The Laval News

Notre Dame/Curé Labelle expected to re-open by late Wednesday, after inspection for possible collapse

Martin C. Barry

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August 20, 2024

Notre Dame/Curé Labelle expected to re-open by late Wednesday, after inspection for possible collapse

A ground collapse, rather than an issue involving broken sewer or aqueduct pipes, is the reason why the intersection of Curé Labelle and Notre Dame boulevards has been closed to traffic for the last two days, according to Vasilios Karidogiannis, the Laval city councillor for the district of l’Abord-à-Plouffe.

Notre Dame/Curé Labelle is one of the most heavily-trafficked intersections in the City of Laval.

In recent years, it has undergone several major makeovers, necessitating extended closure, as the City of Laval replaced subterranean sewer infrastructure, partly in response to past flooding in the area.

On his Facebook page Monday evening, Karidogiannis wrote:

“A slope of the road was observed on Curé-Labelle Boulevard at the intersection with Notre-Dame Boulevard. For safety reasons, traffic has been closed at this location and the engineering department has carried out an analysis of the situation early this morning.

“We can already confirm this is not a sewerage or aqueduct issue. Corrective work will take place this Wednesday, August 21st and traffic will be restored at the end of the day on Wednesday,” said Karidogiannis.

Laval-based Couche Tard ponders dépanneur dominance with 7-Eleven purchase offer

Martin C. Barry

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August 19, 2024

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Laval-based Couche Tard ponders dépanneur dominance with 7-Eleven purchase offer

The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven convenience stores revealed on Monday that Laval-based Alimentation Couche-Tard, which operates multinationally, has made an offer to purchase controlling interest in the much larger 7-Eleven chain.

7-Eleven operates more than 84,000 stores in 19 countries, while Couche-Tard has more than 16,500 stores and gas stations in 31 countries under several brand names and banners.

Seven & I Holdings, which wholly owns 7-Eleven as one of several subsidiaries, said it received a preliminary proposal from Alimentation Couche-Tard to acquire all of its outstanding 7-Eleven shares.

Couche-Tard was founded in 1980 in Laval by current board chair Alain Bouchard with a single convenience store at a time when the “dépanneur” concept was just getting off the ground.

The company has grown since then in leaps and bounds.

Notably, Couche-Tard acquired the Mac’s Milk convenience store chain in Ontario and other provinces in 1999, followed by the acquisition in 2003 of the Circle K chain, which currently ranks second in the U.S. after 7-Eleven for number of stores.

More than 20,000 attend 27th annual Symposium de Ste-Rose

Martin C. Barry

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August 16, 2024

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More than 20,000 attend 27th annual Symposium de Ste-Rose

Winds give way to sunshine during four-day painting and sculpture event

In spite of a weather-related snafu that got the 2024 Symposium de Ste-Rose off to a somewhat shaky start, patrons attending the four-day artists’ gathering this year enjoyed some splendid weather – in sharp contrast to the rainstorms that impacted attendance at symposiums in the past.

From July 25 to 28, appreciators of fine sculpture and exquisite art came from all over Quebec as well as other parts of eastern Canada to enjoy the 27^th annual Symposium de Ste-Rose.

From the left, contributing artists Lily St-Gelais from Saint-Rémi on Montreal’s South Shore, Corporation Rose-Art president Oprina-Felicia Dolea of Laval and former Rose-Art president Carole Faucher also from Laval are seen here on day two of this year’s Symposium de Ste-Rose. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

A historic setting

As has been the case for almost 30 years, the symposium took place in downtown Sainte-Rose along Sainte-Rose Blvd., next to the Old Firehall (La Vieille Caserne), near the historic Église Sainte-Rose-de-Lima.

According to Oprina-Felicia Dolea, president of the Corporation Rose-Art which organizes the event, high winds on opening day made things a little chaotic.

Céline Martel and her spouse Pierre, from Cap Santé east of Quebec City, were among the artists who travelled furthest to be part of the 2024 Symposium de Ste-Rose. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

“We had at least one tent fly off,” she said in an interview with The Laval News, adding that although the tent was damaged beyond repair, it was covered by insurance. Nonetheless, there were clear skies and warm sunshine over the following three days.

More than 20,000 visitors spent time at the Symposium de Ste-Rose this year. The event’s honorary president was Christopher Skeete, the Member of the Quebec National Assembly for Sainte-Rose.

Sculptor Mario Millette of Saint-Sauveur in the Laurentians was one of the 70 artists who took part in the Symposium de Ste-Rose from July 25 to 28 in Laval’s Vieux Sainte-Rose. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Home to great artists

The village of Sainte-Rose is renowned as the birthplace of internationally-acclaimed Québécois painter Marc-Aurèle Fortin. Sainte-Rose was also at one time the home of landscape painter Clarence Gagnon. Both influenced generations of artists and are honored by local street and place names.

The symposium is regarded by some as one of Canada’s most successful gatherings of visual artists and a first-rate showcase for their works. Each year, attending is seen by art connoisseurs as an opportunity to enjoy the works of a range of visual creators who express themselves in a variety of styles.

As the Symposium de Ste-Rose’s reputation has grown across Quebec and other provinces, the organizers have also received some significant recognitions. In 2019, the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented them with a Dunamis award for helping to promote tourism in Laval.

Promoting local tourism

The symposium’s organizers were also a finalist for a second Dunamis in 2020 as a “sustainable” organization or enterprise. It’s notable that tourism has been growing by leaps and bounds in Laval over the past few years, as travellers from all over Canada and the U.S. discover hidden treasures such as the Symposium de Ste-Rose.

Daniel Martel of Laval loves landscapes and vivid colors. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

As an added bonus this year, archeologists who’ve been working on archeological excavations on the grounds of the historic Église Sainte-Rose-de-Lima agreed to set up a display of some of the artifacts they recovered. They included antique household objects as well as religious items.

Wanted: A Terry Fox Run organizer in Laval

Martin C. Barry

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August 16, 2024

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Wanted: A Terry Fox Run organizer in Laval

Foundation appeals for help for local cancer research fundraiser

Eighteen-year-old Terry Fox of Port Coquitlam, BC never saw himself as remarkable.

Granted, he displayed an unusual determination to achieve the goals he set for himself, appealing locally to family, school, sports and friends.

But Terry’s cancer diagnosis of osteogenic sarcoma just above the knee, the subsequent amputation of his leg and experience in the cancer wards changed all that.

A reservoir of compassion, combined with a fierce determination to bring an end to the suffering cancer causes, set Terry on a path that, quite simply, changed the world.

Laval organizer needed

As the Terry Fox Foundation prepares for the 44^th edition of its run, unfortunately they have yet to find an organizer for the 2024 Laval run.

Still, Laval has played a crucial role in the Terry Fox Run for over 12 years, contributing more than $29,000 thanks to dedicated local volunteers.

According to the Terry Fox Foundation’s 2022-2023 impact report, organizers and supporters in Quebec raised $1.2 million last year through 44 community runs and 265 school runs.

For many years, the Terry Fox Foundation has carried on the legacy of Terry Fox, who inspired the world with his Marathon of Hope in 1980, despite losing a leg to cancer.

Terry’s personal experience and research led him to a simple conclusion – more money was needed for cancer research. And so, in the modest but motivated style that would prove to be his trademark, Terry started training and planning for his cross-Canada run to raise funds for cancer research.

His run was cut short

He dipped his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean on April 12^th, 1980 and proceeded to unite Canadians in a way never before nor since seen. The only thing that could have stopped Terry from reaching the Pacific Ocean did. Cancer returned in his lungs and he was forced to stop on September 1^st, 1980 after having run 5,373 kilometres.

Before his death on June 28, 1981, Terry had achieved his once unimaginable goal of $1 from every Canadian. More importantly, he had set in motion the framework for an event, The Terry Fox Run, that would ignite cancer research in Canada, bringing hope and health to millions of Canadians.

Each year, donors make it possible to fund programs like the Terry Fox New Frontiers Program Project Grants (PPGs). These awards from the Terry Fox Research Institute support some of the most innovative cancer research teams in Canada

Research projects funded

Projects led by Dr. Gregory Czarnota (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre), exploring techniques that use ultrasound technology to make existing cancer therapies more effective, and Dr. Christian Steidl (BC Cancer), studying the growth and development of lymphoma to develop more accurate clinical tests, new drugs, and personalized treatments, were also renewed.

In addition, the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN) is the realization of a long-standing vision of The Terry Fox Research Institute. Inspired by Terry and his Marathon of Hope, MOHCCN unites patients, researchers, clinicians, and hospital administrators from cancer centres and academic institutions across Canada to accelerate precision medicine for cancer.

Fulfilling Terry’s dream

Foundation leaders say the strength of the Terry Fox Foundation rests on its volunteer organizers in schools and communities, as well as on generous donors. The Terry Fox Foundation’s 2022-2023 impact report clearly spells out the results.

“We aim to fulfill Terry Fox’s dream: a world without cancer,” says Lyne Benoit, the Terry Fox Foundation’s director of community and school runs for Quebec, while adding that the funds raised are directly invested in cancer research.

Since the Terry Fox Foundation was started, they have managed to collect over $850 million for cancer research, thanks to school and community run organizers. However, today, cancer affects two out of five Canadians, which is why they are currently seeking the public’s help. To volunteer or offer leadership for a planned Terry Fox Run in Laval, Lyne Benoit can be reached at 450-923-8950 or 450-923-9747 Ext 304.

Don’t miss Laval’s ‘Fête de la Famille’ on Sunday Sept. 1

Martin C. Barry

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August 16, 2024

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Don’t miss Laval’s ‘Fête de la Famille’ on Sunday Sept. 1

From 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday Sept. 1, the City of Laval is inviting all moms, dads and kids to come on down to the Centre de la Nature in the district of Duvernay to enjoy Laval’s biggest annual celebration of the family – the Fête de la Famille.

As always, a large number of fun activities are planned, including free stage shows. It’s all to mark the close of another summer before the beginning of autumn and the return to school for children.

“This will be a day overflowing with activities of all kinds for all ages,” says Laval city councillor for the district of Renaud Seta Topouzian, who is responsible on city council for dossiers involving children.

“Everything was carefully designed to encourage participation, laughter and the creation of unforgettable memories,” she adds. “It will be a chance for children and parents to have a great time together. All families are invited to come out and fully enjoy this major celebration.”

The Fête de la Famille site at the Centre de la Nature will be organized into three large zones, each with its own theme.

Zone Turbulence: This area is for the more adventurous and physically-inclined, with an overhead “zip line,” simulated rock climbing and other exciting pastimes. There’ll also be sports-related activities here, including a multisport caravan, and a special booth sponsored by AHL hockey’s Rocket de Laval.
Little Geniuses Zone: This area is for the more cerebrally-inclined children. Here they’ll find science workshops, presentations on local wildlife, and a mobile library. There will also be presentations on robotics, musical instruments and computer coding challenges. Everything will be interactive to stimulate the imagination of children.
Games Zone: This area is almost guaranteed to be popular with the kids. Here they’ll find inflatable games, a mini-zip line, face-painting and a Jurassic Park adventure. They’ll also have an opportunity to meet with real-life firefighters and police officers from the Laval Fire Dept. and Laval Police Dept.

To ensure safety, avenue du Parc on the west side of the Centre de la Nature will be shut to car traffic on the day of the event. Parking on certain nearby streets will also be forbidden to non-area residents at the same time. People living in the area will have to show some I.D. in order to be allowed through.

Laval Fire Dept. tables its latest annual report

In their latest annual report, covering the year 2023, officials with the Laval Fire Dept. say they succeeded last year in integrating several separate divisions dealing with public security in order to improve coordination and preparations by the city for the eventuality of emergencies and crises.

Commenting on the fire department’s report which was tabled in Laval city council on July 9, Sandra Desmeules, the Laval city councillor responsible for public safety dossiers, noted that an increase in recent years in extreme weather phenomena, accentuating the risk of emergency situations, made it necessary to take measures to protect the population of Laval.

The report also said that the fire department had created a new rapid intervention team over the past year. The intervention team’s priority mandate will be to carry out rescue operations for firefighters who find themselves in danger during emergency interventions.

Fire Dept.’s year in numbers:

9,220 emergency calls, a 19.3 per cent increase over 2022
286 building fires
1,507 First Responder interventions, an 18.5 per cent hike
13,619 prevention visits to homes
60 investigations into the causes of certain fires
679 fire code infraction notices sent out

606 emergency evacuation orders, more than four times greater than 2022

Financial assistance for disaster victims of Tropical Storm Debby

Laval News Contributor

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August 15, 2024

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Financial assistance for disaster victims of Tropical Storm Debby

Due to the damage caused by the heavy rains that occurred following the passage of Tropical Storm Debby on August 9 and 10, 2024, including numerous floods and ground movements, the Government of Québec is announcing that the affected municipalities and their citizens will be able to benefit from the General Financial Assistance Program for Disasters (PGAF), if they meet the eligibility criteria.

The FAMP is a program of last resort that aims to support municipalities, citizens and businesses that have been victims of certain types of disasters, as well as the organizations that have provided them with assistance.

Citizens and municipalities will soon be able to obtain the list of municipalities targeted by the program on Québec.ca. In the meantime, they are invited to consult the page dedicated to the event: Status report on heavy rainfall in Quebec | Government of Quebec.

Many expenses are eligible for financial assistance and compensation. For example, temporary preventive measures put in place, eligible personal property affected, and emergency work.

“As with every disaster, our government is there to support the municipalities, the population and businesses that must face all these unpleasant consequences,” says François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region.

Ensuring the safety of all Quebecers and the protection of their property is at the heart of our action.» Highlights The following types of claims are eligible for the program:

• flooding caused by torrential rains, ice jams or rapid melting of snow causing overflowing rivers;

• erosion of banks;

• submersion;

• landslides;

• earthquakes.

The main purpose of the General Disaster Financial Assistance Program (AMP) is to provide last-resort assistance in the event of a claim not covered by insurers. In fact, disasters such as floods involving the overflow of watercourses during torrential rains, for example, are eligible losses under the program.

On the other hand, if the water enters the residence through a sewer backup or water infiltration, without the water from a watercourse reaching the property, these losses are generally underwritten and covered by insurance companies, so they are not eligible for the AMP.

This program provides assistance of last resort, including to repair certain eligible damages to primary residences, businesses and critical municipal infrastructure. The program also aims to provide financial support to municipalities for expenses additional to current expenses incurred by the implementation of temporary preventive, intervention or recovery measures.

Each request for financial assistance received by the Ministère de la Sécurité publique is analyzed for its admissibility, in accordance with the various criteria of the General Program of Financial Assistance in the Event of Disasters.

People affected by flooding must ensure that they have identified themselves as a disaster victim to their municipality and that they have contacted their insurer before applying for financial assistance and compensation.

For quick service, applications for financial assistance and compensation can be made online at: Safety and Emergencies | Government of Quebec (quebec.ca).

Laval offering flood and trauma assistance after Hurricane Debby

Martin C. Barry

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August 14, 2024

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Laval offering flood and trauma assistance after Hurricane Debby

City’s drinking water supply safe and stable, according to the city

Following the record-setting rainfall that dropped 170 millimetres of water on Laval last week over a 12-hour period, the City of Laval says its teams are still hard at work, cleaning up debris and securing damaged municipal installations, while also answering calls from residents facing ongoing emergency situations.

The staggering amount of precipitation, in conjunction with numerous electric power failures, caused an as yet undetermined number of sewer system overflows and floodings at homes and businesses in Laval, says the city.

As a result, the City of Laval’s outdoor pools as well as the beach at the Berge aux Quatre-vents in Laval-Ouest are closed for the time being.

Water supply ‘stable’

On a more positive note, the city says that the quality of Laval’s drinking water remains good and is stable. In spite of the pool closings, the city’s waterparks for children are still open and accessible (although residents are invited to check on a case-by-case basis on the city website).

Laval residents who are aware of flood-related problems are invited by the city to call 3-1-1 or to otherwise get in contact with municipal officials. If the situation is serious enough, residents are asked to call the 9-1-1 emergency line.

As for residents who are still without electric power, the city is asking the population in general to be patient and to refrain from from using electric pumps, electric power generators or other types of devices which use carbon-based fuel inside residences, in order to avoid carbon monoxide-related poisonings.

Making insurance claims

At the same time, the city is asking all those dealing with flooded homes to contact their insurance company to find out the steps which should be taken to file claims. Additional information on insurance claims can be made at the City of Laval website: https://www.laval.ca/Pages/Fr/A-propos/reclamations.aspx.

Residents who must rid themselves of damaged or contaminated household items are asked to place them at a spot on the edge of their property next to the street (without obstructing the road or sidewalk). Trash pickups are taking place according to regular schedules, although some additional pickups may also be made.

Psychological help

In the meantime, the city is also offering social and psychological assistance to residents who may feel they have been emotionally impacted by the fallout from the floods. The number to call is Info-Social at 8-1-1, option 2.

As for the post-Hurricane Debby cleanup, as of last Monday Aug. 12 the city was sending around a fleet of dump trucks to gather up discarded items, as well as garbage and debris put out on the curb by residents of flooded houses.

The pick-ups are taking place on an unscheduled basis, so there is no need to call ahead for an appointment. The collections are taking place on a gradual basis, with priority being given to neighbourhoods in Laval where floods made the most extreme impact.

A visit to the ecocentre

For those wishing to get a little more directly involved in the cleanup, the City of Laval’s ecocentre at 1205 Dagenais Blvd. West is accepting many different types of waste, including discarded appliances. Additional staff are on hand to ensure the smooth flow of operations.

Proof of Laval residency is required, although contractors carrying out flood-related repairs to households will be able to drop off waste materials if accompanied by the home’s owner. The city says that a special collection of old refrigerators and other appliances, which had been scheduled before the floods, will be proceeding as usual, although possibly on a modified schedule.

Laval News Volume 32-15

Archives

Laval News Staff

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August 14, 2024

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The current issue of the Laval News, volume 32-15, published on August 14th, 2024.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

Front page of The Laval News. — Front page of The Laval News, August 14th, 2024 issue.

Heavy rainfall expected in Laval Friday, says weather office

Martin C. Barry

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August 8, 2024

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Heavy rainfall expected in Laval Friday, says weather office

The federal weather service is warning that a major rainfall expected on Friday could drop up to 100 millimetres of precipitation in some parts of the Laval and Montreal regions, with potential for flash floods and dangerous pools of water on roadways.

The precipitation, forecast to continue into Friday night, is caused by a low pressure system interacting with moisture associated with tropical storm Debby, according to Environment Canada.

Rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 millimetres are expected.

However, the amount of precipitation could even reach 100 millimetres locally, adds the weather service.

They warn that heavy downpours can cause flash flooding and can make travelling by car dangerous.

Localized flooding in low-lying areas is also possible.

LPD make two arrests related to January pepper spray incident at McDonald’s

Martin C. Barry

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August 7, 2024

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LPD make two arrests related to January pepper spray incident at McDonald’s

The Laval Police say that two youths suspected of being the perpetrators of a pepper spray attack at a Saint-Martin Blvd. McDonald’s restaurant in January have finally been arrested.

According to the LPD, the two were arrested on Aug. 1 and have been arraigned in court to face charges of armed assault, mischief and using a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

They were released with conditions pending their next court appearance scheduled for Sept. 16.

An armed assault took place around 4:50 p.m. on Jan. 24 at the McDonald’s restaurant.

Although one person was the apparent target of the attack, it also injured dozens of other restaurant patrons, many of them children.

Laval police are urging anyone with any leads on the incident to call the LPD public information line at 450-662-4636 or 911.