Transports Québec has announced the closing over a period of four days next week of some traffic lanes and exits on Autoroute 15, affecting motorists in Boisbriand, Sainte-Thérèse, Blainville and Mirabel.
Autoroute 15 sign.
On April 26, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day:
Exit 20 (A-640, Saint-Eustache, Repentigny) of Highway 15 northbound is closed.
Exit 23 (Mirabel (Saint-Augustin), Saint-Charles Street) of Highway 15 northbound is closed.
Two of four lanes on Highway 15 northbound are closed between Saint-Charles Street and Seigneurie Boulevard West.
Two of three lanes on Highway 15 southbound are closed at the Highway 50 interchange.
The Highway 15 southbound service road is completely closed.
Exit 292 South (A-15 South, Montreal) of Highway 50 eastbound is closed.
On April 27th, from 9pm to 5am the following day:
Exit 20 (A-640, Saint-Eustache, Repentigny) of Highway 15 northbound is closed.
The ramp from the Curé-Boivin access road to Highway 15 northbound is closed.
Two of four lanes on Highway 15 northbound are closed between the Curé-Boivin access road and Boulevard de la Seigneurie Ouest.
Two of three lanes on Highway 15 southbound are closed at the Highway 50 interchange.
The Highway 15 southbound service road is completely closed.
Exit 292 South (A-15 South, Montreal) of Highway 50 eastbound is closed.
On April 29, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day:
Exit 23 (Mirabel (Saint-Augustin), Saint-Charles Street of Highway 15 northbound is closed.
Two of the four lanes on Highway 15 northbound are closed between Saint-Charles Street and Seigneurie Boulevard West.
On April 30th, from 10 PM to 5 AM the following day:
Exit 23 (Mirabel (Saint-Augustin), Saint-Charles Street of Highway 15 northbound is closed.
Two of the four lanes on Highway 15 northbound are closed between Saint-Charles Street and Seigneurie Boulevard West.
Transports Québec advises that the work may be postponed, extended or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or operational constraints.
To stay informed about all disruptions and updates related to this work, consult Québec 511, a practical tool for planning trips, and download the Québec 511 mobile app to activate notifications.
The Laval Police say they are seeking the public’s help in a fatal crash investigation that claimed the lives of two children last January.
The incident occurred on January 5 around 7:30 p.m. along Route 335 between Dagenais Blvd. and Saint-Saëns Street.
“Investigators assigned to this case are looking for anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant information, particularly video footage,” the Laval police said in a statement.
Laval Police say a Hyundai Kona similar to this one is a vehicle of interest in a Jan. 5 case of dangerous driving that left two children dead. (Photo: Courtesy Laval Police)
They say they are searching for a Hyunday Kona.
According to the LPD, the case involves allegations of dangerous driving that led to multiple injuries as well as two fatalities.
According to the LPD, the investigation remains open and the investigators are urging anyone who may have been a witness or who may have recorded even a portion of the events through a dashcam or other digital device to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at the LPD’s Info Line at 450-662-4636 or by calling 9-1-1. The file number is LVL-260105-079.
Nova Scotia-headquartered Empire Company announced last week that they are expanding into Quebec with the acquisition of food retailer Mayrand Food Group, marking Empire’s entry into the discount market in this province.
Mayrand operates four large format locations across the greater Montreal area, including one on Autoroute 440 in Laval.
Empire, which oversees IGA stores in Quebec and operates Sobey’s stores in Atlantic Canada, says the acquisition is a “strategic entry into the Quebec discount/warehouse food market.”
“Mayrand is a respected Quebec institution with deep local roots and a loyal customer base,” said Luc L’Archevêque, chief customer officer at Empire.
“This transaction allows the Mayrand brand to continue serving customers and communities while benefiting from Empire’s scale, operational expertise and long‑term commitment to food retail in Quebec,” he added.
Empire says the company plans to maintain the Mayrand banner and grow the business as a distinct brand.
Founded more than 110 years ago, Mayrand is known for its vast and select product assortment, competitive pricing and cordial relations with both suppliers and retail customers.
Mayrand also operates stores in Anjou, Brossard and Saint‑Jérôme.
CIMA+, a civil engineering consulting firm with a longtime presence in Laval, has acquired CSched, a Laval-based consultancy focusing on advanced timetable planning and optimization solutions for public transit and private transportation providers.
CIMA+’s Laval headquarters on Souvenir Blvd. in Laval.
Founded in 2008, CSched provides consulting services, training programs and software for timetable and operations planning.
The boutique firm works with public transit operators as well as private transport providers (schools buses and intercity coaches).
CSched’s consulting practice for transit include scheduling efficiency review, labour negotiation support, tender bidding support and zero emission bus transition support.
The firm’s proprietary software – Hastus by CSched – is used by major transit agencies worldwide and has cloud-based solutions across planning, scheduling, and operations.
CSched has 12 employees listed on LinkedIn.
CIMA+ says in a statement that its acquisition of CSched will strengthen its public transit offering.
“CSched’s expertise in advanced planning and operational optimization reinforces our position in the transportation sector and consolidates our ability to support clients in implementing sustainable and high-performance solutions,” said Steeve Fiset, chief strategy officer at CIMA+.
CIMA+ was founded in 1990 and has more than 3,500 people across 40+ offices in Canada.
The firm provides consulting engineering services in energy and resources, infrastructure, transportation, buildings, project management, as well as operational and digital technologies.
“Joining CIMA+ gives us the scale and complementary skills needed to better support our clients in this evolving landscape,” said Michel Courval, president and CEO of CSched.
“It also allows us to focus more on developing proficiency within the industry, particularly through training and knowledge sharing,” he added.
The transaction closed on April 1, 2026.
CIMA+ last year acquired Lakeland Consulting, an Oakville, ON consulting firm specializing in commercial management services for construction projects and B&A, a Calgary-based urban planning firm.
The City of Laval says it is cycling into intervention mode in response to rapidly rising river waters after a “minor flooding” threshold was reached.
“The situation remains under control, although the forecast predicts rising water levels for the coming days,” the city said in a statement issued on Friday
According to the city, public works crews have secured 1.2 km of dike along the banks of Laval Island, while installation continues in the Riviera Street area of Fabreville-Sainte-Rose-Laval-Ouest.
Riviera St. in Laval-Ouest on Monday morning April 20. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Friday morning, further installation work began in the same area, as well as in Chomedey (Sector 3). Work continues on installing protective measures, and preventive checks by the Fire Department (SSIL) are ongoing.
“Constant monitoring of the embankments has not revealed any anomalies,” says the city.
Support for Residents
The city says that over the previous 24 hours, there was an increase in calls to the municipality’s 3-1-1 hotline. Up to mid-day Friday, approximately 20 calls were received, most of which concerned flood preparedness.
The city is advising Laval residents living in flood zones to follow the safety guidelines available at laval.ca/inondations.
The city is urging affected Laval residents to subscribe to the municipality’s alerts and update their contact information at laval.ca/abonnement to be promptly notified of important notices.
As well, for any emergency that threatens safety or health, the public should contact 9-1-1 immediately.
City pledges to do a better job making sure sidewalk’s clear next winter
Although it can finally be said that winter 2025-26 in Laval is almost certainly over, one resident is thinking proactively about the snowfall next December and the first few months of 2027.
The snow pile on du Trait-Carré Road in Laval-des-Rapides that the City of Laval claims was left by a contractor, in violation of municipal rules, although the city failed to take action, according to a nearby resident.
In an e-mail to The Laval News, Hardik Anand, who lives on Lulli St. a short walk from the corner of de l’Avenir Blvd. and du Trait-Carré Rd., said he wanted to “highlight a serious and ongoing public safety issue” in Laval-des-Rapides near Montmorency Metro a short distance from a large seniors’ residence.
Snow blocked sidewalk
“A sidewalk in this area has been blocked by a mountain of snow for months,” he said at the beginning of April as spring was just starting to set in and the accumulated winter snow was melting.
“It has not been cleared,” he continued. “And as a result, people have fallen there many times. This is especially disturbing given the location next to a residence for older people, who are even more vulnerable to injury.”
Anand said he had tried repeatedly to get this addressed through official channels. “I submitted three separate online complaints to the city, and all three were closed without any response or meaningful action,” he said.
‘Nothing was done’
“I also emailed the mayor and the local councillor and sent photographs, but nothing was done,” he added. “I then contacted the ombudsman, only to be told that he could not act because my online complaint is now more than three months old, even though the snow obstruction is still there and the danger still exists.
“This is exactly the kind of issue that deserves public attention,” Anand said. “When residents report a hazardous sidewalk multiple times and are ignored, and when even the complaint system becomes a dead end because of timing technicalities, it leaves people with no real recourse.”
He said he hoped The Laval News could help bring attention to the blocked sidewalk and ask the city why such a dangerous condition had been allowed to remain for so long – especially near Montmorency Metro and next to a seniors’ residence (Résidence Soleil Manoir Laval on de l’Avenir) in Laval-des-Rapides.
Five months without cleaning
In an interview with The Laval News late last week, Anand said the last of the snow bank was still visible since its enormous size meant it would continue melting long after most of the snow in the area had disappeared.
“That entire part of the sidewalk was never cleaned throughout the winter season – I would say for the last five months,” he said, while adding that he had personally fallen there at least three times and knew of others who also fell in that spot.
While acknowledging that he suffered some minor injuries, he said they weren’t serious, but the accumulation of snow on the sidewalk forced him as well as other residents to walk out on the street where they were exposed to the hazard of rapidly moving traffic.
Anand said the files for three complaints he made to the City of Laval, beginning in January, were summarily closed “without giving out any information. The first two complaints were closed without any response. By the time of the third complaint, they just gave a general response about snow clearing policy and stuff and they closed that one too.”
City of Laval replies
Following an exchange of e-mails between The Laval News and the City of Laval’s communications department, an official with the city got back to us with a response.
“The City of Laval is well aware of the situation reported by the resident regarding the snow accumulation on Chemin du Trait-Carré, near Boulevard de l’Avenir,” said Nesrine Saci, adding that snow removal operations in the area are carried out by a private contractor hired by the city.
“Generally, snow removal operations aim to keep sidewalks safe and accessible to pedestrians,” she continued.
Piling snow not allowed
“It is not permitted to leave piles of snow obstructing a sidewalk. That said, during clearing operations or due to space constraints, snow may sometimes be temporarily deposited near or along the edge of a sidewalk. Action is then taken to clear the walkways and ensure safety.”
While noting that the 2024-2025 winter season was marked by significant snowfall, including two storms totaling nearly 80 centimeters of snow, Saci maintained this “can lead to exceptional situations related to snow storage capacity.”
She said the city has a snow patrol that conducts on-site inspections to identify problem areas, including obstructions to pedestrian traffic.
“Inspections will be carried out in this area during the upcoming winter season,” she added. “And if necessary, tickets may be issued for any violations observed.”
Although it’s a no brainer to ask someone to break a dollar in exchange for four quarters, most people who’ve lived in this country long enough are well aware that $100 can’t be exchanged for four $25 bills because there is no such unit of currency in Canada.
While the Bank of Canada did issue a $25 note in 1935 to honor the silver jubilee of King George V, the Laval Police used a mock-up of a fake $25 bill on April Fool’s Day (April 1) to make a point that counterfeiters in Laval are now circulating fake $100 notes.
According to the LPD, several Laval residents have reported receiving counterfeit $100 bills during transactions on resale sites like Facebook Marketplace. The police point out that victims of counterfeiting will not be compensated, regardless of their loss.
That’s why they are urging anyone selling for cash to be vigilant and follow some practical tips to help verify the authenticity of the bills received during such transactions.
Serial number: Each bill must have its own unique serial number. Make sure there are no duplicates.
Transparent strip: Examine the transparent strip of the bill. Tiny numbers corresponding to the currency’s value must be visible.
Portrait on the transparent strip: The portrait visible on the transparent strip must match the main portrait on the currency.
Small numbers in the maple leaf: Using bright light, look for small numbers hidden within the transparent maple leaf.
Metallic portrait: Make sure the metallic portrait changes color depending on the angle of the light.
Ink texture: Run your finger over the main portrait to feel the texture of the embossed ink.
Remember that you are under no obligation to accept a currency note if you have any doubts about its authenticity. You should feel free to ask for another or choose another payment method if you are unsure.
The Laval Police say that a neutral zone, supervised by the police, is available to ensure the security of transactions. This zone is located at Laval Police Headquarters, 2911 Chomedey Blvd.
Anyone with information regarding the circulation of counterfeit currency is encouraged to confidentially contact the Laval Police on their Information Line at 450-662-INFO (4636) or by calling 911.
LFD was kept busy fighting fires recently
The City of Laval’s firefighters were more than a little busy over the last two weeks, putting out nearly a half-dozen fires at commercial and residential addresses throughout the city.
On April 8 around 9:45 pm, a building fire on des Laurentides Blvd. in the Pont-Viau district caused extensive damage to a non-profit retail business serving primarily a disadvantaged clientele.
The Carrefour des aubaines du Relais Communautaire de Laval was the scene of an electrical fire. A fault or defect in the electrical wiring installed in the walls is believed to have been the cause of the blaze.
Upon the arrival of the firefighters, smoke and flames were visible inside the building just south of Grenon St. They were able to halt the spread of flames, confining them to the front of the store. Despite the firefighters’ efforts, damage was estimated at approximately $100,000 for the building and $50,000 for its contents.
Other recent fires:
APRIL 10 | 18:15 // Building fire on boulevard Curé-Labelle in the Chomedey sector. Commercial building. Visible smoke. The Code was 10-12, second alarm.
The April 3 fire on boulevard Dagenais Ouest in Laval’s Fabreville sector. (Photo: Courtesy of APL)
APRIL 9 | 19:16 // Building fire on Belmont Street in the Saint-François sector. Residential building. Visible flames. The Code was 10-09, full rescue engaged, possible worsening.
APRIL 6 | 10:30 // Building fire on Place des Capucines in the Sainte-Dorothée sector. Residential building. Visible smoke coming from the basement. Code was 10-09, full rescue engaged, possible worsening.
3 APRIL | 15:08 // Building fire on boulevard Dagenais Ouest in the Fabreville sector. Multi-unit residential building. Visible smoke coming from a basement apartment. The Code was 10-07, intervention necessary.
Prime Minister Mark Carney struck a note of unrestrained optimism
The Liberal Party of Canada capped off its 2026 National Convention in Montreal last weekend after bringing together a record-breaking 4,500 members, some of whom were perhaps a little on edge about the outcome of impending by-elections that could lead to the Liberals finally having a majority government.
“This was one of the best conventions in the history of the Liberal Party,” Laval-Les-Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury said in an interview with The Laval News last Sunday, a day after the convention closed.
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the Liberal Party of Canada’s 2026 policy convention in Montreal. (Photo: Courtesy of CPAC)
Laval MPs ‘energized’
“We are proud to have a leader like Mark Carney,” added El-Khoury. “We were more than 4,500 members there. We all were very proud and I am sure everyone enjoyed it.”
Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis agreed with her parliamentary colleague that the convention was an extraordinary success. “It was energizing and so great to see so many new people, new faces from across the country who participated in their very first convention,” she said.
The Liberals’ leader struck a note of unrestrained optimism in the keynote address he delivered on the last day in accordance with a political party convention tradition.
“Over the past three days, Liberals have come together with energy and determination to shape the future of our party and our country,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney.
A ‘decisive moment,’ said Carney
“At this decisive moment, Canadians are looking for strong leadership and serious solutions, and that’s exactly what our new Liberal team is delivering,” he continued. “United, we will build Canada Strong, a Canada Strong for all – a Canada Strong that no one can ever take away.”
After Carney spoke to the thousands of Liberal members and delegates waiving Canadian flags as well as signs bearing his name, some political observers speculated that the event resembled a pre-election rally more than a gathering for the purpose of discussing and setting new policies.
Among the thousands of members who converged in Montreal, more than half were taking part in a federal Liberal Party convention for the first time, according to Liberal Party of Canada organizers.
Record-breaking fundraising
Delegates engaged in policy discussions, as well as campaign trainings and plenary sessions, while hearing from a range of speakers and voices from across Canada. Party members also came together to help shape policy direction and elect members of the Liberal Party’s next national board of directors.
According to the party, up to 300,000 people from across Canada became card-carrying Liberal Party members since last year when the eadership race saw Mark Carney become leader in March 2025. The momentum also translated into record-breaking grassroots fundraising that saw 2025 as the Liberals’ best-ever fundraising year.
Carney’s message to fellow Liberals came as the latest of several House of Commons floor crossers strengthened the party’s situation, while still falling short of a minimum 172-seat majority.
Five new Liberals at convention
Since he stepped into the Prime Minister’s position, Carney’s government has attracted a total of five MPs from rival opposition parties. They include Lori Idlout from the NDP, as well as four Conservatives: Chris d’Entremont, Michael Ma, Matt Jeneroux and only last week Marilyn Gladu.
The Liberals held 171 seats in the House of Commons before last Monday’s by-elections, in which they were expected to increase their seat count.
The trade war with the United States loomed large in Carney’s keynote remarks, with the prime minister pointing to his government’s economic agenda. He said a strong economy would be essential to the party’s mission of building a just society. Carney received standing applause when he said a just society is anchored in a woman’s right to choose while allowing for a wide range of lifestyle diversity.
Carney’s speaking points
Carney’s speech also highlighted his government’s defence industrial strategy, military spending, infrastructure investments, major projects office and efforts to diversify international trade.
The convention delegates spent last Saturday morning debating and voting on several non-binding policy resolutions. Two resolutions which were adopted related to setting age restrictions on social media and artificial chat bots.
Grassroots members of the party also debated a resolution on restricting use of the notwithstanding clause, by invoking disallowance on any provincial legislation that proactively invokes the clause before court challenges are exhausted.
City moves to accelerate new housing and revitalization in Cartier Metro area
An extensive phase of new residential development is set to begin in the City of Laval’s Pont-Viau district following an announcement last week that the Carney Liberal government will be contributing $8 million to help modernize key underground infrastructure through Ottawa’s Strong Communities Fund.
Laval is the first municipality in Quebec to receive support through the new program. The development, taking place near the Cartier Metro station and the Pont-Viau bridge, will enable the construction of nearly 1,800 housing units, representing a total investment of nearly $20 million including the City of Laval’s contribution.
A birdseye view of the area in Pont-Viau where the City of Laval will be installing new underground infrastructure with subsidies furnished by the federal government. (Aerial photo: Vincent Girard, City of Laval)
Cartier Metro revitalization
The project aligns with a revitalization vision for the Cartier Metro area initiated by the City of Laval in 2016, in conjunction with a specific urban planning program (PPU) in place since 2022.
In recent years, the city has undertaken numerous initiatives to transform the neighborhood, including the acquisition of sites of interest, the improvement of public spaces and more greenery.
The goal, according to the city, is to create a place where people can live, work and enjoy leisure activities within walking distance, close to public transit, and in a high-quality living environment.
Among the city’s recent projects were the acquisition of property that included the Convent of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception on Place Juge Desnoyers, opening a new chapter for the heritage site.
From the left, Laval city councillor for Marigot Cecilia Macedo, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Liberal MP Carlos Leitão, Alfred-Pellan Liberal MP Angelo Iacono, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson, Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer, Trois-Rivières Liberal MP Caroline Desrochers, and Laval city councillors Christine Poirier and Nicolas Borne. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Impending transformation
Set for a transformation, the redeveloped site will house new housing as well as a cultural and community hub, while contributing to the revitalization of the area. The project, like others to come, will directly benefit from the infrastructure modernization plan announced by the city and the federal government.
In the area near the Cartier Metro, according to the city, underground infrastructure networks have reached their full capacity, currently limiting the development of new residential projects. Upgrading the infrastructure is therefore seen as a concrete means of accelerating housing construction while meeting growing consumer demands.
The work, which is scheduled to begin in the fall, will increase sewer and water network capacity by replacing or upgrading nearly 2.5 kilometres of underground pipes, ensuring reliable municipal services while reducing the risk of overflows. The project will also incorporate features promoting active transportation, greening and sustainable stormwater management.
Major construction coming
“We are investing in the construction of reliable infrastructure at a pace and scale unprecedented in generations,” said Minister of Housing and Infrastructure in the Carney cabinet Gregor Robertson. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
“We’re going to have a lot of buildings built around this area,” Laval city councillor for Marigot Cecilia Macedo (which includes the area slated for development) said in an interview with The Laval News.
She noted that in addition to being the location of one of Laval’s three Metro stations, the area is one of the main vehicle traffic entrances into Laval and the focus for a number of years for projected improvements.
“To build a strong Canada, we must first build strong communities,” Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure in the Carney cabinet, said during an outdoor press conference held on the edge of the area to be developed.
“Thanks to the new Strong Communities Fund, we are investing in the construction of reliable infrastructure at a pace and scale unprecedented in generations: roads, hospitals, schools and water systems that support people, create jobs, and build connected communities,” added Robertson.
Targeted development
“Focusing on what matters most means investing in the infrastructure that allows our city to develop smartly,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
“With this project, we are upgrading underground infrastructure networks, unlocking the construction of nearly 1,800 housing units, and providing concrete support for the transformation of the Cartier metro area,” he continued.
“This is a neighborhood undergoing revitalization, where we are helping to create complete, accessible and high-quality living spaces close to public transit.”
The new Strong Communities Fund “will help strengthen communities across the country,” said Trois-Rivières Liberal MP Caroline Desrochers, Parliamentary Secretary to Robertson.
“By investing in municipal infrastructure in Laval, we are supporting the facilities that communities need to grow and build a strong Canada.”
460,000 pairs of eyes will gather information and rate city’s streets
Action Laval’s interim leader, Achille Cifelli, along with the municipal opposition party’s two elected officials, David De Cotis of Saint-Bruno and Isabelle Piché of Saint-François, have announced the launch of a citizen-led initiative to identify the most damaged streets in Laval – similar to the work of CAA-Québec.
Action Laval interim leader Archie Cifelli.
According to a press release issued by Action Laval, “the initiative aims to highlight the state of road infrastructure in order to contribute constructively to the municipal administration’s improvement efforts.”
Citizen reporting
Posted now on the Action Laval website at www.actionlaval.com and on the party’s various social media platforms, the survey invites Laval residents to report streets in poor condition. An explanatory video also accompanies the survey.
“Citizens are best positioned to testify to the reality on the ground,” explained Cifelli. Citizens have until April 30 to complete the form, and the survey results will be compiled and made public in early May.
Supporting solutions
“With this survey, we want to give citizens a voice and gather concrete data to support effective and sustainable solutions,” said Piché.
Action Laval says it is inviting all residents to take part in large numbers to make their voices heard and contribute to better street maintenance in the city.
“We have 460,000 residents in our territory,” noted De Cotis. “That’s 460,000 pairs of eyes to gather information and assess the situation in our city,”
What the city says
On one of the City of Laval’s web pages describing work done to repair potholes and other damage on the municipality’s many streets, the city maintains that its roadways are monitored closely throughout the year for street repair work when necessary.
Regarding pothole repair, the city says it “regularly inspects the condition of roads: Potholes are repaired throughout the year. Repair work intensifies in the weeks following the spring thaw.”
For street maintenance work, the city says two main factors are taken into account when prioritizing work: the level of deterioration of the street section, and the state of disrepair of underground infrastructure (sewers, water mains, etc.).
Combining upgrade projects
“In the interest of sound management of public funds, the city carries out all work requiring excavation and road reconstruction in a single project,” states the city.
When streets are resurfaced, the existing pavement is covered with a new layer of asphalt, the lifespan of which is 5 to 10 years, according to the city. The duration of this type of work is normally around one week on average.
Managing public funds
Regarding road reconstruction, the city says roadways are most often rebuilt during underground infrastructure renewal work, such as sewer and water mains or storm sewers, “in the interest of sound management of public funds.”
Existing pavement is removed to rebuild the base and lay the new pavement. Curbs and sidewalks in poor condition are then repaired or replaced.
The lifespan of new pavement is around 40 years for a neighborhood street, 25 to 30 years for a collector road or artery, with the duration of such work being four to six weeks on average.
