After 30 years, THE LAVAL NEWS has ended its door-to-door distribution.
The February 21st, 2024 edition of THE LAVAL NEWS was the last issue delivered door to door by PUBLIC SAC. Since our first edition in 1993, THE LAVAL NEWS entrusted PUBLIC SAC with the mandate to deliver our paper, your paper, to your door. On that note, we thank all the workers who were behind and in front of the scenes that made the distribution of your newspaper possible.
However, on March 4th, 2024, PUBLIC SAC ceased its door-to-door distributing service due to changes in municipal by-laws in Montreal and other cities in Quebec. It’s an effort to reduce, at the source, a significant amount of paper and plastic in circulation in cities across Quebec. This leaves us with no cost-effective way to distribute our newspaper.
Therefore, as of March 6th, you can pick up THE LAVAL NEWS throughout the city at many selected local distribution points, such as public buildings, grocery stores, pharmacies, bakeries, etc.
Below, you will find the list of distribution points. Thank you for your loyal readership. We will continue to keep you informed and entertained.
Points de distribution / Distribution points
H7A
600 Montée du Moulin
Jean Coutu
H7A
600 Montée du Moulin
RONA
H7A
8075 Blvd. Lévesque E
Ultra Depanneur
H7C
4411 Blvd. de la Concorde E
IGA
H7C
4425 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Jean Coutu
H7E
2900 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Germaine-Guèvremont Library
H7E
3200 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Metro Plus
H7E
3595 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Intermarché Palumbo
H7E
4975 Blvd. Robert-Bourassa
Canadian Tire
H7E
5805 Blvd. Robert-Bourassa
IGA
H7E
2495 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Patisserie St Martin
H7E
3245 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Villa Val Des Arbres
H7G
155 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Metro Plus
H7G
300 Blvd. de la Concorde E
Polyclinique Médicale
H7G
405 Blvd. des Laurentides
Jean Coutu
H7G
1610 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Chartrand Ford Inc
H7K
134 Blvd. Bellerose E
Euro Marché
H7K
5000 Blvd. des Laurentides
Metro Plus
H7K
5680 Blvd. des Laurentides
IGA
H7L
180 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Jean Coutu
H7L
380 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
IGA
H7L
1207 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Metro Plus
H7L
173 Blvd. Sainte-Rose
Uniprix
H7M
1640 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie E
Subaru de Laval
H7M
1755 Blvd. René-Laennec
Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital
H7M
1859 Blvd. René-Laennec
Jean Coutu
H7M
1759 Blvd. des Laurentides
Uniprix
H7M
1904 Blvd. des Laurentides
Super C
H7M
255 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Vimont Toyota Laval
H7M
700 Blvd. Saint-Martin E
Honda De Laval
H7N
475 Blvd. de l’Avenir
Salle André-Mathieu
H7N
1100 Blvd. de l’Avenir
Metro Plus Dépatie
H7N
1455 Blvd. de l’Avenir
Résidences Soleil Manoir
H7N
279-B Blvd. Cartier O
Uniprix
H7N
307 Blvd. Cartier O
IGA
H7N
430 Blvd. Cartier O
Proxim
H7N
255 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Jean Coutu
H7N
255 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Intermarché Palumbo
H7N
1295 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Jean Coutu
H7N
1315 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Uniprix
H7N
1395 Blvd. de la Concorde O
Maison des arts de Laval
H7N
1950 Rue Claude-Gagné
Place Bell
H7P
3699 Autoroute 440 O
Colfax
H7P
4355 Autoroute 440 O
Guimond Sports Complex
H7P
3095 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie
Carrefour Multisports
H7P
3131 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie 440 O
Mercedes-Benz Laval
H7P
2705 Blvd. Chomedey
440 Lincoln Laval
H7P
2800 Blvd. Chomedey
Cadillac Laval
H7P
2805 Blvd. Chomedey
CHSLD de Laval
H7P
2911 Blvd. Chomedey
Service de police de Laval
H7P
3230 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Agoo
H7P
3505 Blvd. Dagenais O
Gabrielle-Roy Library
H7P
3270 Blvd. St-Elzear O
Résidence Estia
H7R
4515 Blvd. Arthur-Sauvé
Jean Coutu
H7R
6155 Blvd. Arthur-Sauvé
Metro Plus
H7R
3875 Blvd. Sainte-Rose
Depanneur Wilson
H7S
1700 Blvd. le Corbusier
Duclos Laval Chrysler
H7S
2250 Av. Francis-Hughes
STL
H7S
1446 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
St. Martin Oasis
H7T
3500 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie
Desmeules Chrysler
H7T
3670 A. Jean-Noël-Lavoie O
440 Laval Chevrolet
H7T
2150 Autoroute Laurentian
Cosmodôme
H7T
3300 Blvd. le Carrefour
Groupe Sélection
H7T
1700 Blvd. Chomedey
Lallier Kia de Laval
H7T
2200 Blvd. Chomedey
Mazda de Laval
H7T
2385 Blvd. Chomedey
Chomedey Toyota Laval
H7T
2450 Blvd. Chomedey
BMW Laval
H7T
2137 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
IGA
H7T
1794 Av. Pierre-Péladeau
Presse Café
H7T
3131 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Ville De Laval
H7T
3208 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Déjeuner Cosmopolitain
H7T
3216 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Marchés Tau
H7T
4363 Blvd. Saint-Martin O
Pharmacy Liounis
H7V
3205 Place Alton-Goldbloom
Jewish Hospital
H7V
1 Place de la Belle-Rive (#7)
Le Domaine Bellerive
H7V
5 Place de la Belle-Rive
Appartements Bellerive 3
H7V
505 Rue Cardinal
Residence Le Renoir
H7V
800 Blvd. Chomedey (Tour B, 2nd Floor)
CLSC Ruisseau-Papineau
H7V
1333 Blvd. Chomedey
Laval Administration
H7V
1400 Blvd. Chomedey
Jardins de Renoir
H7V
1535 Blvd. Chomedey
Multiculturelle Library
H7V
435 Blvd. Curé-Labelle S
Axion 50 plus
H7V
610 Blvd. Curé-Labelle
Jean Coutu
H7V
2999 Blvd. Notre Dame
CHSLD Résidence Riviera
H7V
3055 Blvd. Notre Dame (#109)
Boisé Notre-Dame
H7V
1450 Pie X (Suite 214)
CDC Laval
H7W
1013 Autoroute 13
Tennis 13 Fitness
H7W
5400 Av. Clarendon
Depanneur Bleue
H7W
1665 Rue du Couvent
CLSC Ruisseau-Papineau
H7W
25 Promenade des Îles
Villagia De L’ile Paton
H7W
4311 Blvd. Notre Dame
Marché Bamyan
H7W
4325 Blvd. Notre Dame
Tabagie Elite
H7W
4331 Blvd. Notre Dame
Lillies Bakery
H7W
4349 Blvd. Notre Dame
Uniprix
H7W
4919 Blvd. Notre Dame
Vie en vert Supermarket
H7W
4594 Promenade Paton
Manoir des Îles
H7W
755 Chemin du Sablon
Centre du Sablon
H7W
4219 Blvd. Samson
Depanneur Samson
H7W
4305 Blvd. Samson
Supermarché Atlantis
H7W
4427 Blvd. Samson
Royal Lepage
H7W
4600 Blvd. Samson
Supermarché PA
H7W
4657 Blvd. Samson
Ambrosia Bakery
H7W
4691 Blvd. Samson
Jean Coutu
H7W
4725 Blvd. Samson
Depanneur Chomedey
H7W
4136 Chemin du Souvenir
Serano Bakery
H7W
4232 Chemin du Souvenir
Dépanneur STO DEP
H7X
550 Autoroute Chomedey O
IGA
H7X
3200 Autoroute Chomedey A13
Chomedey Hyundai
H7X
239 Blvd. Samson O
Allô mon Coco
H7X
245 Blvd. Samson
Jean Coutu
H7X
555 Blvd. Samson
Metro Marché Denigil
If you would like to add your store as a distribution point, please email us.
Cold puts a damper on celebration of winter at Centre de la Nature
The City of Laval’s Centre de la nature in Duvernay was definitely not the place to be on the weekend of January 23-24-25.
Some areas of the Centre de la nature, such as the food concessions seen here, were virtually deserted during this year’s Laval en Blanc because of the deep freeze. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
A polar vortex assailing the region had the obvious effect of discouraging many moms, dads and children – who are usually eager to get outdoors during the winter – from attending Laval’s popular Laval en Blanc seasonal celebration.
A seasonal counterpoint
Every year in January, Laval en Blanc offers a counterpoint to the city’s popular Fête de la Famille which takes place during at the end of summer.
For those seeking a break from the cold outdoors at the Centre de la nature, there was entertainment for children at a heated indoor pavilion. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
The idea of having fun outdoors during the winter, in temperatures that normally hover around zero degrees Celsius, is a novel concept and a discovery in itself.
However, this was not to be for Laval en Blanc this year, as the thermometer dipped as low as -25 Celsius on some days.
Attendance was way down
Even with the sun shining down on the Centre de la nature on Saturday, it wasn’t enough to raise the temperature more than a few degrees, the result being that only a fraction of the thousands of Laval residents who normally attend turned up.
Usually crowded with skaters during the annual Laval en Blanc winter festival, the frozen-over lake at the Centre de la nature was lonelier than usual this year in the midst of a polar vortex that dropped temperatures some days as low as -25 Celsius. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
For those who still felt up to the challenge of facing the rigors of a real Quebec winter, there was snow sledding, ice skating, obstacle course racing, snow sculpting, even some musical performances to be enjoyed by kids and their families in warmth inside an enclosed interior pavilion.
A Laval resident who was sought by the RCMP in a cocaine trafficking investigation over the past three years led by the federal police force has been arrested in Mexico.
The RCMP’s Montreal branch confirmed on Monday that Adham Haouili, 43, the son-in-law of Montreal mob boss Raynald Desjardins, 72, was arrested in Mexico where he had been planning to meet his wife.
Haouili is facing charges in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu south of Montreal of conspiracy and drug trafficking along with four other suspects targeted in an investigation that was dubbed Project Camelot.
Some of the contraband seized by the RCMP.
In Project Camelot, led by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) in collaboration with the Longueuil police service, “the five accused allegedly conspired to transport cocaine from the Toronto and Montreal regions to St. John’s, Newfoundland by seaplane,” the RCMP stated in an earlier press release related to the case.
Following police raids in conjunction with those accusations, an aircraft was seized, along with 10 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms and approximately $32,000 in cash. Among those arrested were Benoît David, 55, taken in by Interpol in Santiago Chile, and William Thomas Webber, 44, in Mississauga, Ont.
According to court records, David, like Haouili, is also a resident of Laval, but has yet to be extradited to Canada. The trial of one of the accused, Michael Duguay Halle, 42, of nearby Terrebonne, is scheduled to begin next September.
Fire damages Souvenir Road home
A fire caused damage to an unoccupied home on Souvenir Road in Chomedey on Friday, January 30 just after 12 noon.
The Souvenir Road home in Chomedey damaged by fire. (Photo: Courtesy of Association des pompiers de Laval)
The Association des Pompiers de Laval posted on its social media feed, “Building fire on Chemin du Souvenir in the Chomedey sector. Two-story residential building. Visible smoke. The code was 10-12, second alarm.”
According to the APL, a 9-1-1 call was placed at 11:54 a.m. and the Laval Fire Department arrived on the scene five minutes later. Smoke was visible and an evacuation of the premises was confirmed to have taken place by fire department personnel.
The fire is believed to have started in the basement of the house and spread throughout the building. Cold weather is said to have complicated the work of the 34 firefighters and 9 units that were on site trying to confine the flames to one area of the building.
The firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control nearly two hours after the operation had begun. Several other emergency responders, including the Laval Police and Urgences-Santé were also on hand. Investigators initially believe the probable cause was a mechanical or electrical malfunction.
CO leak forces evacuation at Place Montmorency
Nearly 1,000 occupants in 500 residential units at the Espace Montmorency campus in central Laval were evacuated from apartments on the morning of Saturday, January 31 following a carbon monoxide leak.
Firefighters from the Laval Fire Department, using CO detectors, found carbon monoxide concentrations reaching 60 ppm on several floors of towers No. 1 and No. 4, which was well above safe levels.
The maximum level of CO recommended by Health Canada is 10 ppm over a 24-hour period in a residential setting.
Other recent fires in Laval
JANUARY 29 | 1:52 AM // Building fire on 7th Street in the Chomedey sector. Residential building. Flames visible in the basement and spreading to upper floors. Code was 10-14, fourth alarm.
JANUARY 21 | 7:46 AM // Building fire on Jeanne-le Ber Street in the Duvernay sector. Residential building. Flames visible. Code was 10-07, intervention required.
It’s all about gratitude, MUHC Foundation head tells fundraiser’s supporters
“Today is about gratitude, it’s also about community, and most of all it’s about celebrating an extraordinary group of people who continue showing us what is possible when compassion meets action,” Marie-Hélène Laramée, president and CEO of the MUHC Foundation, said as she was about to unveil a cheque for $386,407 – the latest annual fundraising donation from Pink in the City
Friends, supporters and board members of the MUHC Foundation and Pink in the City boards are seen here after revealing the amount raised last year for the foundation. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Championing breast wellness
The sum, nearly $70,000 more than what Pink in the City donated last year, was presented on January 25 by officials with Pink in the City. It represented funds raised last year through several activities for holistic care provided to breast cancer cancer patients at the Montreal-based teaching hospital.
Pink in the City has become synonymous with breast cancer care at the McGill University Health Centre. They have championed the MUHC’s Breast Clinic Wellness Program through the MUHC Foundation and events like Raise Craze as well as an annual gala.
Tireless and concerted efforts
From breast cancer survivors to passionate high school students, Pink in the City has brought together a loyal following dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Pink in the City’s latest donation to the MUHC brought their total contributions to nearly $2 million.
The funds raised were the result of tireless efforts, which included an inspiring Pink in the Rink campaign led by the Concordia University Women’s Hockey Team.
Dora Tzavaros spoon feeds a dessert to Eleni, granddaughter of Pink in the City co-founder Denise Vourtzoumis (seen here with her husband Bobby, and other grandchildren) at the MUHC on January 25. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
Another one of the fundraising highlights was the Raise Craze, a much-loved event where people shave or dye their hair pink in support of the cause. Students from the Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board did their part, raising more than $20,000 in that campaign, showing how young people are getting involved in philanthropy.
Staff shortages at MUHC
On a somewhat more somber note, Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, director of the Breast Center at the MUHC, sounded a note of caution regarding the state of affairs at the MUHC. “It’s been a very tough year for medicine at the MUHC – there’s no denying it,” he said.
According to Dr. Meterissian, who is a professor of surgery and oncology in the McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, only six of the MUHC’s 14 operating rooms are currently open. “That’s because we don’t have enough anaesthetists or nurses,” he said, noting that some surgeries are now taking place at the Lachine General Hospital and the Ville-Marie Surgery Institute.
Denise Vourtzoumis, a Chomedey resident, co-founded Pink in the City with her son, Lawrence, in 2014 to raise funds for breast cancer care at the MUHC. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
He said the money Pink in the City raises helps to promote women’s health not only through the Breast Clinic Wellness Program, but also helps pay for other program necessities, including medical instruments to care for patients.
Thanks to Vourtzoumis family
“The Wellness Centre would never have happened without the Vourtzoumis family and the efforts put in over the past 10-12 years,” Meterissian said. “It’s providing a service that anybody who’s gone to a physiotherapist, a sex therapist, a dietician, an exercise personal trainer, knows that it costs between $100-$150 an hour.”
Thanks to the financial support provided by Pink in the City, many of these services are made available free of charge to patients. “I think that every doctor at the Breast Centre comes to me and says, ‘my patient needs this, my patient needs that,’ and we’re able to provide it thanks to you. I wake up every day thanking you guys for everything you do.”
Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal’s roots date back officially to 1906
Leading members of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) returned last week to a place closely associated with their community’s 120 years of history.
The venue – now a downtown Montreal hotel – was chosen because of its profound symbolism, being the site where the first place of worship for Montreal’s Orthodox Greeks, the Church of the Holy Trinity, once stood.
Justine Frangouli-Argyris, chair of the 120th anniversary committee and Basile Angelopoulos, president of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
A lasting bond with the past
It’s also where cherished memories of the former church – including at least one religious icon – remain as a reminder of the Montreal Hellenic community’s hallowed bond with the past.
Almost exactly 40 years ago to the day, the Church of the Holy Trinity was destroyed by fire. It was an incident that made a lasting impact on Montreal’s Greeks, many of whom were married and had children who were baptized in the church.
“The history of our community is a story of faith, hard work, devotion and progress,” Basile Angelopoulos, president of the HCGM, stated during a press conference attended by guests who included the Consul General of the Republic of Greece, former HCGM presidents and loyal friends of the Greek community.
Constantine Milonopoulos, a Chomedey resident who served as an altar boy at the Church of the Holy Trinity during the 1950s, is seen here with one of two icons saved from the church, which is displayed in the basement of the Hotel 10 in downtown Montreal. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia) (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
For future generations
“Today we return to the place where it all began, to honour those who paved the way and, above all, to reaffirm our commitment to continue with the same sense of responsibility toward our generations to come, our language, our culture, our faith and the society in which we live,” said Angelopoulos.
“This anniversary is not merely a reflection on the past; it is an invitation to the entire hospitable city of Montreal,” noted Justine Frangouli-Argyris, chair of the 120th anniversary committee.
“With a clear and substantial events planning, we call upon the people of Montreal – Greek and non-Greek alike – to celebrate with us and to share the future we are building together for the generations to come,” she added.
Since 1906, the HCGM has stood alongside the Greek diaspora, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Greek language, the Orthodox Christian faith, history and culture across many generations, while also contributing meaningfully to the economic, social and cultural life of Montreal and Quebec.
A large education network
The HCGM operates the largest network of private elementary schools in Quebec, with five campuses across greater Montreal and more than 1,000 students. It also has a secondary school campus, three supplementary education campuses, six churches and two community centres offering a wide range of services to its members.
From the left, officials from the HCGM, including executive-director George Tsantrizos, president Basile Angelopoulos and former president Nicholas T. Pagonis, are seen here with Consul General of Greece in Montreal Nikolaos Karalekas (second from right). (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
With a rich and multifaceted program of events throughout the year, the anniversary celebrations begin in January with the annual Montreal Folklore Workshop Dimitri’s Tzotzisdance. In February, the event “Our Roots, Our Journey” luncheon – dedicated to the founding families of the Hellenic Community of Montreal – will follow, along with the celebration of International Greek Language Day.
Many upcoming events
In March, which is the month of the Greek National Day, the program will include a reception at the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, an event for the Greek National Anniversary at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, and an official recognition by the City of Montreal with the opening of a photographic exhibition at Montreal City Hall.
The month of March will culminate with the National Anniversary Gala at the Château Royal in Laval, the annual parade on Jean Talon St. with a reception afterwards, as well as the formal recognition of the HCGM’s historic milestone by the Quebec National Assembly. For more information, news updates and the full calendar of events, please visit 120.hcgm.org.
A tunnel under the Rivière des Prairies is among the options being looked at
Alto, the company mandated by Ottawa to create an electrified high-speed rail network between Toronto and Quebec City with stops in between, is contemplating digging a tunnel under the Rivière des Prairies to connect the line to an Alto station to be set up in Laval.
Canada’s electrified high-speed train could look something like this when it finally comes into service starting after 2035. (Photo illustration: Courtesy of Alto)
New tunnel possible
“We’re talking about maybe tunneling from Laval under the Rivière des Prairies,” Ben Bourdeau, an Alto spokesperson, told The Laval News during a public consultation session on the project held last week at the Laval Sheraton.
As things are now, a tunnel carrying the Société de transport de Montreal’s underground Metro off the island of Montreal to the Cartier and Montmorency stations in Laval passes through a tunnel under the river, passing near des Laurentides Blvd.
Link to downtown Montreal
“One of the options is a tunnel because it’s less disruptive,” Bourdeau said. “It’s something that offers protection in case there’s a snow storm. It would be basically under the Rivière des Prairies going straight downtown.”
While a tunnel would present a few challenges, such as some additional cost, “we’re building this for a hundred years,” he continued. “So, in the long run, it would be much more beneficial.”
Although the location for an Alto station that would serve passengers from Laval hasn’t been chosen, a map displayed during last week’s consultation indicated Alto wants to place it within a central area east of old Laval city hall (currently being renovated) and the downtown core.
It would be somewhere in the vicinity of de la Concorde Blvd., Collège Montmorency and Place Bell.
A purple area highlighted on this map during Alto’s public information/consultation session at the Sheraton Laval last week shows where the electrified high-speed rail network’s Laval station is likely to be located in central Laval. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Three-hour trip to Toronto
Alto, also known as Toronto–Quebec City High-Speed Rail Network, was announced around a year ago by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While a design phase has been projected to cost $3.9 billion and last for up to five years, the total completion cost is $80 to $120 billion, with gradual opening of the system taking place between 2035 and 2044.
Trains on the dedicated 1,000-kilometre rail route would reach top speeds of up to 300 km/h, which is nearly double what Via Rail can currently offer now. Besides Toronto, Quebec City and Laval, there will also be stations in Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal and Trois-Rivières.
When the line is completed, a transit between Montreal and Toronto would take around 3 hours (compared to 5 hours 30 minutes now on Via Rail), while the time on Alto from Montreal to Quebec City would be just under 1 hour and 30 minutes (compared to about 3 hours 17 minutes now on Via Rail). A transit to Ottawa would take around an hour.
A hub for Laval and North Shore
“We’re talking about maybe tunneling from Laval under the Rivière des Prairies,” Ben Bourdeau, an Alto spokesperson, told The Laval News. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
With a population that will soon be reaching 440,000 – a total of 1.2 million when you factor in the population of Montreal’s North Shore – Laval is seen as the most logical location for an Alto station because of its strategic proximity to the northern suburbs, where the population also continues to expand.
“Everyone from the suburbs north of Laval will come to Laval to take a train to go to Toronto, to go to Quebec City,” said Bourdeau. “Laval will be a hub. They won’t have to go down to Montreal’s Central Station to take a train to go anywhere. It’s going to be in Laval. This will be much more convenient for everyone. These people won’t have to transit through Montreal.”
While passenger trains continue to flourish in Europe and to some extent also in the U.S., critics of public transit in this country generally agree that Canada has lagged badly behind. “We don’t have a train culture in Canada,” said Bourdeau, noting that Via Rail has never been able to reach its potential because it operates on tracks owned by CN and CPKC, whose freight trains get scheduling priority.
With a cleanup underway last week for the Laval region’s most recent snowfall, the city’s public works department was advising residents to heed special parking rules during snow removal operations, while also exercising caution when heavy equipment was in use on Laval’s many streets and roadways.
In an updated statement issued last Monday, the city said salt and abrasives continued to be spread on all streets and sidewalks, while snow removal is also taking place on sidewalks.
Work proceeds, unless more snow
In the meantime, snow blowing operations were taking place last Monday morning and were expected to finish Monday night, unless interrupted by more snow falls. In that case, a day off would be granted to personnel in accordance with provincial Law 430, which could affect the progress of the snow removal operations.
In all of this, where to park? As snow removal ops can last several days, the best solution, according to the city, is to find out if any operations are underway or planned and where to park, using the city’s Info-Parking app (available on your cell phone on Google Play and the App Store).
The city also advises that priority should be given to parking restrictions posted on orange temporary signsor signs planted in the snow. The restrictions indicated on these signs should take precedence over those posted on permanent signs.
Dynamic parking signs
Over the last two winters, the City of Laval has been rolling out a new dynamic parking signage with illuminated solar-powered signs indicating the parking periods, in order to comply with maintenance requirements.
The new signage is in service in Laval’s most densely populated areas, which are Pont-Viau, Laval-des-Rapides, and Chomedey.
The way it works: Parking is prohibited on the side of the street where the illuminated sign is flashing. Periods when parking is prohibited: according to the period indicated, which in general is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends.
The signs are switched on several hours before the restriction comes into force to give residents time to move their vehicles. When the sign is switched off, no maintenance operations are in progress and parking is permitted on the side of the street where the sign is switched off.
Tips to ease snow removal ops
Place your recycling bins correctly. Place the bins on your property, not in the street.
Clear snow from your property wisely. Don’t throw snow into the street or onto sidewalks.
Install your car shelter correctly. Maintain a minimum distance of 60 cm (2 ft) from the sidewalk or curb. Or leave 1.2 m (4 ft) from the street if you don’t have a sidewalk.
Keep fire hydrants clear. Make sure you don’t bury fire hydrants under snow when clearing snow from your property. This is a matter of safety for everyone. If you hire a snow removal company, inform them of the importance of keeping fire hydrants and Metro blue hydrants clear.
Keep your emergency exits clear. Make sure all exits from your home are free of snow and ice. In an emergency, you must be able to evacuate quickly. If you own a multi-unit residential building, you are responsible for clearing snow from all your tenants’ exits.
Adapt your driving. Equip your vehicle with winter tires between December 1 and March 15, as required by law.
Reduce your speed and increase your braking distance in winter conditions. Be patient and courteous to snowplow operators who are working for your safety.
Petition asking Mayor Boyer to reverse decision now has more than 20,000 signatures
More than 100 supporters of a petition urging the Boyer administration not to shut the mini-farm at the Centre de la nature in Duvernay held a gathering outside the facility last Saturday, while preparing to make their voices loudly heard at the monthly city council meeting on Tuesday.
Action Laval city councillor for Saint-François Isabelle Piché (seen here outside the mini-farm at the Centre de la nature during last Saturday’s demo) has been helping to spearhead efforts to get the city to reverse its decision to close the facility by this June. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Major reaction to closure
The planned gradual closure of the petting zoo at the Centre de la nature, which is scheduled for June, has sparked a strong grassroots reaction, with a petition that now exceeds 20,000 signatures.
The city is standing by its decision, noting the facilities are outdated and worn out, and the reconstruction costs are estimated to be between $15 and $20 million. The building itself has an immediate need for a new roof, with an estimated cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Denis Fiévèt, initiator of the petition, and Isabelle Piché, Saint-François city councillor for Action Laval, have been spearheading efforts to rally the support of residents from all over Laval, in the hopes of saving the small but cherished mini-farm which houses a range of domestic animals, including sheep, geese, chickens and donkeys.
Fond memories of the farm
Their goal is to put pressure on Mayor Stéphane Boyer and the councillors who hold the majority of council seats to vote in favour of an Action Laval proposal to hold a public consultation on the matter. Among the residents of Laval who turned up in spite of the debilitating cold last Saturday was Yvan Paquette.
A retiree from Sainte-Rose where he has lived and raised a family since 1980, he said he had fond memories of bringing his children to the farm. He said he wanted to make sure his grandchildren would also be able to benefit from the same experience.
Some of the farm animals housed at the Centre de la nature’s mini-farm. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
“We came here when they were younger and now they are 35 and 40 years old and coming with their kids to see the farm,” Paquette said regarding his children. “I want to make sure they continue to have the opportunity to do this.”
“The presence of all these people today clearly demonstrates how important the Centre de la nature farm is to the residents of Laval, and how much they feel the mayor isn’t listening to them,” Piché said in a statement issued by Action Laval.
‘Citizens must be involved’
“It’s worth remembering that the mayor announced the decision to close this iconic Laval attraction behind closed doors last December, without consulting citizens beforehand,” she added. “No to the closure of the Centre de la nature farm. We believe citizens must be involved in the farm’s future.”
As one of two opposition parties in Laval city council, Action Laval has long been critical of the Mouvement lavallois administration’s noted tendency to promote costly major projects, like the central library in Laval’s downtown core.
Action Laval alleges the administration is neglecting smaller and more local projects and sees the closure of the mini-farm as an example. “We think this is mismanagement of funds,” Piché said in an interview with The Laval News.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-03, published on February 4th, 2026. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Officials from the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board were on hand at the SWLSB’s CDC Pont‑Viau vocational training centre on Thursday January 29 for the official launch of a new Simulation Mannequin Laboratory, which is expected to enhance training for health care students.
The new lab is equipped with four state-of-the-art simulation mannequins representing every stage of life: an adult, a senior, a child and a newborn.
Responding like real patients, the high-tech mannequins can breathe, speak, show vital signs and react to care, allowing students to practice real‑life medical situations in a safe and controlled environment.
According to the SWLSB, students in health programs such as the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Personal Support Worker will now be able to practice essential skills including taking vital signs, starting IVs, drawing blood and responding to simulated medical situations without any risk to real patients.
Beyond hands-on practice, the simulation lab will also help students develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Through the cutting-edge technology, the students will be encouraged to ask questions, try solutions and learn from their mistakes, supporting a culture of psychological safety while building confidence before entering real medical settings.
“This new lab aligns with our Commitment-to-Success Plan by strengthening learning environments that support student success,” said James Di Sano, chairperson of the SWLSB.
“It reflects the dedication of the CDC Pont‑Viau team and their focus on preparing students for meaningful careers in health care,” he continued.
“On behalf of the Council of Commissioners, I thank everyone who contributed to this important project,” said Di Sano.
From the left, Heather Halman, CDC-Pont-Viau director and director of adult services, James Di Sano, SWLSB chairperson, Barbara Barrasso, commissioner, Selena Mell, SWLSB interim director general, and Noemi Onofre de Lima, commissioner.
According to the SWLSB, a total investment of more than $175,000 in the project will benefit approximately 80 vocational training students every year.
The project was funded through a grant from Quebec’s Ministère de l’Éducation, with additional support from the Canada‑Québec Agreement between the federal government and the province.
“With this new lab, CDC Pont‑Viau continues to modernize vocational training and provide students with meaningful, hands‑on learning experiences that prepare them for real careers in health care,” said the SWLSB.
The Laval Police say they will be proudly participating once again in the Polar Bear Challenge, which will be held on Saturday February 21 at Riverain de Lachine Park in the Borough of Lachine in Montreal.
Organized by the Quebec Special Olympics, all funds raised from the challenge will go to Course au flambeau des agents de la paix. Several policemen will take on the exciting challenge of jumping into the icy waters of the Saint Lawrence River for a good cause.
Laval Rocket fan death forces match to an early conclusion
A game between the Laval Rocket and the Manitoba Moose last Saturday at Laval’s Place Bell ended abruptly and under unusual circumstances when a member of the audience fell ill and required immediate medical attention.
According to the Montreal daily news portal La Presse, the victim, 75-year-old Michel Pelletier resided in Saint-Sauveur, but a few years ago he decided to move to Laval in order to be closer to his favorite team.
Last Saturday afternoon, he went to Place Bell to watch the game between the Laval Rocket and the Manitoba Moose. He had a ticket right behind Rocket goaltender Jacob Fowler, who had just been sent down to the pro developmental AHL’s Rocket after a stint with the Habs in the NHL.
According to reports, Fowler realized there was a problem in the stands and asked for the game to be stopped, a minute and 12 seconds before the end. The game was abandoned due to a medical emergency involving the fan in the stands.
After assessing the situation, a decision was made to stop the game, confirming a 3-0 loss for Laval. Beyond the score, attention quickly shifted to the medical situation that led to the game’s cancellation. Rocket management decided the priority was the health and safety of the fan involved.
Baby girl dies of injuries after multi-vehicle crash in Laval
A five-month-old baby girl, one of nine people injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Laval in early January, has died of her injuries, the Laval Police have confirmed.
The death came 10 days after the girl’s six-year-old sister died of injuries sustained in the January 5 car crash involving four vehicles, raising the final tally from the incident to two dead and seven injured.
The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 when a driver travelling north on Route 335 in Laval lost control about one kilometre north of Dagenais Blvd., then struck three other cars travelling on the road’s north and southbound lanes.
The crash remains under investigation. A 40-year-old man was taken in for questioning a day after the crash and then released after signing a promise to appear in court.
Laval man charged in death of Quebec City woman
A 43-year-old man from Laval is facing a criminal charge of causing bodily harm to another person in Quebec City after police recovered the body of a woman from the St. Lawrence River near a wharf at the Port of Quebec.
Sûreté du Québec divers located the body of a woman last week, tentatively identified as Susana Rocha Cruz. She was reported missing on January 12 after last being seen on January 7.
According to media reports, Rocha Cruz, of Mexican origin, worked as a housekeeper in the hotel industry in the city of Quebec. The Service de Police de la Ville de Québec confirmed that the suspect and the missing woman knew each other. It was unclear whether additional charges would be laid against the suspect, identified by police as Abraham Gonzales Leon.
