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.
Investigators with the Laval Police Dept.’s Sex Crimes Division have arrested 53-year-old Sylvain Riopelle on suspicion he might be connected to several cases related to the sexual exploitation of vulnerable persons.
Officers believe the suspect may have had additional victims and are asking for the public’s help.
The Laval Police allege that between 2024 and 2026, Riopelle used deception to target vulnerable individuals who he then sexually exploited while acting as their pimp.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has information that could further the investigation is urged to call the Laval Police information line at 450-662-4636 or 9-1-1.
The City of Laval says it is increasing its vigilance as a rise in flow rates and water levels has been observed for several days along the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille-Îles.
Although the city insists the situation appears to be under control for now, municipal officials say they are installing a dike on Riviera Street – a precautionary project that could take up to five days.
According to the city, water levels and flow rates are expected to continue rising over the next five to seven days.
The city says a Municipal Civil Security Plan has been activated and various operational teams are being coordinated to progressively deploy the necessary preventative measures.
Other Preventative Measures
Equipment, including a pump and a generator, have been installed at the Laval-sur-le-Lac curling center.
As well, a dike is being installed to protect a pumping station. Furthermore, active monitoring of the embankments is being carried out in the Rivière des Mille-Îles and Bellevue sectors of Laval.
Situation Status
The city said in a statement that no intervention from the Fire Department is required at this time, although the situation remains under constant surveillance in Laval.
However, some streets are impassable due to minor flooding, particularly in the Laval-Ouest and Fabreville sectors, including Riviera Street and 41st Street, 8th and 9th Avenues, as well as Riviera Street between 51st and 53rd Avenues, near the Goélands riverbank.
In the meantime, preventive patrols are underway and municipal teams are continuously monitoring the situation.
Being prepared is essential.
While the city acknowledges that it shares the responsibility for ensuring the safety of residents and their property, it says it is crucial that those living in flood zones prepare by following the safety guidelines available at laval.ca/inondations.
Citizens must register for city alerts and update their contact information at laval.fr/abonnement to be notified promptly of important notices.
For any emergency that threatens safety or health, residents are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.
$334 million allotted by Laval to modernize facility in St-Vincent-de-Paul
The City of Laval is taking a bold step forward with a decision to modernize its wastewater treatment infrastructure with a planned investment of $334 million in the La Pinière plant in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, which serves three-quarters of the city’s population.
The project will involve a major upgrade in the heavy equipment used to treat the solid waste stream at the city’s main wastewater treatment plant in order to adapt the facility to meet strong population growth and increased urban development, while reducing the environmental footprint of its operations.
An aerial view of the La Pinière wastewater treatment plant in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, which serves 75 per cent of the City of Laval’s population. (Photo: Vincent Girard, City of Laval)
Major financial commitment
In keeping with the requirements of the project, the city’s executive committee has recommended the adoption by city council of one of Laval’s largest-ever borrowing by-laws to finance the undertaking.
According to the city, the upgrade of the La Pinière plant (the largest projected infrastructure project in Laval) underscores the crucial necessity for upcoming funding from the federal and provincial governments.
“Discussions are underway to secure the necessary financial support, comparable to that provided to other similar projects in Quebec and across Canada,” the city said in a statement issued last week.
“In Laval, our commitment is to focus on the essentials for the coming years, with particular attention paid to water management infrastructure,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
Will need government support
“Upgrading the La Pinière plant, which serves three-quarters of our population, is a major undertaking in this regard,” he added. “This is also a large-scale infrastructure project that will require government financial support.”
The state of municipal infrastructure, particularly the water and wastewater systems, “necessitates massive and sustained investments to ensure citizen safety, quality service and the economic vitality of our communities,” Boyer continued.
“Current and future programs will need to be strengthened to meet these needs,” he said. “Investing in municipal infrastructure means investing in Quebec’s prosperity, the safety of Laval residents and the ecological transition that we must collectively achieve.”
Meeting growth demands
Located in the semi-rural Saint-Vincent-de-Paul district near the eastern extremity of Laval, the La Pinière wastewater treatment plant plays a central role in the city’s wastewater management scheme. Commissioned in 1998, the city says the facility now needs to be modernized to support the area’s development, given increased pressure on infrastructure due to population growth, as well as the ongoing housing crisis.
Among the project’s main objectives, according to the city, are increasing treatment capacity, recovering 100 per cent of the sludge produced and reducing the environmental footprint. The project also aims to ensure the long-term viability and adaptability of the facilities, in response to the area’s growth, as well as future regulatory requirements for liquid waste treatment, which will be addressed in a separate project, the city says.
With this in mind, several pieces of equipment and systems are slated to be replaced. For example, a sludge drying system will be modernized to improve the reliability of the facilities, as well as public health and operational safety.
‘Design-build’ approach
For the project, the City of Laval chose the “design-build” approach (a project delivery system used in the construction industry), which had already proven successful on other projects, including the new municipal courthouse now under construction next to city hall, and the new Cultural Centre also under construction in the downtown core.
According to a statement issued by the city, “this integrated approach fosters close collaboration between partners from the outset, optimizing efficiency, ensuring greater technical consistency and guaranteeing high-quality execution within budget and on schedule.”
The city says the selection of a design-build contractor will take place in two stages. The first will be a call for qualifications (currently open), aimed at determining the qualifications of a maximum of three candidates. The second stage will be a call for proposals, open to companies deemed qualified. This stage, lasting approximately one year, according to the city, will aim to develop a technical and financial proposal.
Some interesting points
Infrastructure: The La Pinière Wastewater Treatment Plant is recognized as one of the largest in North America, treating more than 254 million liters of wastewater per day, reaching up to 600 million liters during peak periods.
It may also be worth noting that guided tours of the La Pinière plant are occasionally available, sometimes organized by the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau C.I.EAU which delivers presentations on local water resources.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-08, published on April 15th, 2026. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Hellenic or not, many people waved Greek, Canadian and Quebec flags proudly
Several thousand people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds – although primarily Greeks – lined the sidewalks of Jean-Talon St. in Parc Extension on the afternoon of Sunday March 29 for the Montreal Hellenic community’s biggest annual celebration – the Greek Independence Day Parade.
It was all the more important this year as 2026 marks the 120th anniversary of the founding of the largest organization representing the greater Montreal Hellenic community.
Two parade marshals
The parade marshals were Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Deputy Prime Minister of Greece Kostis Hatzidakis. They led the dignitaries westward on Jean Talon St. past Athena Park near the corner of Bloomfield Ave. where they climbed the stairs onto an outdoor stage to review the marchers passing by.
Greek or not, most people brought many flags to the parade in order to pay tribute to the history, heroism and the independence of Greece – the nation that gave birth to modern-day traditions of democracy.
“I’m very happy, very honored to be parade marshal today,” Mayor Martinez Ferrada said told Nouvelles Parc Extension News a few minutes before the start of the parade. “And 120 years shows how well implanted the Hellenic community is in Montreal. So I’m very proud to be here and to share with the community.”
In an exclusive interview, the Greek republic’s deputy prime minister said he was impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm shown by members of the Greek diaspora in Laval and Montreal on the occasion of the HCGM’s birthday as well as the anniversary of the independence of Greece.
A bridge from Canada to Greece
“Greece unites us, and we believe that the Greek Canadian community here is a bridge between Greece and Canada,” said Hatzidakis, adding that Greece and Canada share characteristics and are “like-minded” states, while Canada and Greece “cooperate on things like NATO and we hope this will continue.”
Papineau Liberal MP Marjorie Michel, who is Health Minister in the Carney cabinet, said she was attending the parade long before being elected in April last year. As deputy chief of staff at former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s office in Ottawa, she often attended the parade in Montreal.
“The Greek community was at one time the backbone of Papineau,” she said in an interview with Nouvelles Parc Extension News at the corner of Jean Talon and Hutchison where the parade started.
Michel made a point of bringing along the Canadian and Republic of Greece national flags she used in previous years. “I’m so excited to be here,” she said. “Even though many Greeks now live in Laval, I want to be with my constituents on this important day.”
HCGM’s anniversary continues
In addition to continuing a decades-old tradition with a series of commemorative events marking Greek Independence Day all last weekend, the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) has been celebrating its 120th anniversary with special events throughout the year. In a statement, the HCGM said this year’s parade marked a double celebration.
“On the one hand, the heroic Greek Revolution of 1821 and the timeless values of freedom and democracy, and on the other, the long and proud journey of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, founded in 1906, which continues to uphold and preserve the ideals of Hellenism.”
Additionally, on the occasion of this important anniversary, the federal government arranged that on March 25, the Samuel-De-Champlain Bridge was illuminated in blue and white in honor of Greece’s National Independence Day and in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal.
Visit by republic’s Deputy Prime Minister adds to HCGM’s 120th anniversary celebration
The 120th anniversary of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal along with an observance of the 205th anniversary of the liberation of Greece was a dual celebration for 500 guests who attended a gala dinner on the evening of Saturday March 28 at the Château Royal in Chomedey.
For Greeks around the world, March 25 in the year 1821 was the beginning of the revolutionary fight that ended 400 years of Ottoman rule.
Following a protracted war in which Greek patriots received support from Russia, Britain and France, Greece finally received recognition from the world as an independent nation in 1832.
Traditional Greek dancers livened up the evening of celebration at the Château Royal, which drew 500 guests. (Newsfirst Multimedia)
Deeply spiritual meaning
For Greeks every year, the commemoration date also has deeply religious significance as it falls on the feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Christian Orthodox tradition.
Among the dignitaries at the Château Royal were Deputy Prime Minister of Greece Kostis Hatzidakis, Greek Ambassador to Canada Ekaterina Dimakis, Greek Consul General in Montreal Nikolaos Karalekas, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal president Basile Angelopoulos.
Also present were Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury, Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier, Saint-Laurent Liberal MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Laval city councillors Vasilios Karidogiannis (representing the mayor) and Nicolas Borne, Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis and Montreal city councillor Effie Giannou.
From the left, Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal president Basile Angelopoulos, the Greek Orthodox Church’s Fr. Nikodimos Kodogeorgafis, HCGM 120th anniversary committee chairwoman Justine Frangouli-Argyris, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, and Senator Leo Housakos. (Newsfirst Multimedia)
A bridge between nations
In an exclusive interview with Newsfirst Multimedia, the Greek republic’s deputy prime minister said he was impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm shown by members of the Greek diaspora in Laval and Montreal on the occasion of the HCGM’s birthday as well as the anniversary of the independence of Greece.
“Greece unites us,” Deputy Prime Minister of Greece Kostis Hatzidakis told Newsfirst Multimedia, referring to the Republic of Greece’s close relationship with members of the Greek diaspora residing in Canada. (Newsfirst Multimedia)
“Greece unites us, and we believe that the Greek Canadian community here is a bridge between Greece and Canada,” said Hatzidakis, adding that Greece and Canada share characteristics and are “like-minded” states, while Canada and Greece “cooperate on things like NATO and we hope this will continue.”
Greek Republic’s mail-in votes
Hatzidakis said he especially wanted to emphasize that a recent decision by the Hellenic Parliament to allow mail-in voting by Greek citizens living outside Greece in upcoming national elections will lead to even closer ties between the home country and the Greek diaspora abroad “to the benefit of both sides.”
The 2026 Hellene of the Year, following a nomination process held by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, was Montreal-area social services consultant Danae Savides. (Newsfirst Multimedia)
In the evening’s keynote address, the HCGM’s president emphasized the Hellenic community’s looking towards the future, rather than focusing on the past. “Our parade on Jean Talon will not be a march of memory – it will be a declaration of the present,” Angelopoulos said, referring to the Greek Independence Day parade in Montreal the next day.
Danae Savides Hellene of the Year The 2026 Hellene of the Year Award, following a nomination process held by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, was presented to Montreal-area social services consultant Danae Savides.
She was presented with a plaque by HCGM president Basile Angelopoulos. Among other accomplishments, Savides has written on the phenomenon of Suicidal Adolescents and the Greek Community of Montreal.
Elected officials from all three levels of government gathered at the Veterans’ Cenotaph near Laval City Hall on the morning of Saturday, March 28, to pay tribute alongside residents of Hellenic origin in honour of Greek veterans and fallen soldiers.
The ceremony marked the 205th anniversary of Greece’s Independence. Joining this year’s commemoration was Vice Premier of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Hatzidakis, who travelled to Laval to take part in the celebrations.
Elected officials from the City of Laval and the Quebec government prepare to lay a wreath during a ceremony to commemorate Greece’s Independence Day.
Remembering a defining moment in history
Greek Independence Day commemorates the events of March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras blessed a Greek flag and proclaimed an uprising against the Ottoman Empire.
This act is widely regarded as the beginning of the Greek War of Independence, a struggle that continued until 1832, when the modern Greek state was officially proclaimed and recognized by the world’s major powers.
Within the Montreal region, Laval is home to the largest concentration of residents of Greek heritage, making the annual commemoration especially meaningful for the local community.
Laying of wreaths
Each year, Greeks from throughout the greater Montreal area gather at the Cenotaph to honour those who sacrificed their lives for Greece’s freedom. The ceremony includes the laying of commemorative wreaths.
Among those laying wreaths this year were Vice Premier of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Hatzidakis, Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury, Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis, Marc Aurele Fortin MP Carlos Leitao and St-Laurent MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos.
Senator Housakos laid a wreath on behalf of the Canadian Senate. Wreaths were also laid by Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier and Milles-Iles MNA Virginie Dufour.
The Government of Quebec and the City of Laval have confirmed their financial support to the Angus Group for the largest affordable housing project currently under development in Quebec.
Located downtown in the future Carré Laval eco-district, the rental complex will add 1,013 affordable housing units. The first of three phases of construction is scheduled to begin in winter 2027.
To carry out this exceptionally large project, the Government of Quebec is providing the Angus Group with a grant of over $28.3 million and a patient capital loan of $60 million.
The City of Laval plans to contribute $23.3 million and is making municipal land available, according to terms to be specified at a later date. It also includes concrete support measures, notably the waiver of certain park and permit fees, to facilitate the project’s implementation.
The funding allocated was made possible by optimizing the financing of an initial agreement dating from July 2024 between the Quebec government and the Angus Group, totaling $193.4 million for three other projects — two in Montreal and one in Rimouski.
By adding the Laval project, instead of the initially planned 1,001 affordable housing units, four projects totaling 2,014 affordable housing units will now be built, without any additional subsidies.
The Laval project will include 411 affordable housing units respecting the maximum rents stipulated under the Quebec Affordable Housing Program (PHAQ) of the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), and 602 intermediate affordable housing units, for which the rent can be increased up to a maximum of 150 per cent of the PHAQ ceilings.
It will also contribute to increasing the proportion of off-market housing in Laval, in line with the objectives of the Housing Action Plan and the revised Land Use and Development Plan of the Montreal Metropolitan Community.
“The Carré Laval project has reached a decisive milestone today, moving from vision to reality,” Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer said during a recent press conference.
“Hosting the largest affordable housing project currently underway in Quebec is excellent news, given the immense needs in Laval and Greater Montreal,” he added.
“This demonstrates our city’s capacity to innovate and deliver transformative projects that concretely address the concerns of our residents and contribute to the development of sustainable living environments, such as the future Carré Laval eco-district.”
“I am proud of the financial support our government is able to provide to the Laval region, enabling it to significantly increase the supply of affordable housing for our citizens,” said Sainte-Rose MNA Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Laval region in the CAQ cabinet.
“This project demonstrates an ambitious vision,” he continued. “It maximizes available resources and addresses a need for low-income households for whom housing in our region is a challenge.”
Former mayor’s lawsuit is “the last thing” city’s taxpayers need, says Boyer
Following news in recent weeks that the City of Laval is being compelled to give $1 million to the Canada Revenue Agency to pay off an income tax debt owed by former mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, there was word last week that Vaillancourt has now decided to sue Laval.
Former Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt is suing the city. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
“An additional layer of outrage has been added to this deeply shocking case for Laval residents,” Mayor Stéphane Boyer said in a statement last week to the Montreal daily La Presse.
“The last thing they need is to be sued by Gilles Vaillancourt and forced by the court to pay taxes on money he stole from them,” he added.
In recent media interviews, Mayor Boyer pointed out that in 2016, the Quebec government reimbursed to the city money Vaillancourt owed to Revenu Québec without demanding further payment. The mayor believes the federal government has the option to do the same thing using discretionary powers at its disposal.
Heavily redacted legal claim
According to La Presse, which obtained a heavily-redacted copy of a notice of legal action filed by lawyers for Vaillancourt, only 13 of nearly 40 paragraphs in the document were legible, making it difficult to understand the grievances of Laval’s former mayor.
Even the amount of the damages being claimed in the document was redacted beyond legibility. However, a handwritten note on the back of the mentioned a claim for $3,517,000, although the reasons for this massive redaction, unusual in civil matters, were also not clear.
During the March 10 city council meeting, Mayor Stéphane Boyer tabled a resolution asking federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne to intervene in the City of Laval’s favor by reversing the CRA decision to bill the City of Laval for the remainder of Vaillancourt’s tax debt.
Ex-mayor’s admissions in court
Vaillancourt, who served as Laval’s mayor from 1989 to 2012, pleaded guilty in 2016 to engaging in corrupt administration practices. This included his admission that millions of dollars of proceeds from the scheme went into a Swiss bank account.
Although Vaillancourt returned more than $7 million to the City of Laval, Radio-Canada reported that the CRA wants Laval to transfer $1 million back to Vaillancourt so that the CRA can close Vaillancourt’s file when the former mayor pays off the tax and interest.
Vaillancourt’s lawyers have argued that the City of Laval should be held responsible for the unpaid taxes since the municipality ultimately received the reimbursed sum. Boyer asked the Carney government to use its discretionary power to prevent Laval from having to pay this amount, as Quebec did in 2018.
Vaillancourt seeks reimbursement
Radio-Canada reported last week that federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne will appear before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Public Accounts, where he may give an update.
In sections of his lawsuit that weren’t redacted, Vaillancourt’s lawyers explain that he reached agreements in 2016 with Revenu Québec, the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions and the City of Laval.
Vaillancourt’s lawyers say he is asking the court to order the City of Laval to pay four separate amounts – which were all redacted in the legal document – including reimbursement of his extrajudicial fees.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-07, published on April 1st, 2026. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
