs, as well culinary delicacies.

“Fifteen years ago, we were but a small team to organize the celebration with 400 participants,” he pointed out. “Now there are nearly 10,000 participants and many sponsors who joined us last Sunday. On that note, I would like to thank our sponsors and volunteers who make a celebration like this possible.”

He thanked the following sponsors who provided help to the organization committee to provide food and refreshments to participants:

L’Inter Marche Palumbo, Tim Horton 440 est, Pâtisserie St-Martin, Restaurant Bellepro’s, Boucherie Capitol, Crèmerie Pineault and IGA Famille Sévigny.

Fifteenth annual Fête de quartier de Val-des-Brises Read More »

Pink in the City’s Denise Vourtzoumis awarded Quebec Lieut.-Gov.’s Medal

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Longtime Laval resident Denise Vourtzoumis, who is co-founder and president of Pink in the City which supports breast cancer care and research, received the Quebec Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for Exceptional Merit during a touching ceremony held on Sunday Sept. 15 at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal.

The extraordinary honour was awarded by the Honorable Manon Jeannotte, the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, in recognition of the outstanding achievement by an individual or organization. The award was presented at a ceremony coinciding with the launch of Pink in the City’s annual schedule of festivities.

Surviving and thriving

The ceremony was held in the Atrium of the Research Institute at the MUHC, hosted by the MUHC Foundation, which has partnered with Denise Vourtzoumis over many years to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help women with breast cancer not just survive, but thrive.

Pink in the City was co-founded nearly 20 years ago and is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those impacted by breast cancer. The organization strives to build volunteer active communities, raise funds for breast cancer and advance student leadership.

Impact on philanthropy

Over the past two decades, Pink in the City has made a considerable impact in local and regional philanthropy through initiatives and programs that have given more women the chance at an early diagnosis, and thus better odds of surviving.

In 2023 alone, Pink in the City raised raised $325,000 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in support of breast cancer research and care at the MUHC. During their Raise Craze campaign last year, courageous individuals at schools in Laval and elsewhere in the Montreal region accepted pledges to cut and shave their hair in honour of their loved ones.

‘Leader and changemaker’

Marie-Hélène Laramée, president and CEO of the MUHC Foundation, referred to Denise Vourtzoumis as “an exceptional leader and changemaker.” She said that Denise, through Pink in the City’s work, “has cultivated a powerful community and brought hope to countless women.

“On behalf of the entire MUHC Foundation, Denise, we extend our deepest gratitude for all that you do – especially for leading the way towards that brighter future,” Laramée added.

Medal a ‘testament,’ said Senator

Addressing Vourtzoumis, Senator Tony Loffreda said, “Your medal is a testament to the lives you’ve touched and the impact you’ve created with Pink in the City.

“It’s an amazing impact on the community,” he continued. “And as we age we realize one thing: we realize that life is a privilege. And aging is an even bigger privilege, and it’s a privilege not given to all.”

He said, “we have to use that privilege, that opportunity that’s given to us, that we’re lucky to have – to use it responsibly. The responsibility to create, to do something bigger than ourselves, this is what Denise has done with Pink in the City.”

Pink in the City’s Denise Vourtzoumis awarded Quebec Lieut.-Gov.’s Medal Read More »

FILIA Association for Seniors holds annual Walk a Thon in Chomedey

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Smart-looking caps and t-shirts bearing the distinctive ‘FILIA’ logo breathed an air of hope and renewal into this year’s FILIA Walk a Thon, an increasingly popular autumn ritual and tradition in Laval’s Chomedey neighborhood.

The 18th annual Walk a Thon on Sept. 16 drew a loyal following of FILIA supporters, as well as local elected officials who have provided help to the organization over the years.

After a challenging summer when severe rainstorms left a pall of gloom hanging over many Laval households, it was a good day for a refreshing walk in and around the streets surrounding St. Norbert Park in eastern Chomedey.

Keeping seniors healthy

The goal of the day was to raise awareness of the needs of senior citizens – which include regular physical exercise – while also raising funds for FILIA to help continue providing a range of crucial services to seniors, including FILIA’s meals-on-wheels program.

Although FILIA’s mission at one time was to provide assistance to Greek women of the Parc Extension Hellenic community, then later throughout the Montreal region, the organization’s mandate now is to serve senior citizens and people from all backgrounds – with a growing emphasis on the population of Chomedey.

Men’s support also needed

Led for many years by Johanna Tsoublekas who continues to provide guidance and management, FILIA’s services include home housekeeping and supervision, volunteer training and a healthcare clinic for the feet.

Johanna agreed that this year’s turnout (consisting primarily of a few dozen women who remain the group’s bedrock support) was stronger than ever, although a little more support from men would also be appreciated.

Still, she said the group’s male membership has been improving, with 15 men now turning up for meetings every Monday at a locale at 800 Notre Dame Blvd. in Chomedey.

Admirer from the city

Sandra El-Helou, Laval city councillor for the district of Souvenir-Labelle, who is responsible for senior citizens’ issues on the city’s executive-committee, described the work done by Johanna Tsoublekas and her FILIA supporters and volunteers in admiring terms.

“All this work cannot be done alone,” she told the group before they set off on the walk.

“So, Johanna’s doing this amazing work, but she would never be able to do it without all the helping hands. So, once again, as the city councillor and as the one responsible for the elderly, I give my support to FILIA. If there is anything I can do beyond what I am already doing, please let me know.”

Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, also a strong FILIA supporter, was unable to attend in person because of political developments in Ottawa.

However, her attaché and chief of operations at the constituency office in Laval, Silvana Sennatore, was on hand to represent Koutrakis.

FILIA Association for Seniors holds annual Walk a Thon in Chomedey Read More »

Action Laval dismisses ‘Carré Laval’ as currently formatted

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While Quebec and the City of Laval seem to agree that Carré Laval is a win-win proposal, not everyone is happy with the project.

Action Laval, Laval city council’s number two opposition party, issued a statement within hours of the city’s announcement.

Critical of project

Among other things, they take the administration to task for partnering up with Société de Développement Angus, which “has never finished a project outside the City of Montreal,” Action Laval city councillors Achille Cifelli (Val-des-Arbres) and David De Cotis (Saint-Bruno) say in the statement.

They also were critical of Mayor Stéphane Boyer for being immediately unable to answer more detailed questions about the timeline or estimated total costs for the city taking on a project of this size.

“The project seems also to gloss over the exponential growth of the city’s indebtedness since the coming to power of the mayor,” added De Cotis and Cifelli, while also suggesting that Carré Laval has electoral overtones since municipal voters here will be going to the polls in 2025.

Transport failures

Although the city provided a bare outline but few specifics of its overall strategy for Carré Laval, Action Laval was critical of the project’s lack of planning for automobile traffic, that Carré Laval is located several kilometres from the nearest Metro station, and that there are no immediate plans for STL bus access.

And while the city is in fact organizing extensive public consultations, Action Laval maintained that the Boyer administration hadn’t yet consulted residents or businesses, that impact studies haven’t taken place, and that the project’s “financial improvisation leaves us in fear of a future white elephant” as housing needs demand quick action.

Action Laval dismisses ‘Carré Laval’ as currently formatted Read More »

Quebec opens inquiry into Action Laval ‘research’ expenses

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Citing media reports raising questions about his municipal spending practices, Action Laval councillor for Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Paolo Galati says he will not be running for re-election as the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board’s chairman, so that his role with the city doesn’t impact the SWLSB.

“Various media outlets have reported on reimbursement claims made by Paolo Galati in his capacity as a municipal councillor for the City of Laval,” the board said in a Sept. 19 statement.

“None of these reports involve the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, of which Mr. Galati is the Chairperson,” said the statement which was attributed to Galati.

Seeks expenses review

“I have represented the people of my electoral district in Laval and the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board with pride and integrity for over a decade,” said Galati.

“To date, I have an unblemished record in the public service. I have asked that my expenses as a municipal councillor be reviewed once again by the City of Laval’s financial services. Once they have pronounced on the matter, I will act accordingly.

“However, in the current environment, I do not wish for my role as a municipal councillor to impact the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, to which I have devoted much energy over the past decade and which I love,” he continued.

“I have therefore decided not to be a candidate in the upcoming school board elections that will be held on November 3, 2024. Furthermore, to avoid being a distraction to the governance and administration of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, I will, for the time being, be stepping back from certain public functions associated with my role as Chairperson of the board,” added Galati.

Apple Watch, iPad Pro etc.

When the Montreal daily tabloid Journal de Montréal published the results of an access-to-information investigation on Sept. 18, claiming among other things that Galati and the Action Laval opposition party had used a research budget from the city to buy him an Apple Watch, an iPad Pro tablet, an iMac desktop, a MacBook Pro, as well as a sofa bed and food purchases at Costco, Action Laval issued a statement maintaining that a number of the newspaer’s claims were misplaced or inaccurate.

According to the Journal, each of Action Laval’s four councillors was entitled to $46,000 in research budget funding in 2023. As Action Laval interim-leader Achille Cifelli noted in a statement, the term “research” – which is used when referring to the budget from which funds are drawn by the administration for councillors’ needs related to their work – can be used for up to 16 different kinds of expense.

Used for various expenses

Research funds are allotted from the mayor’s office budget to councillors who are registered members of a political party and who obtain at least 20 per cent of eligible votes. According to Cifelli, they can be used for virtually anything defined as day-to-day research, including the hiring of staff, office equipment, or even the outsourcing of public opinion surveys.

Quoting from a 2017 Quebec Municipal Affairs Ministry document providing guidelines for the reimbursement of research expenses, Cifelli maintained that the funds can even be used for advertising expenses when the purpose of the ads is to make the name of an elected official, along with his or her photo and office address, better known to constituents, and that even Mayor Stéphane Boyer does so.

According to Cifelli, other expenses the research budget funds can be used for include the purchase of special or charitable event tickets, office stationery, cell phones, computer supplies, mass mailings and maintenance of web sites.

City reviews all claims, Cifelli says

He also noted that all such expenses get analyzed and approved by staff at Laval city hall, and that the city’s treasurer has the right to reject any reimbursement claim which does not conform to accepted norms.

As well, Cifelli emphasized that each individual councillor is responsible for managing their own research budget, and that “neither the leader, nor the caucus of elected officials nor the party ever intervene in the reimbursement process.” In addition, the councillors are expected to return all purchased items and materials to the city at the end of a mandate, or to purchase them at their depreciated cost.

With that said, Cifelli announced in a statement issued shortly before midnight on Sept. 18 that he and Galati were in mutual agreement that Galati would withdraw from the Action Laval caucus, given the fact that the Quebec Municipal Commission had opened a dossier that morning to investigate the Journal de Montréal’s allegations.

Inquiry announced on ‘X’

Rather than make the principal announcement through a dedicated ministry channel such as a press release, Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest chose to trumpet the CMQ’s investigation on the social media platform X, with the added twist that all four members of the Action Laval city council caucus would be investigated.

“We favorably welcome the inquiry sought by the minister, as it will allow us to shed all the necessary light on this affair,” Cifelli said regarding the minister’s announcement. “If it were to come to light that some expenses were judged as being non-conforming, it would be clear for us at Action Laval that Mr. Galati will have to act in accordance,” he said regarding Cifelli in a separate statement, without elaborating.

More AL ‘research’ purchases

While the Journal singled out Galati in its exposé, they also noted that a $900 Apple Air Pods headset was purchased for Cifelli from research funds (after he lost a $329 pair a few months before).

As well, Action Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis claimed several thousand dollars in expenses from last year’s research budget after she purchased an Apple iPad Pro for $1,900 with a keyboard for $500.

Although the Journal’s investigation focused almost entirely on Action Laval, with very little mention of research budget expenses incurred by councillors sitting with the mayor’s party, the Mouvement lavallois, TVA (the Journal de Montréal’s television counterpart at Quebecor media) reported.

EDITOR’S NOTE
The Laval News, would like to point out that it does not take any pleasure in publishing this type of article, but is obliged to do so in order to inform the population and respect its mission of information and impartiality.

Quebec opens inquiry into Action Laval ‘research’ expenses Read More »

Work starts on Laval’s public library headquarters in downtown core

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Officials from the City of Laval and the provincial government gathered last Monday morning at a green space in Laval’s downtown Montmorency district for a ground-turning ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the city’s new central public library building.

Aiming for LEED Gold

The architecture of the multi-storey building will be defined primarily by sustainability, according to the city. As such, Laval is aiming to achieve LEED Gold certification.

This will be based primarily on the environmental sustainability of the building’s outer envelope, as well as the building’s cutting-edge systems for managing rainwater and its successful integration of sustainable energy sources.

The building’s interior spaces have been designed to offer maximum comfort, according to the plans, allowing in a large amount of natural light from the exterior, while also creating interesting views of the outside from the interior.

A major cultural hub

Located on de l’Avenir Blvd. near the heart of the public transit hub in Laval’s downtown core and the Montmorency Metro station, as well as the campuses of several learning institutions, the municipal library headquarters building is projected to become a major gathering place for important cultural events and activities.

Construction work is set to begin in October, with completion scheduled by early 2027, although the official opening date has yet to be determined.

“This new cultural infrastructure marks a turning point in the development of Laval, transforming out centre-city into a true crossroads for creativity and gatherings for everyone,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

‘A turning point’

“It is a source of pride to be able to support a project that will not only highlight the creativity of our artists, but that will also help to energize the well-being of our community,” he added.

The Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications is providing $44 million in funding for the project, while the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Parks and Wildlife is furnishing an additional $6 million.

“Today, we are unveiling more than a library and an arts centre,” said Sainte-Rose CAQ MNA Christopher Skeete, who is the Minister Responsible for Laval in the Legault cabinet. “We are presenting an unmistakable and inspiring meeting place for gatherings for our community.

‘Major asset,’ says Skeete

“Thanks to the support of our government, the cultural diversity of Laval will be illuminated in an environment that’s modern and unifying,” said Skeete. “It’s sure to be a major asset for the region, which will strengthen our economic and touristic vitality.”

“Our government stands firmly committed towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Quebec,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Benoit Charette. “I salute the architectural proposal presented by the City of Laval, which is a fine example of a project leaning towards energetic efficiency and sustainability.

“By integrating green technologies, we are taking an important step towards attaining our climactic objectives, while also creating greener and more resilient living spaces for future generations,” he said.

Laval obtains VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE silver level certification

The City of Laval’s initiatives to make cycling an essential transportation option have been recognized and rewarded by Vélo Québec’s VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE movement, which has just awarded it silver certification. This is an additional step up from the previous certification, underlining the City’s ongoing commitment to active mobility.

“After obtaining a bronze level certification in 2019, this new silver level certification highlights the efforts made in recent years and marks another step towards an environment conducive to active transportation, including cycling. The City of Laval aims for efficient, active and sustainable mobility, and cycling plays a key role in this direction,” said Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

A varied and constantly evolving offer

In line with the Master Plan for the Bicycle Network, the Laval network is becoming more accessible, user-friendly and better connected between neighbourhoods every year. About 10 to 15 km of new cycle links are deployed annually, bringing the total network to more than 325 km on the entire island.

The fast-growing BIXI bike-sharing network has been a growing success with Laval residents since it went live in 2019. In addition, theRoute verte cycling network, which covers more than 37 km on the territory, enhances the offer of bike lanes.

Not to mention the wide range of learning and discovery activities to learn and discover cycling, such as the two cycling education parks inaugurated in 2023 and the new Circuits actives de Sainte-Rose, which illustrate Laval’s commitment to innovating in active transportation and making it accessible to all.

Better sharing of the streets

The City has also distinguished itself in recent years with the deployment of several actions aimed at better street sharing and an increased sense of safety for all road users.

These actions include the implementation of traffic calming measures, increased safety at intersections, the implementation of new actions to promote active mobility and the reduction of speed limits.

The slogan. “Tout doux dans nos rues”, accompanied by citizen mobilization actions associated with this campaign (posters, compost bags, etc.), also helped to raise awareness of these efforts.

Work starts on Laval’s public library headquarters in downtown core Read More »

Quebec backs city’s bid for development of Carré Laval mixed use project

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With a little seed money from Quebec Premier François Legault’s government, the City of Laval is set to transform another expanse of its vast but still largely underused downtown core into a new and sustainably-planned neighborhood, where residential, commercial and light industry are expected to flourish.

The Carré Laval project will be taking place over a span of 20 years at least on a more than 40-hectare site that is probably familiar to many if not most Laval residents. It’s the large mostly vacant square of land at the southwest-side intersection of Autoroute 15 and Saint-Martin Blvd.

Visible but vacant site

There, the most notable landmarks until now have been the Palais de Justice, the abandoned stone quarry behind the courthouse, and in more recent years the temporary staging base for the lightshow entertainment start-up Illumi Laval.

In a press release issued by the city earlier this month, Laval officials refer to Carré Laval as a “flagship project,” serving possibly as a prototype for similar developments elsewhere in Laval. The city acknowledges it is an “ambitious vision” for an area that was chosen largely because of its strategic location immediately next to the A-15, allowing widespread exposure to a steady stream of traffic passing through greater Montreal.

$10 million from Quebec

Although the Legault government agreed four years ago to provide an initial $10 million to decontaminate and remediate the lot (some of which served for decades as a snow dump), Sainte-Rose MNA Christopher Skeete, who is the Minister Responsible for Laval, played a prominent role during an official announcement with Mayor Stéphane Boyer, suggesting Quebec may have more to offer before the next election two years from now.

According to a description from the city of the future Carré Laval, it would be designed to minimize its carbon imprint. To that end, access in and around the site when completed would be primarily by “active” transportation (bicycle, light electric vehicles, and on foot), while minimizing the presence of trucks and cars.

A new regional park

During a first phase, a 22-hectare regional park (the equivalent of 30 football fields, according to the city) would be created, with the disused stone quarry dominating the middle. Eventually, 3,500 units of housing would be built in Carré Laval, although the initial plan calls for the creation of 1,000 housing units, 500 of which would be of the affordable kind.

To reach this goal, the city has decided to work closely with the Société de développement Angus (SDA), a property developer that operates on principles of social economy. SDA’s main accomplishment to date was the redevelopment of the former Angus railway yards in the east end of Montreal into a mixed-use residential/commercial community.

New housing on site

The City of Laval has signed an agreement in principle with the Société de développement Angus, which sets out three phases for SDA’s involvement with Carré Laval: construction of 500 units of affordable housing; development of an additional 500 housing units of an unspecified type; and the realization of a public building revolving around the “One Health” concept, as well as life sciences and commercial research.

A conceptual rendering of Carré Laval when completed. (Photo: Courtesy of City of Laval)

The city notes that the the plan calls for life and health sciences companies to locate their research facilities in Carré Laval. “The goal is to create an emblematic environment that reflects the values of sustainable development and inclusivity which have importance in laval,” reads a statement from the City of Laval.

The ‘One Health’ concept

The World Health Organization defines the One Health concept as “an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It uses the close, interdependent links among these fields to create new surveillance and disease control methods.”

And the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control calls One Health “a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach – working at the local, regional, national, and global levels – with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment.”

A ‘unique place,’ Boyer says

“The vision for the development of Carré Laval prioritizes quality of life, innovation and sustainability,” said Mayor Boyer. “On this exceptional site in the heart of downtown, we are going to create a unique place where the community will be able to develop in a healthy and dynamic environment geared towards the future.

“In the end, Carré Laval will become the nerve centre that establishes the identity of Laval residents and that attracts people from everywhere,” he continued. “This project of international stature will allow the City of Laval to enter a new era. We want to create a neighborhood where there is real happiness.”

Beyond economics, says Skeete

“For our government, giving life back to a place like the Carré Laval is more than just an economic project,” Skeete suggested. “This is also an opportunity to create areas where our community can get together and prosper. Thanks to the collaboration of numerous local players, we have a unique opportunity to rekindle our centre city as well as our region.”

The city will be launching a wide-ranging public consultation on Carré Laval with an initial presentation at 7 pm on the evening of Tuesday Sept. 24 at the Cabaret de l’Avenir at Collège Letendre at 1000 boulevard de l’Avenir in downtown Laval.

Quebec backs city’s bid for development of Carré Laval mixed use project Read More »

Burglars snatch high-end clothing at kidswear store

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Laval Police late last week were still trying to identify several suspects who took part in a brazen early morning burglary at a designer children’s wear boutique near the Carrefour Laval mall.

According to initial reports, the perpetrators were able to get into the outlet through a commercial address next to the Kid Biz store.

They apparently broke through a wall between the two businesses, through which they managed to get into the high-end children’s clothing retailer around 1:40 am.

The store is known for selling designer kids’ apparel and accessories, retailing in some cases for more than $1,000 per item.

On its website, Kid Biz bills itself as “Quebec’s leading boutique for high-end childrenswear,” as well as “the largest children’s retail boutique in Canada.”

According to the website, the designer brands children’s wear featured in the store include Givenchy, Balmain, Moncler, Armani, Moschino, Versace and Hugo Boss.

Recent Laval Fire Dept. calls

Around 5:40 pm on Friday Sept. 6, the Laval Fire Dept. was called to respond to a fire which had broken out in an industrial building located on Lachaine St. in an industrial sector of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.

(Photo: Courtesy Association des pompiers de Laval)

Although the blaze wasn’t considered highly dangerous, smoke was spotted by firefighters as soon as they arrived, and a 10-07 code was sent in, meaning an intervention would be necessary to put out the fire.

During the early evening of Aug. 31, firefighters from the LFD responded to a fire call from a commercial address near the intersection of Industriel and Saint-Elzéar boulevards.

It turned out to be a blaze which started in a pile of debris.

The firemen had some difficulty at first putting it out, directing several streams of water, before having any success. However, a large volume of smoke could be seen from a considerable distance.

On Sunday Aug. 25 just before 10 am, a shed located behind a home on Léandre-Descostes St. in Chomedey was the source of a large explosion which caused a fire that spread to several other sheds in a rear lane.

According to an initial assessment of the cause, a propane heater used improperly to warm up a swimming pool was the probable cause. Electric wiring hanging from poles near the blaze were damaged, with some falling to the ground.

Firefighters from the LFD’s No. 2 firehall on Souvenir Blvd. responded. They managed to get the situation under control within minutes and backup units weren’t necessary. Property damage was limited to the affected sheds and nearby houses weren’t damaged.

A more serious fire broke out and burned overnight from Aug. 26-27 at an apartment complex on Bois-de-Boulogne Ave. in Chomedey.

The blaze is believed to have been caused by some items of clothing which were left too close to bedside lamp in a bedroom in a third-floor apartment.

(Photo: Courtesy Association des pompiers de Laval)

The LFD received the first call just after 10 pm, and were on the scene within eight minutes, although tenants had started evacuating before the firefighters arrived.

A dog that was found unconscious in the unit where the fire had broken out was revived by the firefighters with respiratory equipment adapted to rescuing pets.

Damages were estimated at $10,000 to the building and an additional $9,000 for furnishings.

Burglars snatch high-end clothing at kidswear store Read More »

Mother Nature cuts down time families spent at Laval’s Fête de la Famille

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Many of Laval’s moms, dads, children and grandparents got just a taste of the fun normally to be had on Labor Day weekend, when the city lives up to its annual end-of-summer tradition by holding the Fête de la Famille at the Centre de la nature in Duvernay.

Unwelcome rain

Given Mother Nature’s precarious moods in recent years, the city’s highly popular Family Day was reduced roughly by half.

Rain that began slowly falling during the early afternoon quickly changed into a steady downpour that drove anyone lingering on the Centre de la nature grounds into a frantic search for cover.

The Laval Fire Department’s firehose and burning house simulator was still as big a hit with the kids as in the past at this year’s Fête de la Famille at the Centre de la nature in Duvernay. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News).

Although Environment Canada had forecast rain starting no earlier than 3 pm after bright and friendly skies that morning, dark clouds were gathering by as early as two, while gusts of wind threatened to uproot tents and send them aloft like giant kites.

A scaled-down Fête

However, many of the usual sights, sounds and fun things were there, although scaled down considerably in some cases.

The “zip line,” a perennial favorite among kids as well as adults every Labor Day weekend, was a shadow of its former self this year, being reduced to a mini-version.

Still, some of the Family Day’s old standby favorites, like the Laval Fire Department’s firehose and burning house simulator, were still as big a hit with the kids as in many years past.

A Jurassic Park “circus” proved itself to be very popular with kids and parents, although it and most of the other activities were cut short by mid-afternoon when the rain began falling in torrents.

Mother Nature cuts down time families spent at Laval’s Fête de la Famille Read More »

Hundreds attend Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis’ summer BBQ

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More than 800 guests – most of them constituents in Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis’s riding – chowed down on hot dogs, salad and other outdoor BBQ delights on the afternoon of Sunday Sept. 1 in Laval-des-Rapides’ Bernard Landry Park.

Again next year

Although it was Koutrakis’s first annual BBQ since first being elected in 2019, she pledged it was far from being the last. “We plan to have this event every year,” she said in an interview with The Laval News.

“And it’s a way for us to thank our citizens while just having a great time in a family atmosphere to tell them how much I appreciate them. It’s also for them to know that they have a federal Member of Parliament who is always there ready and willing to help.”

Touching base locally

Koutrakis and her staff spent time since early August visiting more than 40 local community organizations and non-profit groups, including several senior citizens’ retirement residences.

“Everybody knew about our annual BBQ,” said Koutrakis, noting that several buses of seniors were expected to take part in the festivities that afternoon. “For us, when I look at this, it warms my heart to know that we did the right thing.”

While there is a common misconception that MPs enjoy long summer and Christmas holidays when the House of Commons isn’t in session, the truth is that the vast majority of parliamentarians use the time to catch up on local issues in their ridings, while going around touching base with people and organizations.

Busy summer for Koutrakis

“Oh my god, I think summer is the best time for all Members of Parliament to be on the ground and visit the small businesses, family organizations, daycamps.” she agreed. “We visited many of the companies and organizations we helped this summer through Canada employment.”

She said the riding of Vimy alone this past summer received nearly $1 million to provide subsidies to 66 children’s daycamps and other groups so they could create 204 jobs for students who were off during summer vacation.

“So, the good word is that summer is the best time for MPs to get some things done, when we’re not torn between parliament and other things that need to be done,” she added. An event such as a large gathering of citizens can also offer opportunities to hear what’s on the minds of constituents. Koutrakis learned what some of them were thinking.

Meeting constituents

“Today I heard from several people who wanted more information on the government’s housing strategy, for instance,” she said. “There were some who said they had reached out in the past for services at my office and they specifically wanted to meet members of my team who had helped them out.

“I can’t ask for better than that,” she continued. “So, it’s really great to be able to have these informal get-togethers to hear directly from people where you know that you’re made a difference in their life. And it makes me better as a Member of Parliament. We learn as a team.”

Hundreds attend Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis’ summer BBQ Read More »

Laval City-Watch

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the last few days of August, City of Laval work crews were wrapping up the last of a series of coordinated trash and waste pickups on streets throughout the city, after the devastating floods that washed through several neighbourhoods of Laval on Aug. 9.

Over the previous three weeks, a coordinated effort by several key municipal departments focused on the massive task, with assistance from a few contracted outside service providers.

According to the city, more than 25,000 hours of work went into the cleanup, and city teams were resuming their day-to-day operations, as students in schools across Laval were adjusting to back-to-school routines and settling down to classes.

“Planning and coordination efforts as well as the exceptional mobilization of several hundred people made it possible to conduct this never-before-seen cleanup operation on Laval’s soil,” said Patrick Taillefer, director of the Laval Fire Dept. and principal coordinator for emergency measures.

“For every residence affected, our teams had to pick up the equivalent of nearly a year’s worth of trash,” he added. “They managed to do it with success, after a second and then a final sweep over all the territory.”

“Since August 12, the City of Laval’s teams worked incessantly to support our community,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

“This cleanup operation, which quickly became our absolute priority, showed one more time the solidarity and resilience of all the people in Laval. Thanks to the commitment of our staff and the collaboration of everyone concerned, we were able to surmount this challenge together and reestablish order in our neighbourhoods to the best of our abilities.”

Just what was done

  • Work crews passed twice on all Laval’s territory, for a total of 2,900 streets
  • 15,363 addresses visited
  • More than 8,000 tons of debris gathered
  • 4,170 10-wheel truck trips
  • 12,455 visits to the écocentres
  • Around 1,000 tons of debris dumped
  • More than 25,000 hours of work
  • Estimated cost $4 million

Other options still available

Laval’s écocentres continue to be an excellent option for those still needing to rid themselves of trash and debris left from the flooding. Because of the exceptional nature of the situation, the city is allowing a much greater volume of materials per resident to be accepted.

They are also reminding residents who were impacted that some insurance policies include rental charges for steel containers to gather debris and its pickup by a specialized contractor.

Giant mural completed at Chomedey high-rise

On Aug. 29, representatives of the City of Laval were on hand for the official unveiling of a large mural created over two exterior walls on a high-rise building at the corner of Saint-Martin and Daniel Johnson boulevards in Chomedey.

The work, titled Inner Child Healing, was created by multidisciplinary artist Jacquie Comrie, on the outside of the 14-storey Tours Saint-Martin.

“Adding to the City of Laval’s already impressive collection of public art, this impressionist and brilliant work will be embellishing the sector to make it even more lively, while at the same time adding to the experiences of those using the sector,” said Laval city councillor for Sainte-Rose Flavia Alexandra Novac, who is responsible for cultural dossiers on city council.

“The building’s architecture was perfectly suited for such a large project in an area where its visibility over a wide and well-trafficked area will ensure it is seen by a maximum of passersby,” she added.

The artist who created the work explained how she went about it. “In my artistic efforts, I use color as a tool for social transformation in order to create a positive impact and beneficial effects on mental health,” Comrie said.

“Color is a universal language for transmitting emotions, in addition to being a powerful tool to embellish spaces. It has healing properties and also the capacity to influence our thoughts, our behaviors and our well-being.”

The mural was created with the assistance of MU, an organization that has been behind the creation of many other exterior murals in the Montreal region since 2007. The City of Laval undertook to sponsor the mural as part of an existing cultural policy to promote public art in open outdoor spaces in strategic locations.

Around 60 other murals and other works of art are part of a growing collection on Laval’s territory. They can be found on many municipal buildings including libraries, sports and community centres, as well as in green spaces and public parks.

Marius-Barbeau library branch in Saint-François moves

Since Sept. 7, the City of Laval library network’s Marius-Barbeau branch in Saint-François has been closed while a move is undertaken to a new location at the Espace citoyen des Confluents (ECC) at 1000 Marie-Uguay St.

According to Laval city councillor Flavia Alexandra Novac, in charge of library services on city council, the new locale will give the branch more space and convenience for its users who are mostly in Duvernay-Est and Saint-François.

“They will have access to a collection of more than 55,000 documents, several new pieces of digital equipment, a terrace, a reading room, a special section especially set aside for teenagers, meeting rooms and much more,” said Novac.

“This will be a place very simply that is exceptional where you will be able to find places for gatherings, exchanges and for culture, which is sure to become an important focal point for the community,” she added.

Until Nov. 2 when the ECC is schedule to open, library users from the area are invited to use the Germaine-Guèvremont library branch located at 2900 boulevard de la Concorde Est in Duvernay, or any of the eight other Laval public library branches.

At the same time, library users are reminded that many of the City of Laval’s services are not available online, making it unnecessary to go in person to a library branch.

For example, books and documents can be reserved online, while other resources can be consulted directly in databases of information. Book and document loans can also be renewed online.

Laval City-Watch Read More »

Tourisme Laval receives $520,000 in financial help from Ottawa

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada, accompanied by Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, last week announced a non-repayable subsidy of $520,000 to Tourisme Laval, to help the agency guide Laval businesses in developing and structuring their tourism offering in the Laval region while also marketing it outside Quebec.

Founded in 1982, Tourisme Laval orients and facilitates the region’s tourism industry, actively contributing to its economic prosperity.

With 170 members, the non-profit organization provides leadership in welcoming tourists and promoting attractions, while also helping to create new tourism experiences through stand-out initiatives.

Tourisme Laval also plays a role in gathering its members and partners together to focus on sustainable development and is particularly known for its expertise in business and sports tourism.

The four-year project for which Tourisme Laval was granted the funds targets three of the federal government’s priorities: sustainable tourism, inclusive tourism and the acceleration of business digitization.

The project also prioritizes tourism experiences targeted by the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec.

The government’s contribution will help pay Tourisme Laval’s operating costs, which include salaries, professional fees and other costs directly related to authorized activities.

“The Government of Canada is keen to support the tourism industry which, we must remember, was hit hard by the pandemic, while it plays a key role in reinforcing Quebec and Canada’s competitiveness and appeal,” said Martinez Ferrada, who is also Minister responsible for Canadian Economic Development Quebec in the Trudeau cabinet.

“Tourisme Laval showcases all that the region has to offer to tourists, something it does so well,” she added emphatically.“The investment announced today signals our commitment to Laval’s tourism businesses and will make it possible to attract even more people from abroad to visit us. We can be proud of all that our regions have to offer.”

“Tourisme Laval spearheads efforts to attract and retain tourists from outside Quebec,” said Koutrakis, who is Martinez Ferrada’s Parliamentary Secretary.

“Its team, consisting of a vast network with solid expertise in guiding tourism businesses, knows how to face increasing competition to position Laval as a destination of choice for visitors from Canada, the U.S. and abroad,” she continued. “CED’s support will make it possible to boost this important component of Laval’s economy.”

“We express our gratitude towards CED for this decisive support,” said Yanick Pazzi, president of Tourisme Laval’s board of directors. “The confidence the government of Canada has placed in Tourisme Laval highlights our key role in the region’s economy.

“Thanks to this assistance, we will be able to not only promote ethical, innovative tourism, but also strengthen sustainable growth in our region,” said Pazzi.

“This funding will enable us to market our destination outside Quebec and to modernize our tourism offering, in perfect harmony with the priorities of our governmental partners.”

Tourisme Laval receives $520,000 in financial help from Ottawa Read More »

Laval-based INRS gets over $4 million from Quebec to prepare for future pandemics

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the climate continues to change, insect-borne viruses—also known as arboviruses—are becoming a growing threat to public health around the world.

These viruses, which are spread and transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, could be the source of future epidemics or pandemics in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

Indeed, some of them are already in the World Health Organization’s sights.

The Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), based in Laval, a leader in the fight against infectious diseases, has received $4,163,688 in funding from the Quebec government to technologically develop an innovative research pipeline in its Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratory on the INRS Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre in Laval. Today’s announcement is a major boon for biotech sector.

“This major investment strengthens INRS’s position as a hub of expertise in health and biotechnology in Quebec and the rest of Canada,” said Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Chief Executive Officer of INRS.

“This will provide our institution with state-of-the-art facilities to take on current public health challenges, while helping to train the next generation of scientists specialized in infectious diseases,” he said.

“By supporting this INRS project, we are affirming the importance of Quebec in research and innovation,” said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister responsible for the Fight against Racism and Minister responsible for the Laval region in the Legault cabinet.

“This support contributes to making Laval a major center for biotechnology and health, and we are proud to see our region shine in these essential fields,” Skeete added.

CL3 infrastructure allows pathogens that may be hazardous to human and animal health to be handled and studied under infectious and highly secure conditions.

A better understanding of arboviruses

Professor Laurent Chatel-Chaix, a molecular virologist at INRS who heads the CL3 laboratory since 2021, will be working with his team to perform cutting-edge research on arboviruses like West Nile virus, chikungunya, Usutu, and yellow fever.

“Arboviruses are potential sources of epidemics and pandemics, especially since they are influenced by the effects of global warming in some parts of the world,” said Chatel-Chaix.

“The technological innovation of this CL3 facility will allow us to deepen our knowledge of certain diseases and better understand how these viruses spread while preparing for future pandemic and epidemic threats.”

Laval-based INRS gets over $4 million from Quebec to prepare for future pandemics Read More »

Local school boards and Laval Police team up for ‘Drop Me Off Safely’ campaign

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, the Centre de services scolaire de Laval and the Laval Police have teamed up once again at the beginning of a new school year to get things underway with a focus on student safety.

Their initiative aims to promote safe driving habits around school zones during drop-off times to ensure the well-being of students.

The “Drop Me Off Safely” campaign is an initiative of the Laval Police and has won the Recognition award granted by the Association des directeurs de police du Québec, in the Road Security category.

Recognizing the importance of safety during the crucial moments of student drop-offs, the Laval Police initiated the campaign to raise awareness and ensure every student is safe on their journey to school.

Once again, the campaign will be spread over four strategic periods under various themes throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

More specifically, the police will be reminding motorists of speed limits to respect and mandatory stops to watch out for when a school bus turns on its flashing red lights.

“Our focus at the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board is always the safety of our students and staff,” said school board chairperson Paolo Galati.

“Being part of the “Drop Me Off Safely” campaign is important to us and we are proud to support this initiative to keep our students safe,” he added.

For more information and engaging activities on bus safety, you can visit the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board’s website: https://www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/en/parents/transportation/swlsb-annual-school-bus-safety-program/.

Local school boards and Laval Police team up for ‘Drop Me Off Safely’ campaign Read More »

Moderna’s Canadian facility in Laval receives DEL status from Health Canada

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Moderna Inc. (Nasdaq:MRNA) announced on Monday that its Canadian manufacturing facility, which is located in Laval, has been granted a Drug Establishment License (DEL) by Health Canada.

The certification, according to a statement issued by the company, affirms the facility’s compliance with rigorous safety and quality standards, authorizing it to produce drug substance.

“This key milestone enables Moderna’s Canadian manufacturing site to become fully operational, bringing the company closer to ensuring a reliable and onshore supply of mRNA vaccines within Canada,” said Moderna.

With the DEL in place, the facility will proceed with the final qualification process, positioning it to domestically manufacture a portfolio of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses beginning in 2025, including COVID-19 and, contingent on approval by Health Canada, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and seasonal influenza.

“This is another landmark in Moderna’s long-term strategic partnership with the Government of Canada to provide onshore respiratory vaccine manufacturing capabilities and support national pandemic readiness,” said Roger Ngassam, Laval Manufacturing Site Head at Moderna Canada.

“This platform will be the foundation for enabling the manufacturing of multiple mRNA vaccines right here in Canada,” he added.

“This is a significant achievement in our efforts to bring certified end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capabilities to Canada and is the first of our manufacturing sites outside the U.S. to reach this milestone,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Government of Canada to support the national supply of vital respiratory vaccines.”

The DEL status adds to Moderna’s existing global manufacturing footprint, which includes key facilities in the United States, as well as facilities under construction in Australia and the United Kingdon.

According to the company, the Laval facility will be playing a crucial role in furthering Moderna’s positive impact on global health, while contributing to the local economy, and ensuring Canadian access to safe, high-quality mRNA medicines.

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna  focuses on RNA therapeutics – mainly mRNA vaccines.

The company, which underwent a massive surge in growth during the Covid pandemic, has only one commercial product so far, which is the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

However, Moderna has 45 treatment and vaccine candidates, of which 38 have reached the advanced stage of clinical trials.

They include potential vaccines for influenza, HIV, Epstein-Barr human herpes, and several vaccines against cancer.

Moderna’s Canadian facility in Laval receives DEL status from Health Canada Read More »

New social housing opens in Laval for low-income single moms and children

Local Journalism Initiative / / / ,

Martin C. Barry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nearly two dozen young families from Laval headed by low-income single mothers will get a better sense of security with a permanent roof over their heads following the completion of a new subsidized housing project in central Laval made possible through the cooperative efforts of three levels of government.

Officials with the governments of Quebec, Canada and the City of Laval were among around 100 guests invited to the opening of the Avenir de femmes housing project, spearheaded by the Bureau d’aide et d’assistance familiale Place St-Martin.

$10.1 million investment

The three-storey 23-unit building on Dumouchel Ave. in Laval-des-Rapides required an investment of more than $10.1 million. The government of Quebec contributed more than $2.8 million through the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) AccèsLogis Québec program. The SHQ is also securing the organization’s mortgage loan.

The three-storey Avenir de Femmes building on Dumouchel Ave. in Laval-des-Rapides. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

The government of Canada allocated more than $2 million through the Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement. And the City of Laval provided more than $1.2 million for the construction of the project.

Under terms the families occupying the units have agreed to, all tenants could potentially benefit from the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) Rent Supplement Program, ensuring that they spend just 25 per cent of their income on housing.

Additional funding

This additional assistance of more than $395,000 over five years is assumed by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the City of Laval (10 per cent).

The Bureau d’aide et d’assistance familiale Place St-Martin also received over $448,000 in financial assistance from the SHQ’s Rénovation Québec program. In accordance with the standards of this program, this assistance is funded equally by the SHQ and the City of Laval.

As well, the Bureau d’aide et d’assistance familiale Place St-Martin will provide families living in the Avenir de femmes building with support services for a self-improvement goal (going back to school or occupational retraining).

Just in time for single moms

“As we approach the 40th anniversary of our organization in the midst of a housing crisis, our low-rental housing project, Avenir de femmes, couldn’t have come at a better time for single mothers,” said Martin Badia, President of the Bureau d’aide et d’assistance familiale Place Saint-Martin.

“The benefits of this project will be even greater, as our residents will get support for a life goal of going back to school or re-entering the labour market to become more independent and improve their own quality of life as well as that of their families,” said Badia.

A ‘place to call home’

“Every Quebecer deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, regardless of their situation,” said Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, parliamentary secretary to the minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada’s Quebec regions.

“The government of Canada is proud to contribute to the creation of 23 new affordable housing units for single mothers here in Laval,” added Koutrakis. “This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Varied solutions needed

“I’m especially proud to see promising projects like Avenir de femmes carried out thanks to the close collaboration between the City of Laval and its partners and institutions,” said Céline Haytayan, the Coalition Avenir Québec MNA for Laval-des-Rapides.

“We need to focus on concrete and varied solutions to promote access to affordable social housing, particularly for the most vulnerable client groups, and this is a real priority for our government. I applaud this project that will provide many single mothers in Laval with invaluable assistance.”

New social housing opens in Laval for low-income single moms and children Read More »

Scroll to Top