Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Without a doubt, there was a lot happening last year. The Laval News concludes its look back at events in our area in 2024 with a summary of what was happening in November and December.
November
Trudeau ‘buying votes,’ Laval’s Conservatives claimed
As reported in our November 6 issue, Conservative Party organizers claimed the Trudeau government had been “buying votes” in recent years through an extensive program of subsidies – including Covid-era CERB payments.

Quebec Conservative Senator Leo Housakos said he agreed the Trudeau government has effectively been purchasing votes.
He said that around the same time as the Covid crisis, the government also “went on a spending spree,” giving away millions to non-profit organizations “that didn’t need it.”
‘Eva the Louse’ a hit with kids and parents
After eighteen months of auditions, rehearsals, recording and production, The Adventures of Eva Louse was the culmination of those efforts.
As reported in our pages, development of the massive, multi-level, educational and artistic project culminated in style at The Palace convention centre in Laval with a performance of highlights, as well as the official release of a children’s picture/audio book.
The project, led by Dimitris Ilias and his wife Maria Diamantis, brought together the talents of 175 young choristers from 13 English Montreal School Board schools.
Laval shone a spotlight on contributions of its volunteers
On Wednesday November 6, the City of Laval presented its latest volunteer-recognition evening at the Salle André-Mathieu. The event included musical entertainment, as well as dancing and humor.
Leadership torch passed to James Di Sano at Laurier School Board
Former Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board commissioner James Di Sano launched the SWLSB on a new path of renewal, resurgence, reform and change in his new role of Board Chairman, after being elected on November 3 and sworn in a few weeks later.

Russell Copeman, SWLSB Director-General, officiated for Chairman Di Sano and the 12 commissioners, seven of whom were acclaimed, while two were elected, and three were designated as parent-representatives.
Résidence l’Oasis honored six former Canadian Armed Forces soldiers
Six Canadian Forces veterans ranging in age from 70 to more than 100 years were the focus of a special homage paid during a Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony held at the Résidence l’Oasis de Laval on November 11.
Veterans Lucien Gravel, age 90, Jean-Jacques Lavergne, 99, Jean-Pierre Bureau, 70, Jean Poirier, 89, Daniel Legault, 73, and Ernest Robert, 100, all served with the Canadian Forces in a variety of capacities – including World War II defence and combat operations.
New library/community centre opened in Saint-Francois
The Espace citoyen des Confluents (ECC), which is located on a soon to be developed green patch in Laval’s sprawling but rapidly-expanding district of Saint-François, was officially opened by Mayor Stéphane Boyer. The $41 million cost was shared by the City of Laval and the provincial government.
December
Made in Quebec, produced in Laval
The Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIL) launched a campaign to encourage consumers to “buy local,” in Quebec and in Laval, as they contemplated their purchases for the upcoming Christmas holidays.
According to the CCIL, the goal of the $1.4 million promotion was to provide a boost to the local economy, while drawing attention to local businesses that cast Laval in a positive light.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer suggested it was no coincidence the campaign was getting underway just as the Christmas season was also about to start. “Our city is filled with entrepreneurs, artisans and business operators who drive the dynamic in Laval,” he said.
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‘Lilac Benefit’ brought Shield of Athena closer to $5 million funding goal
As reported in our December 4 issue, nearly 200 supporters of emergency shelters for women and children fleeing abusive households were guests at Shield of Athena’s annual “Lilac” Benefit Gala at the Embassy Plaza, raising as much as $150,000 for the cause during the non-profit’s annual gourmet dinner and art auction.

“What we hope is that with events like this, as well as the generosity of people and companies and businesses that keep on giving, we’ll be able to keep on providing our services,” said Shield of Athena executive-director Melpa Kamateros.
Marquise VIII: another opportunity for stylish living for empty nesters
The climax of an ambitious chapter in the history of residential development in Laval got underway in early December last year when a ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction for the eighth and final tower of the Marquise on Jean-Béraud Ave. in Chomedey.
For Michel Guilbault, executive vice-president of development at Dév Méta which was a key player in the rental condo project, it was the conclusion of a long journey that began in 2012 when he first guided efforts to raise the first towers of the Marquise project.
Laval’s new Aquatics Complex opened in city centre
Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer was among the very first people to take a high-dive into the waters of the Olympic-size pool at the city’s new Aquatics Complex.

“The opening of this aquatic complex is an important step for our city,” said Mayor Boyer. “Not only does this project answer to the growing needs of our community, but it also is part of our vision of an inclusive and accessible society for all.”
Filia founder presented National Assembly Medal
Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier paid tribute to Joanna Tsoublekas, founder of the Filia Seniors’ Association, for her outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the elderly.
During the celebration of the association’s 41st anniversary, Lakhoyan Olivier presented Tsoublekas with a Quebec National Assembly Medal, an honorary distinction that signifies official recognition for the exceptional work done by outstanding and committed citizens.