Home Blog Page 209

Optimism buoys City of Laval’s economic recovery plan

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Optimism buoys City of Laval’s economic recovery plan

City focuses on key industries and businesses in post-COVID-19 strategy

With a high wind of optimism blowing through its sails, the City of Laval is moving ahead this week with a sweeping new economic development strategy designed to give a badly needed boost to the city’s waning economy in the uncertain aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubbed ‘Laval, capital of opportunities’ by the Demers administration, the primary focus of the campaign is to provide support to entrepreneurs and business owners during the economically-challenged post-pandemic period.

COVID-19 fallout

Despite setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, officials wilth the City of Laval have tabled an optimistic plan for the region’s short and longer-term economic recovery.

In a statement issued by the City of Laval prior to Demers’ official presentation of the policy during the monthly city council meeting on Tuesday, city officials acknowledged that Laval has been as impacted by the fallout from COVID-19 as any other municipality in Quebec or around the world.

According to the city, six out of 10 businesses in Laval find themselves currently in “precarious” financial circumstances, ranging from moderate to severe, based on an evaluation conducted by E&B Data and numerical information provided by Statistics Canada for the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM).

Non-residential tax affected

“This precariousness generates a significant risk, notably with regard to non-residential property tax,” states an outline of the recovery strategy provided by the city. It further notes that Quebec is expected to be the most impacted province in the country, with a Gross Domestic Product falling by 8 per cent in 2020, compared to Ontario and Saskatchewan which are each expected to lose 7.5 per cent GDP.

More troubling, according to findings provided by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, is that unemployment in the City of Laval rose from 4.1 per cent – as measured this past February when COVID-19 hadn’t yet taken a hold in Canada – to 14.2 per cent in May when the pandemic was well underway.

Facing the consequences

“The government had to put the economy on pause in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus while trying to avoid over-burdening the health system,” Mayor Marc Demers says in the preface to a document outlining the recovery plan.

“With an equal amount of courage, we must now face the consequences of the confinement on our economic health. We are currently going through a crisis without precedent, with effects that are devastating on employment and the Gross Domestic Product of the whole region.

A two-phase recovery

“Our corporate citizens, our workers and enterprises are terribly in need of support to get through this difficult period, while adapting to new realities and becoming confidently and audaciously part of the economy of tomorrow,” adds Demers, noting that the new economic development strategy will be deployed by the city over the coming months and years.

The city is taking a two-phase approach to the recovery: first they want to stimulate Laval’s economy to generate immediate results and wealth; and second they want to develop more sustainable projects which would become the basis for long-term economic progress.

Councillor Stéphane Boyer, vice-president of the City of Laval’s executive-committee who is also responsible for economic development dossiers, suggests that significant support for businesses must be prioritized if there is to be an economic recovery.

Business a priority

“The City of Laval is working relentlessly to provide aid directly to those most affected by the current situation,” he said in a statement. “While new paradigms are emerging, such as social distancing, ecological transition, food and medical security and automation, we must take a second in-depth look at ways of thinking in order to seize all the opportunities when they become available.”

According to the strategy outline, the Canadian and Quebec economies are only expected to begin improving sometime in 2021, with relaxation of confinement rules this year contributing to a rise in economic performance in the second half of 2020. But at the same time, it is expected that governments will gradually decrease their interventions.

Unemployment high

The city’s outline notes that the federal deficit, which stood at $24.9 billion in 2019-2020, will stand at $252.1 billion by fiscal year 2020-2021. As well, it points out that the fallout from unemployment will be even more severe than it was during the three most recent economic crises in 1981-82, 1990-92 and 2008-2009.

Between February and May this year, unemployment in Laval rose from 4.1 per cent to 14.2 per cent. The City of Laval recently revealed that it anticipates an eventual $60 million post-COVID-19 deficit. Officials at the City of Laval’s economic development department analyzed the municipality’s commercial and industrial sectors and came up with a list of sectors where growth or economic shrinkage are predicted.

Focusing on some sectors

On the positive side, computer software design, scientific research and food production and distribution emerge as areas where gains are already being made. However, retailing, tourism, entertainment and aerospace have lost a lot, although two of the three were on the decline already.

Other areas of Laval’s industrial sector seen as potentially productive going forward include pharmaceuticals, plastics (used in face mask and shield manufacturing), as well as engineering and architecture.

The City of Laval says it is budgeting up to $20 million for the recovery plan, only around $6.3 million of which will come out of the city’s own coffers. The remainder would come from federal and provincial programs and subsidies. The strategy would be deployed over a period of 18 to 24 months.

City to use ‘virtual currency’

A particularly fascinating aspect of the recovery plan is the city’s decision to begin using a type of “virtual currency” – similar to Bitcoin and other emerging digital moneys – as a tool to promote local buying.

Whereas perks and points programs have been used in the past by credit card companies and retailers to encourage client support, a digital currency exists through computer “blockchain” technology, which allows them to operate independently from national currencies like the Canada or U.S. dollar or the EU Euro.

Additional hand sanitizer health risk warnings from Health Canada

Laval News Contributor
-
0
Additional hand sanitizer health risk warnings from Health Canada

Health Canada is advising Canadians that the following hand sanitizers made with industrial-grade ethanol, which is not authorized for use in hand sanitizers, may pose health risks. For more information, including what Canadians should do, visit the online safety alert. 

Health Canada maintains a list of hand sanitizers that may pose health risks, so that Canadians can easily identify products they may have purchased and take appropriate action. Canadians are encouraged to check the list regularly for updates.

ProductRecalling CompanyNPN or DINLot Number(s)Expiry DateDate Added
Adclean (Technical)Adfast Canada Inc.80098241200423-114854April 2022July 10, 2020
200505-114929May 2022
Frid + Russell Hand SanitizerGreen Dolphin Systems Corp.Unlicensed (no NPN or DIN on label)All. Lot number not printed on the label.Not printed on the label.July 10, 2020
Germ Eliminator677042 Ontario Ltd. (DBA Donview Manufacturing)80101737150301December 2020July 10, 2020
150302
150304December 2023
Vima-San Hand SanitizerGreen Dolphin Systems Corp.Unlicensed (no NPN or DIN on label)All. Lot number not printed on the label.Not printed on the labelJuly 10, 2020
VitalpurLaboratoire Capillaire Guy Décaux801000231 2 3 7 8 9 10Not printed on the labelJuly 10, 2020

City consulting public on central library location

Martin C. Barry
-
0
City consulting public on central library location

The City of Laval is holding an online public consultation from July 10 to Aug. 10 on the location that residents feel would be best for a central branch of the public library system to be located.

The new central library is slated to be located somewhere in downtown Laval. The city is holding the consultation through an interactive platform at the web address repensonslaval.ca, where residents can post suggestions for the new central library on a “virtual wall.”

“I invite all our citizens to share their dreams and their ideas on this big central library project via the interactive reponsonslaval.ca interactive platform,” said Renaud city councillor Aram Elagoz, noting that the platform also features videos with information about the project.

Laval adds electric charging stations to growing network

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Laval adds electric charging stations to growing network

By the end of July, the City of Laval expects to have 26 new electric vehicle charging stations in various locations across its territory thanks to an implementation program being conducted in conjunction with Hydro Québec.

The new stations are being added at these locations:

  • Cartier Arema (2);
  • Émile-Nelligan (2), Philippe-Panneton (2) and Gabrielle-Roy libraries (2);
  • Firehall no 4 (2);
  • Auteuil (2) and Montrougeau community centres (2);
  • Cosmodôme (2);
  • Pavillon du Bois-Papineau (2);
  • Laval Police Department headquarters (2);
  • Public parking at berge des Baigneurs (Centre d’interprétation de l’eau) (4);
  • Public parking at Chomedey drinking water facility (2).

The addition of the new units will bring the total number of charging stations in Laval to 71. The program is part of the City of Laval’s overall efforts to combat global warming, which is caused partly by exhaust from conventional internal combustion car and truck engines.

Outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to salad, says Public Health Agency of Canada

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to salad, says Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of Cyclospora infections occurring in three provinces, one of which is Quebec. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as recent illnesses continue to be reported to PHAC.

Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to certain Fresh Express brand salad products containing iceberg lettuce, carrots and red cabbage, has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak. Some of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten Fresh Express brand salad products containing these ingredients before their illnesses occurred. The source of illness for the remaining individuals continues to be under investigation. The investigation is ongoing and this public health notice will be updated as the investigation evolves.

On June 28, 2020, the CFIA issued a food recall warning for certain Fresh Express brand salad products containing iceberg lettuce, carrots and red cabbage that were distributed nationally in Canada. The recalled salad products begin with lot code “Z177” or a lower number and have best before dates up to and including 20JUL08 – 20JUL14. For more information on the recalled product, please consult the CFIA’s website. 

Canadians are advised not to eat the recalled products. Retailers and food service establishments are advised not to sell or serve the recalled products, or any items that may have been prepared or produced using these products.

The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If additional products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are also investigating a multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora infections that has been linked to bagged salad mixes containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage produced by Fresh Express.

Investigation summary

As of July 8, 2020, there are 37 confirmed cases of Cyclospora illness linked to this outbreak in three provinces: Ontario (26), Quebec (10) and Newfoundland and Labrador (1). Individuals became sick between mid-May and mid-June 2020. One individual has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 21 and 70 years of age. The majority of cases (76%) are female.

Some of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten certain Fresh Express brand salad products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots before their illnesses occurred. The source of illness for the remaining individuals continues to be under investigation.

Cyclospora infections occur each summer in Canada. PHAC is working with provincial partners to determine if other recent cases of Cyclospora infection are linked to this outbreak.

It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because of the period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between two and four weeks.

What you should do to protect your health

Check to see if you have any Fresh Express brand salad products in your home. If you do, follow this advice:

  • Do not to eat recalled products with production codes beginning with lot code “Z177” or a lower number and have best before dates up to and including 20JUL08 – 20JUL14.
  • Throw these products out immediately and properly wash and sanitize any containers and refrigerator drawers or shelves that were used to store these products before using them again.
  • If you have any Fresh Express brand salad products without the original packaging and are unsure of whether these products are included in this advice, do not eat them. Throw them away just to be safe.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds immediately following contact with any of the recalled products.

Who is most at risk

Cyclospora is a microscopic single-celled parasite that is passed in peoples’ feces. If it comes in contact with food or water, it can contaminate food and cause infection in the people who consume it. This causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. It is unlikely for Cyclospora to be passed from one person to another.

You are at higher risk for a longer or more severe illness if you:

  • are a young child
  • are an older adult
  • have a weakened immune system (cannot fight disease easily)

Symptoms

Most people develop the following symptoms within one week after being infected with Cyclospora:

  • watery diarrhea
  • abdominal bloating and gas
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • stomach cramps
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • mild fever
  • nausea

When you eat or drink contaminated food or water, it may take 7 to 14 days for symptoms to appear. If left untreated, you may have the symptoms for a few days to a few months. Most people have symptoms for 6 to 7 weeks without treatment.

Symptoms may go away and then return.

If you become ill, drink plenty of water or fluids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. If you have signs of illness and have reason to believe you have cyclosporiasis, contact your health care provider who may request a laboratory test to confirm the illness.

Antibiotics may be given to treat the illness.

Revelakis wants city to set up committee for police/multicultural relations

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Revelakis wants city to set up committee for police/multicultural relations

Following the Demers administration’s recent announcement of new measures to deal with racial discrimination, Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis says Laval should start a new non-partisan committee to deal with issues involving the Laval Police Department and multicultural communities.

“The City of Laval is extending its hand towards nearly one-third of its population and this is a remarkable gesture,” she said in a statement. “We must nonetheless involve representatives of these very people in the actions to be taken.”

Chomedey councillor Aglaia Revelakis wants the city to set up a committee to examine issues concerning relations between the police and Laval’s multicultural communities.

Saint-Vincent-de-Paul city councillor Paolo Galati, who is supporting Revelakis’s motion, agrees that a committee made up of elected representatives would be able to delve seriously into examining the matter at hand.

“The participants in this consultation should be heard directly by their elected representatives,” Galati said. “The separation between the executive-committee and the police is a basic democratic principle, and the suggestion of my colleague for a non-partisan committee of council is a means that will ensure the complete transparency of the effort.”

Laval man fined nearly $500K for tax evasion

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Laval man fined nearly $500K for tax evasion

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced this week that Robert Kalfayan, a Laval resident, pleaded guilty at the Laval courthouse to tax evasion charges. He was fined $495,614 in relation to the offences, on top of having to pay the income tax and all penalties and interests that apply.

Mr. Kalfayan was arrested on December 23, 2019, at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport upon his return to Canada.

The CRA investigation showed that, for the years 2009 to 2013, he tried to evade the payment of more than $700,000 in federal income tax using a complex scheme to shield his luxurious Laval residence from CRA collection measures.

The scheme included a fake loan, a nominee and several international bank transfers, as well as the use of one of his companies incorporated in Belize, Lowcrest Marketing.

The investigation also revealed that, for the 2014 and 2015 tax years, Mr. Kalfayan contravened the Income Tax Act by making a fraudulent proposal to creditors in which he failed to declare all of his international assets (real estate, cryptocurrency and cash) in order to evade the payment of income tax.

City sells off discredited ex-mayor’s $1 mil. condo reduced

Martin C. Barry
-
0
City sells off discredited ex-mayor’s $1 mil. condo reduced

Last week, the City of Laval reached what appears to be the closing chapter in the saga involving former mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, with the sale of Vaillancourt’s luxury condo at a price considerably lower than its initial estimated $1 million price tag.

Gilles Vaillancourt
Ex Mayor of Laval Gilles Vaillancourt

Located in a condo tower in Laval’s exclusive Île Paton neighbourhood, the city took possession of the condo after Vaillancourt’s departure from office as charges of corruption against him were being made.

The ex-mayor eventually agreed to an $8.6 million settlement with the city, the condo being a part of it.

According to city council documents, the city stands to make a little more than $127,000 net from the sale, since the unit’s value ended up being estimated at considerably less than its million dollar value, and the broker stands to earn a $22,645 commission.

However, after being initially placed on sale more than a year ago, there were no buyers until recently.

Vaillancourt ended up being sentenced to six years imprisonment and was paroled in December 2018.

Laval adds new rules to dog and pet control by-law

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Laval adds new rules to dog and pet control by-law

During the July 7 online meeting of Laval city council, the council members modified By-Law L-12430 in order to better protect dogs and other pets, as well as members of the public, on Laval’s territory.

Among other things, the new rules will better describe and define certain species of animals being kept as pets:

  • In a back yard shared by multiple dwelling tenants or owners, a dog will have to be kept on a leash measuring 1.85 meters.

Regarding potentially dangerous dogs:

  • New conditions for dog owners: rabies vaccination is obligatory, as is a front harness.
  • The conditions are permanent.
  • The city now has the power to seize animals if the conditions aren’t respected more than once.
  • In a public area, a dog that has been declared potentially dangereous must at all times be muzzled.
  • A warning of the presence of a dangerous dog must be posted outside a property.

Opposition stirring in response to Île Gagnon development project

Martin C. Barry
-
0
Opposition stirring in response to Île Gagnon development project

Luxury condos and resort would be built at former home of Céline Dion

After several years of relative peace with its urban development dossiers, the City of Laval’s administrators and elected officials are facing a possible public backlash over a developer’s plans to convert a small island in the Rivière des Mille Îles – which was once the home of internationally-acclaimed singer Céline Dion – into a luxurious private resort.

Next to public park

While it’s not the first time a developer has set its sights on transforming the island, the task of turning Île Gagnon into an exclusive luxury destination is made all the more challenging by the fact it is located directly across a small inlet from the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, a public wildlife reserve where access is open to everyone.

According to initial plans by property developer François Duplantie, 700 condos, a hotel, a spa, a gym and two restaurants would be built on Île Gagnon starting in 2022. A second phase of the project would take place later in nearby Sainte-Rose where development would include 970 apartments or condos, a retirement residence, a CHSLD and an entertainment auditorium.

Opposition gathering

Although the City of Laval is currently conducting a poll among residents of the area to determine their support or opposition to the project, some members of the Laval city council opposition already are rejecting it outright.

The massive gates to the private Île Gagnon property where Céline Dion once lived, and where a developer wants to build an exclusive resort. Photo: Martin C. Barry

While acknowledging that the project will bring in massive investment and help improve services in Sainte-Rose, independent city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis launched an opposing petition last week, while also demanding that the city hold a full public consultation.

In an interview this week with The Laval News, Mayor Marc Demers said nothing has been decided at this point, although the developer has yet to formally apply to the city for permission to begin his project.

No commitment, says Demers

“We have insisted to the developer that he make a presentation on his own,” said Demers. “There is no obligation on his part, although we wanted the presentation to be up to certain standards. And at one point residents of Sainte-Rose were even invited to take part. But there is nothing more we can do until the developer comes to us asking for construction permits.”

Demers said the poll will help the city make a decision about the project. “Unfortunately, there is a lot of disinformation now taking place on social media,” he said. “The course we decide to take will be guided by our surveys and by public opinion. But at this point there is no commitment on our part towards this developer one way or the other.”

In a last minute development on Tuesday as we went to press, the City of Laval announced that the closing date for the survey underway in Ste-Rose has been postponed to July 31. The intial deadline had been July 12.

1...208209210...323Page 209 of 323