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City of Laval ombudsman dealt with 636 complaint files in 2024

Martin C. Barry
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City of Laval ombudsman dealt with 636 complaint files in 2024

Snow removal and waste management are constants, says Nathalie Blais

In her latest report on the City of Laval’s efforts to address residents’ complaints about shortcomings in municipal services, ombudsman Nathalie Blais says her department managed last year to cut its response time to less than 48 hours, while dealing with 636 dossiers, most of which concerned routine issues like sidewalk repairs, road paving and street lighting.

Nathalie Blais, the City of Laval’s ombudswoman, says her department processed 636 complaints about various City of Laval services last year.

In the 12th annual report filed by the ombudsman’s office, Blais said 124 of the 2024 dossiers were carried over from past years and that 53 dossiers are still unresolved while being processed.

Learning opportunities

“Above and beyond the quantifiable results, each complaint remains for us an opportunity to learn, to correct and to improve the municipality’s services,” she said in a statement issued on the same day her report was tabled in Laval city council.

“It’s in this spirit that we work with teams from the city to create a culture of listening, of transparency and continuous improvement,” said Blais. In all, 32 per cent of the files received by the ombudsman in 2024 were deemed acceptable – that is, the complaints were judged to be founded.

However, of the 68 per cent judged as unacceptable, the administration was found to have initiated corrective action or the process hasn’t been completed yet. In those cases, residents who’d sought the help of the ombudsman were steered to the city’s 3-1-1 service for follow-up action.

Public works complaints

In 2024, the municipal services that were the subject of the ombudsman’s intervention most often were public works (20 per cent), environment (19 per cent), engineering (15 per cent) and urban planning (9 per cent). In 15 per cent of all the dossiers, municipal services decided not to contest claims.

Many of the complaints received by the ombudsman’s office concern snow removal, says Nathalie Blais.

The ombudsman’s office noted that some of the dossiers remain active in 2025 in view of their complexity. One of the more outstanding of the complaints dealt with by the ombudsman last year was snow removal, which falls under the oversight of public works and engineering.

According to a summary of the ombudsman’s work in 2024, the matter remains unresolved, although management at Laval’s public works department “has committed itself to revising the internal administrative procedures and to present to the ombudsman a plan of action in 2024.”

Policy being revised

Again, according to the summary, a new policy statement for snow removal is currently being revised by the city’s legal affairs department. “Considering the political implications, the adoption of the snow removal policy has been postponed until 2026,” states the document.

In an interview with The Laval News, Nathalie Blais said snow removal is an issue that comes up in her annual report every year, as does the city’s handling of waste removal and recycling. “As regards snow removal, there’s probably still a lot of work to be done,” she acknowledged.

“There’s the new plan that is supposed to be released next year,” she said. “But in the meantime, things seem to be a lot better this year. Thanks to the work done by the city’s environment service in conjunction with the ombudsman’s office, we were able to find solutions to make things more efficient.”

Laval gets a good deal for disposing of household waste

Mobility access at Val-Martin

Another issue the ombudsman’s office dealt with last year – access by mobility-challenged apartment tenants at the Habitations Val-Martin social housing project – is also currently unresolved.

According to the ombudsman’s report, the city’s department of engineering services is working in conjunction with the Office municipal d’habitation de Laval (OMHL) to carry out a survey among residents this spring, before making recommendations on the interventions judged to be necessary.

In the meantime, at least one parking space for people with reduced mobility issues was supposed to be implemented at Habitations Val-Martin by this past February. And the engineering department is also evaluating the possibility of installing lowered curbs in order to improve access for the mobility-challenged.

Laval News Volume 33-10

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 33-10

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 33-10, published on May 14th, 2025.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

LPD asks for Duvernay residents’ help after Cap-à-l’Aigle shooting

Martin C. Barry
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LPD asks for Duvernay residents’ help after Cap-à-l’Aigle shooting

The Laval Police are asking residents of Cap-à-l’Aigle Street in the city’s Duvernay district for permission to view their homes’ security camera images as part of an investigation into a shooting incident that took place during the late night hours on Sunday May 4.

Officers from the LPD responded to a 9-1-1 call around 11 pm after shots were fired at a residence on the street.

Although there were no reported injuries and no arrests have been made, LPD investigators are seeking leads to identify the perpetrators.

Sainte-Dorothée home heavily damaged by fire

Martin C. Barry
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Sainte-Dorothée home heavily damaged by fire
The house on Desjardins St. in Sainte-Dorothée heavily damaged by fire on May 3. (Photo: Association des Pompiers de Laval)

A house on Desjardins St. in Laval’s Sainte-Dorothée district suffered more than $250,000 in damages from a fire that broke out in the early morning hours last weekend.

Firefighters who arrived on the scene around 4:10 am on May 3 could see flames within the house’s kitchen.

Although they succeeded in preventing the blaze from spreading further, three people are now temporarily homeless.

As well as the damage done to the building, there was an estimated $100,000 in additional damages to interior furnishings.

Part of Méga Centre Notre-Dame to become mini-industrial park

Martin C. Barry
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Part of Méga Centre Notre-Dame to become mini-industrial park

A Saint-Laurent property developer has acquired a large section of a consumer megamall on the edge of Autoroute 13 near Sainte-Dorothée, with plans to redevelop it into a modern industrial space while reinforcing Laval’s supply-chain and logistics corridor.

The company, Rosefellow, paid owners RioCan REIT and Harden $75 million for the underused retail and commercial property where recent tenants included designer apparel factory outlets and occupancy was relatively low.

An aerial view of the northern end of the Méga Centre Notre-Dame site, where a small industrial park is planned by developer Rosefellow. (Photo: Courtesy of Rosefellow)

The company plans to spend around $200 million to develop 550,000 square feet, including three buildings, on the site at the northern end of Méga Centre Notre-Dame.

Demolition would begin as soon as existing leases end and current tenants are relocated, tentatively at the end of 2025, according to a commercial real estate source.

“This strategic acquisition represents a major step in the development of our activities in Laval and confirms our commitment to long-term investment in prime locations,” said Rosefellow co-CEO Sam Tsoumas.

“We are excited about the opportunity to positively contribute to Laval’s economic vitality,” he added.

Laval keeping close watch over riversides for springtime flooding

Martin C. Barry
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Laval keeping close watch over riversides for springtime flooding

With the spring season well underway and melted snow runoff from the winter adding to rain expected in the Montreal region over the next few days, the City of Laval is urging residents living near the water’s edge to be prepared for flooding

City workers have installed a retention dike along the edge of Riviera St. in Laval-Ouest – one of the most flood-impacted sectors of Laval in recent years.

While saying that other flood-control measures may be coming, the city is urging residents in affected areas to make sure their sump pumps are in working order, while also double-checking whether their home insurance covers flooding.

Among the recommendations being made to residents is that they be prepared to evacuate if necessary (with a travel bag containing living essentials), and that they have 72 hours of emergency supplies on hand in case they are unable to leave home.

Should floodwaters enter your dwelling, the city recommends carefully shutting off the electricity (being careful not to be in contact with any wet or damp surfaces); turning off the natural gas; staying clear of fallen electric wires; keeping water from backing up through sewer drains by stuffing them with rags; avoiding walking in floodwater (which is contaminated) by always wearing boots; and never using open flame cooking equipment inside dwellings.

LPD seeks victims of man charged with sexual assault on minors

Martin C. Barry
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LPD seeks victims of man charged with sexual assault on minors
Dillon Buckly, 31, faces charges of harassment, luring and sexual assault. (Photo: Laval Police)

The Laval Police are asking potential victims of a 31-year-old man facing sexual assault charges involving minors to come forward and provide additional information.

According to a press release issued by the LPD, Dillon Buckley is charged with harassment, luring on the internet, invitation to sexual contact and sexual assault.

The LPD alleges that Buckley used social media to contact victims, although they say he was also known to contact them in public places where he would provide them with a telephone number to call him.

Once he had gained the trust of victims, the police allege, he would meet and sexually assault them.

The acts, all of which are alleged to have taken place in Laval, were between September 2024 and April 2025, although the victims were not Laval residents.

Anyone who believes they may have been among the victims is urged to call the LPD’s Info Line at 450 662-INFO (4636), ou the 9-1-1 emergency line. The file number is LVL250415058.

CSC seizes ‘unauthorized’ items at Federal Training Centre

Martin C. Barry
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CSC seizes ‘unauthorized’ items at Federal Training Centre

On April 10, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at the Federal Training Centre, a multi-level security federal prison located in the City of Laval’s Saint-Vincent-de-Paul district.

The contraband and unauthorized items seized included hashish, cocaine, tobacco and cell phones with accessories. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure was $51,892$.

An aerial view of the Correctional Service of Canada’s Federal Training Centre in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) says it uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.

CSC says it is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for all. The agency says it also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

CSC has set up a telephone tip line (1‑866‑780‑3784) for all federal penal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates and staff members working at CSC institutions. Information shared over the toll-free number is protected and callers remain anonymous.

Quebec singer Michèle Richard fined $500 for breaking dog leash rule

Legendary Quebec popular singer Michèle Richard faced a judge last week at the Palais de Justice in Laval where she was fined for having her dog off its leash during an incident in which a woman suffered a dog bite.

Michèle Richard. (Photo: Facebook)

In May 2024, the 79-year-old performer was getting her hair done at a beauty salon in Laval, while her 11-year-old black Labrador lay nearby on the floor.

When another customer came over to pat the dog, the animal reacted in a way that was friendly and receptive at first. However, a short time later, when the client approached the dog another time to pat it, it bit her.

Although the woman who was bitten didn’t immediately seek out medical help for her injury, some colleagues she saw later summoned an ambulance and a formal complaint was filed with the police.

Appearing before municipal court judge Michel Moisan, Richard explained that the dog had always been well-behaved, but that he may have been startled when approached the second time while he was sleeping.

The judge told Richard that, according to City of Laval regulations, dogs are supposed to be kept on a leash at all times in public places, and that the leash should not exceed six feet. He fined her $500 plus court costs after finding her guilty of breaking the dog leash by-law.

Car lands in tree after driver loses control in Laval-Ouest

Two men in their early 20s with a taste for raw speed learned the hard way last week that reckless driving can land you in some very odd places.

Travelling at high speed along 17th Ave. near 74th St. and Sainte-Rose Blvd. on the evening of April 21, the pair crashed into a parked pickup truck, then flew into the hair, landing in the branches of a tree.

Personnel from the Laval Fire Dept. responded to a 9-1-1 call with 14 firefighters and supervising staff to oversee the rescue.

Such was the extent of the damage to the vehicle that the LFD had to use special hydraulic cutting and separation tools to free at least one of the passengers from the wreck.

Suffering from injuries to the legs as well as body abrasions, they were placed in the hands of paramedics with Urgences-Santé. In the meantime, an investigation of the circumstances has been opened by the Laval Police.

Annie Koutrakis secures Vimy for Liberals

Laval News Contributor
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Annie Koutrakis secures Vimy for Liberals

MATTHEW DALDALIAN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Laval News
info@newsfirst.ca

Liberal incumbent Annie Koutrakis has been re-elected in the federal riding of Vimy.

Members of her electoral team and volunteers gathered at her campaign office on Boulevard Saint-Martin Ouest in Laval on Monday evening to await the results.

First elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021, the incumbent MP will return to Ottawa for a third term, reaffirming the Liberal hold on a riding that has leaned heavily toward the party since its creation.

Energy at campaign office

The modest office space buzzed with nervous energy as Koutrakis would return to join her team, after a day spent visiting polling stations. As the minutes ticked down to the close of polls, the atmosphere shifted between quiet tension and bursts of hopeful chatter.

Before the results were confirmed, Koutrakis expressed optimism both for her personal re-election and for the Liberal Party nationally under its new leader, Mark Carney.

“I’m feeling energized and excited,” said Koutrakis. “The feedback I received during the campaign — at the doors, over the phone, visiting organizations — was very positive.”

Both the incumbent’s previous terms— served under minority governments—helped her understand the importance of collaboration and stability in Parliament. Still, she made clear during the campaign that she had been hoping for a stronger mandate this time around.

“My hope is that we get a majority win because we have very serious issues to tackle for our economy,” Koutrakis said. “Canadians deserve a government that can deliver.”

According to Elections Canada, Koutrakis secured 25,043 votes, accounting for 53.2 per cent of the vote share. She was followed by Grace Daou of the Conservative Party, who garnered 24.8 per cent of the votes, and Bloc Québécois candidate Alicia ParenteauMalakhanian, who secured 17.2 per cent.

The NDP finished fourth with 4.8 per cent, a sharp decline from the party’s historic Laval breakthrough in 2011.

Voter priorities

During this election cycle, Koutrakis noted that affordability and economic security were the dominant concerns. She credited the Liberal Party’s selection of Mark Carney as a key factor in reassuring voters on economic matters.

Citing Carney’s financial background and international experience, she said many constituents saw him as a steady hand during uncertain times.

Although issues such as immigration processing and healthcare remained important, Koutrakis said a new attitude emerged in Vimy’s population: “Housing, affordability, healthcare — these remain critical, but there’s also a sense of renewed pride in being Canadian. People want to see stability and leadership that reflects our values.”

Some volunteers at her headquarters also sensed a shift in voters’ attitude. Irakli Zouboulakis, a volunteer on the Laval MP’s campaign, said he noticed a growing tendency toward fear and populism among the younger generations.

At the same time, he said there remained a strong appetite for leadership rooted in stability and shared values. Focus remains on community needs Despite the compressed timeline for organizing after a leadership race earlier in the year, Koutrakis said she was proud of the rapid and professional organization her team assembled.

Koutrakis’ campaign manager, Abir Chamoun, credited her success to her visibility in the community. “She’s present at every event. The different communities, ethnic communities, the local Lavallois — they want her there,” Chamoun said.

“She’s really down to earth. She loves helping people.” Looking ahead, the re-elected MP said she remains focused on delivering results on the issues that matter most to residents of Vimy. “The number one issue right now for them is the economy,” Koutrakis said. “Inflation is high, everything is expensive.”

She also cited continued concerns about housing, affordability, healthcare, and immigration backlogs — particularly as Vimy remains a key arrival point for many newcomers to Canada.

“There are very many serious issues that we need to tackle,” said Koutrakis.

Gratitude and a call for accountability

In her victory speech, Koutrakis thanked her campaign team, family, and longtime supporters, many of whom had worked with her across multiple elections. “Please keep me honest,” Koutrakis said. “You need to challenge me. You need to come back and tell me what I’m doing well and where I can do better — that’s how we grow, and that’s how we get better.”

Koutrakis will return to Parliament as part of a Liberal minority government led by Mark Carney. While the party fell short of a majority, the Liberal incumbent said she remains committed to working across party lines to deliver results for Vimy residents. “I will do my very best to keep you proud,” she told the room. “And to be your voice in Ottawa.

Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury confident Carney has what it takes

Martin C. Barry
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Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury confident Carney has what it takes

Expects new Liberal gov’t to move swiftly on affordability, home buying and Trump

With volunteers wrapping up their work at Fayçal El-Khoury’s campaign headquarters in Sainte-Dorothée last Monday evening, the incumbent Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP was optimistic the incoming Liberal government would hold to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s promise to deliver solid economic policies to counter U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs as well as his threats to annex Canada.

Longtime Liberal seat

The polls hadn’t yet closed on election night when The Laval News sat down for a post-election interview with El-Khoury, who was well on track to winning his fourth term since first being elected in 2015.

As his riding has been one of the most reliable Liberal Party of Canada fortresses for several generations of voters, there was no reason to believe on the evening of April 28 that the outcome would be any different.

Throughout the evening, El-Khoury enjoyed a comfortable lead of more than 15 percentage points over his nearest rival – Konstantinos Merakos of the Conservatives.

While the polls had closed nationally at 9:30 pm, it was eleven minutes past 10 when the French-language TVA network projected a Liberal government coming in. Before the hour was up, there were additional projections of a minority Liberal government.

A lot on the Liberal plate

The Laval News asked El-Khoury what his predictions are for the direction the country will be taking under a new Liberal government led by Mark Carney. “With a leader like Mark Carney, he is the only one who led two major banks, in Canada and Britain,” he said.

“He is a great economist, and he is planning right away to do whatever needs to be done in order to deal with issues like affordability, building homes, trying to bring rents down, and first buyers of homes who don’t want to worry about the future.”

Other issues he said the Liberal government under Carney will be taking on are food availability and combatting inflation. “And we are seeing inflation and interest rates going down since Mr. Carney took power,” said El-Khoury.

Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury on election night last Monday at his campaign headquarters in Laval’s Sainte-Dorothée district. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Dealing with Trump

“And also one of the greatest and biggest challenges is how to deal with Mr. Trump,” he continued. “He [Carney] made it clear he’s going to stand and make sure we keep our Canadian values, our sovereignty, our independence.

“I especially like that in all his speeches he has united Canadians. And we have to be united no matter what party we belong to. And I am sure he is the right leader at the right moment for Canadians from coast to coast.”

Just as former prime minister Justin Trudeau was regarded by many political observers as free-spending, Mark Carney is viewed as being far more austere in his fiscal outlook, especially as his background is in finance and number-crunching.

Balancing the budget first

The Laval News asked El-Khoury whether Canadians can perhaps expect to see some extravagant budget cuts with Carney now leading the country. “Listen, he has already said what he is going to do,” El-Khoury suggested.

“He said he’s going to balance the budget and he would find a way to invest more to bring the economy back up. And he knows a lot about how to invest in order to improve our record. And that is exactly how he is going to do it – by investing, not by cutting.”

Incumbent Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury is seen here on election night last Monday with his wife and key staff members at his campaign headquarters in Sainte-Dorothée. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Thanks his team

In closing, El-Khoury said he wanted to express his thanks to all the citizens of Laval-Les Îles, as well as to all the volunteers, staff and other members of his campaign team, including family. “Because of them I am here,” he said.

“I will always listen to each and every one of them, and I hope that together we can bring forward more projects, more developments for the people of Laval-Les Îles.”

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