A 37-year-old man who was first arrested in Laval a decade ago for selling counterfeit tranquilizers was sentenced by a U.S. court last week to 30 years imprisonment after being convicted of helping operate a major international drug trafficking operation on a hidden part of the internet.
Genuine Xanax tablets. (Photo: Courtesy U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)
Arden McCann was extradited from Canada to the U.S. in June 2022 to face charges laid by the Drug Enforcement Administration that he imported millions of counterfeit Xanax pills into the U.S.
A judge in the U.S. state of Georgia called McCann “one of the largest drug vendors” active on the “dark web,” a sector of the internet frequented by criminals and safeguarded through encryption from law enforcers and other uninvited intruders.
When police first arrested McCann in 2015 (he was selling counterfeit Xanax from a base in Laval at that time), they seized millions of tablets, $200,000 in cash, 15 firearms, as well as chemical ingredients for producing counterfeit Xanax – whose generic pharmaceutical name is alprazolam.
Another dark web drug lord, Ross Ulbricht, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2015 after founding and operating Silk Road, an unlisted online drug marketplace, was pardoned by U.S. president Donald Trump last week after spending about a decade behind bars.
This house on 59th Ave. in Laval-des-Rapides was damaged by a fire that raced through its first and second storeys during the early hours of January 25. (Photo: Courtesy of the APL)
Officials with the Laval Fire Dept. are blaming a Laval-des-Rapides home owner’s failure to properly dispose of hot cinders for a resulting fire that has left four persons temporarily homeless.
The blaze, which was reported about an hour before daybreak Saturday on the Association des Pompiers de Laval’s X feed, was on 59th Ave.
According to the APL, firefighters arriving on the scene could see flames on the ground floor of the two-storey house, although they were spreading to the second storey.
According to the Laval Fire Dept., the fire was caused by cinders that hadn’t been safely disposed of.
Although the home sustained significant damage, their initial assessment was that it was not a complete loss.
Montreal firefighter Alexandre Bleau, who is a Laval resident, faces voyeurism charges related to videos allegedly recorded at the triplex he co-owns. (Photo: Courtesy Laval Police Dept.)
A Montreal West Island firefighter who is a resident of Laval is facing multiple charges of sexual voyeurism after a female tenant in a triplex he owns complained that he set up a hidden camera and recorded videos of her and a friend without their consent or knowledge.
Alexandre Bleau, age 38, was arrested at his workplace at the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal’s Station 57 in the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough on Thursday last week and was arraigned in court later that same day.
The complainant, a 21-year-old woman, alleges that a camera was installed in her bathroom after Bleau and an unidentified co-owner of the triplex had told her an inspection of the unit had to be done.
According to the Laval Police, an investigation into the origin of the video images started in December 2024, although the allegations were made a year earlier.
An Italian restaurant located on the street level at Laval’s Place Bell was the target of gunshots overnight late last week – although there were no reported injuries.
According to the Laval Police, a 9-1-1 call was received last Thursday morning to report bullet holes found on the front window of Gatto Matto on Claude-Gagné St.
The restaurant was closed at the time, there were no staff present, nor were there any witnesses to the shooting.
Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis.
‘The STL is not a for-profit business,’ says Councillor David De Cotis
Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis tabled a motion during the January council meeting, asking the Société de transport de Laval to reinstate a special bus service for senior citizens which was terminated last year.
Permanent service cuts
The STL announced in 2024 that starting last June 22, a special bus service to seniors’ residences would be suspended “until further notice” and that “clients can use our regular bus network to commute around Laval.”
“The decision to cut this service is entirely based on the reasoning that it has to be feasible, but the STL is not a for-profit business – it’s a public service,” said De Cotis, who was once chairman of the STL board of directors. “A public service must also answer to community, social and human needs.”
Not quite as planned
As De Cotis sees it, the STL’s shuttle service for seniors, many of whom can be considered vulnerable, offered a rare opportunity for shut-ins to be able to get out and break free of their isolation.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer had initially expected that a new $100 charge added to provincial car registration fees would help pay for the STL’s additional expenses, although things didn’t work out that way.
“Today, we find that we are paying more for our registrations, but we are getting fewer services,” said De Cotis. “It’s a perfect picture of the break that exists between what we pay and the services that we receive from the city since this administration is in place.”
Federal cabinet ministers, local MPs, MNA and city councillors join the celebration
For a seventh consecutive year, members of more than 40 Tamil community organizations gathered at the Château Royal in Chomedey to celebrate the contributions of Tamils since their arrival in Canada.
Dancers from Tamil community groups performed during the event at the Château Royal. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
More than 1,000 guests, including representatives from a number of other multicultural communities as well as elected officials from the three levels of government, took part in the admission-free celebration.
A networking event
Lunch and refreshments were provided, along with a great opportunity to learn and network with fellow leaders and organizations within the Tamil community of Quebec. Among the guests were a number of prominent as well as local elected officials.
They included federal Minister of Public Services Jean-Yves Duclos, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury, Laval executive-committee members Ray Khalil and Aline Dib, and Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier.
Celebrating Tamil heritage
Tamil Heritage Month, which was launched in 2010, aims to celebrate the history of Canada’s Tamil community and its contributions to the social, cultural, political and economic strength of Canada.
While recognizing the Tamil community’s accomplishments and tracing its roots, Tamil Heritage Month also provides opportunities to celebrate the Tamil community’s history in Canada. As well, the month-long observance shines a spotlight on Tamil heritage overall, while helping to rejuvenate Tamil culture in Canada.
Tamil Heritage Month goals
According to organizers of the event, the objectives of Tamil Heritage Month are five-fold:
1. To celebrate the richness of the Tamil language and literature;
2. To celebrate the traditions, arts and culture of Tamils around the world;
3. To educate Canadians of all backgrounds about the language, traditions and history of the Tamil people;
4. To highlight the achievements of Tamils in various fields both in the past and the present;
5. To advance the growth and prosperity of Tamils.
Around 1,000 people mostly of Tamil origin turned up for the Tamil Heritage Month event last Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
They say the month of January was chosen as Tamil Heritage Month for a number of reasons. The Pongal festival, the most important and widely-celebrated festival amongst Tamils around the world, falls in the middle of the month.
Pongal and a New Year
Pongal is both a time of thanksgiving for the blessings of a past year and a time to look forward to the start of a new year. As well, the first month of Tamil calendar, Thai, begins in the middle of January.
According to tradition, the Pongal festival marks the end of winter solstice, as well as the start of the sun’s six-month-long journey northwards when it enters the Capricorn, also known as Uttarayana. Pongal is regarded as one of the most important festivals celebrated by Tamil people.
Tamil diaspora celebrates
Pongal is observed by the Tamil diaspora worldwide, including Tamils in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, Singapore and the Gulf countries.
Canada’s Tamil population is among the largest in the western world. From a population of fewer than 150 in 1983, Tamils form an increasing share of the overall Canadian population.
According to Statistics Canada figures, there were 237,890 Tamils living in Canada up to five years ago, a more than 25 per cent increase since 2016. As well, Quebec is home to more than 20,000 people of Tamil origin.
Record floods after Storm Debby caused widespread turmoil last year
As part of The Laval News’s ongoing look back at news and events that took place in 2024, we continue with the second installment, a summary of outstanding stories from the newspaper’s issues from July through December. Without a doubt, there was a lot happening last year.
July
On July 1, the picturesque Centre de la nature de Laval was transformed into a hub of excitement, colors and community spirit.
Families gathered under the bright sun to celebrate Canada Day – a day that resonated with pride, unity and the rich tapestry of the nation.
But last year, there was an extra layer of significance: a swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians, symbolizing their official entry into the Canadian family. From noon until 7 p.m., the park buzzed with activity.
Agape appeals for funds
Agape executive-director Kevin McLeod..
As reported in our July 10 issue, the Youth and Parents Agape Association announced a $93,809 deficit for 2024 during the Chomedey-based charity’s annual general meeting.
In light of this, they were calling on the City of Laval to provide financial support for the Agape Senior Wellness Centre, which was drawing on more of Agape’s financial resources than had previously been expected.
“It’s going to get better,” said Kevin McLeod. “A lot of that money was due to our Senior Wellness Centre, a lack of funding that we’re having there. But we need more money for the Senior Wellness Centre.”
Pablo Rodriguez.
Pablo Rodriguez said he stood by Trudeau
Scarcely weeks before announcing his departure from the Trudeau cabinet to seek the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party, Pablo Rodriguez said in an exclusive interview with The Laval News that he still stood behind Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I will follow him,” said the Honoré-Mercier MP and Quebec Lieutenant for the Liberal government, insisting he’d already made up his mind to run in the next federal election.
Dancers from one of the two Hellenic cultural groups who performed during the 2024 Laval Hellenic Summer Festival. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Mother Nature smiled during Laval Hellenic Summer Festival
Mother Nature smiled warmly for the 2024 Laval Hellenic Summer Festival a week before Canada Day, in contrast to past years when the weather wasn’t very cooperative.
The four-day gathering outside Holy Cross Church on Souvenir Blvd. in Chomedey brought together thousands of Montrealers and Laval residents with Hellenic roots. It was an occasion to celebrate the country’s origins and multinational diversity – although primarily a celebration of Hellenic culture and values.
August
Cleanup on a Laval residential street in 2024 following Tropical Storm Debby. (Photo: Courtesy City of Laval)
Laval offered flood assistance after Hurricane Debby
Following the record-setting rainfall that dropped 170 millimetres of water on Laval over a 12-hour period, the City of Laval said its teams were hard at work cleaning up debris and securing damaged municipal installations, while also answering calls from residents facing ongoing emergency situations.
A staggering amount of precipitation, in conjunction with numerous electric power failures, caused an as yet undetermined number of sewer system overflows and floodings at Laval homes and businesses. The city was also offering social and psychological assistance to residents who felt they were emotionally impacted.
Winds give way to sun at 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 last year’s Symposium de Ste-Rose. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
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 last summer enjoyed some splendid weather – in sharp contrast to rainstorms that impacted attendance at symposiums in the past.
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. “We had at least one tent fly off,” she said in an interview with The Laval News.
More than 20,000 visitors spent time at the 2024 Symposium de Ste-Rose. The event’s honorary president was Christopher Skeete, the Member of the Quebec National Assembly for Sainte-Rose.
Left, a Laval police officer rides one of the for-rent e-scooters available in Laval during a safety information day held in the parking lot outside Carrefour Laval last summer. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
LPD ticketed electric scooter drivers who violated traffic code
As residents of Laval were growing accustomed to seeing electric scooters on the city’s many boulevards, avenues and streets, the Laval Police were handing out more traffic tickets to scooter drivers who burned red lights, drove on the sidewalk or didn’t wear a helmet.
The LPD handed out 37 traffic tickets to electric scooter operators last year between the beginning of January and July 2.
According to current Quebec Highway Code rules, drivers of Motorized Personal Transport Devices (MPTD) such as scooters must be at least 14 years of age and wearing a helmet. Among other things, scooter drivers are not allowed to carry passengers and the fine for breaking that and other regulations is a $200 fine.
Tropical Storm Debby’s aftermath
Tropical Storm Debby as seen from space. (Photo: Courtesy NASA)
After gathering up 82 per cent of the debris left behind in Laval following Tropical Storm Debby, the city was keeping cleanup crews on hand to make sure the job was done properly.
Weeks after the storm, intervention teams were going around a second time on streets most impacted by flooding in order to collect any materials which may have been placed out on the curb since a first pickup.
“Since August 12, our teams have accomplished a gigantic task, collecting more than 1,350 tons of debris over 82 per cent of Laval’s territory,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer. And indeed, the task was enormous.
Hundreds celebrate at Chomedey Neighbourhood Party
Hundreds of residents of Chomedey and adjoining districts got a chance to meet their neighbors while enjoying a day of games and fun on August 17 during the Chomedey Neighbourhood Party.
September
Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, left, helped cook and serve hotdogs during her annual summer BBQ event in Bernard Landry Park in Laval-des-Rapides last year on Sunday Sept. 1. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis’ summer BBQ
More than 800 guests – most of them constituents in Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis’s riding – chowed down on hot dogs, salad and other outdoor BBQ delights on the afternoon of Sunday Sept. 1 in Laval-des-Rapides’ Bernard Landry Park.
Although it was Koutrakis’s first annual BBQ since first being elected in 2019, she pledged it would be far from the last. “We plan to have this event every year,” she said in an interview with The Laval News.
Burglars snatch high-end clothing at kidswear store
The Laval Police were trying to identify several suspects who took part in a brazen early morning burglary at a designer children’s wear boutique near the Carrefour Laval mall.
According to initial reports, the perpetrators were able to get into the outlet through a commercial address next to the Kid Biz store.
They apparently broke through a wall between the two businesses, through which they managed to get into the high-end children’s clothing retailer around 1:40 am. The store is known for selling designer kids’ apparel and accessories, retailing in some cases for more than $1,000.
Quebec backs Laval’s bid for Carré Laval mixed use project
From the left, Mayor Stéphane Boyer, Société de développement Angus vice-president and executive-director Charles Larouche, Carré Laval project leader Élizabeth Muir Lepage and Sainte-Rose MNA Christopher Skeete are seen here in early September during the Carré Laval announcement. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
With a little seed money from Quebec Premier François Legault’s government, the City of Laval was set to transform another expanse of its vast but still largely underused downtown core into a new and sustainably-planned neighborhood, where residential, commercial and light industry are expected to flourish.
The Carré Laval project will be taking place over a span of 20 years on a more than 40-hectare site that is probably familiar to many if not most Laval residents – the large mostly vacant square of land at the southwest-side intersection of Autoroute 15 and Saint-Martin Blvd.
“The vision for the development of Carré Laval prioritizes quality of life, innovation and sustainability,” Mayor Boyer said during an official launch. He said “Carré Laval will become the nerve centre that establishes the identity of Laval residents and that attracts people from everywhere.”
FILIA Association for Seniors holds Walk a Thon in Chomedey
Smart-looking caps and t-shirts bearing the distinctive ‘FILIA’ logo breathed an air of hope and renewal into last year’s FILIA Walk a Thon, an increasingly popular autumn ritual and tradition in Laval’s Chomedey neighborhood.
The 18th annual Walk a Thon on Sept. 16 drew a loyal following of FILIA supporters, as well as local elected officials who have provided help to the organization over the years.
October
Mulcair said Trudeau is “inviting NATO to join the war into Russia. Is that responsible?”
Trudeau on Russia/Ukraine ‘unthinking’ and ‘dangerous,’ said Mulcair
Former Chomedey MNA Tom Mulcair told a gathering of lawyers and law students at Concordia University that Justin Trudeau’s suggestion to world leaders – that they arm Ukraine with missiles to penetrate deep into Russia – was “as unthinking as it is dangerous.”
“I don’t take it seriously when Mr. Trudeau says he doesn’t see any problem with Ukraine using NATO weapons to fire deep into Russia. I just find it so incredibly irresponsible,” said Mulcair, also a former leader of the New Democratic Party.
Indo-Canadians celebrated their country’s 78th year of independence
Folk dancers from the Indian-Canadian community in Montreal performed during the 78th anniversary of India celebration. at a Laval restaurant (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)
As reported in the Laval News’s October 9 issue, a good number of Laval and Montreal residents of Indian-Canadian heritage were joined by elected officials from the City of Montreal for a celebration in Laval of the 78th anniversary of the Republic of India’s independence.
The gathering, sponsored by the India-Canada Association of Montreal (ICAM), was a mostly apolitical salute to India’s cultural strength.
A trio of elected officials from the City of Montreal (Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, St. Laurent Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa and St. Laurent councillor Aref Salem, who is interim-leader of the Montreal city council opposition Ensemble Montréal party) were among the evening’s guests.
Pink in the City’s ‘Magic of Hope’ raised $325,000 for breast cancer
How do you keep hope alive? For 600 supporters of the Pink in the City breast cancer foundation, last year’s Magic of Hope gala was all about creating and maintaining hope – even in the face of cancer.
Nearly 600 guests turned out at the Château Royal in Chomedey to have a little fun, enjoy a gourmet meal, listen and dance to some exciting music, and answer the call to help raise an anticipated $325,000 for the benefit of patients at the McGill University Health Centre’s Breast Center.
Three out of four Laval Liberal MPs running in next election
Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis and Laval-les-Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury shared some of their thoughts on coming political developments with The Laval News in October last year. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Saying they had every intention of running in the next federal election, two of the Laval region’s four Liberal Members of Parliament said in an interview with The Laval News that Canadians could actually be heading back to the polls much sooner – as early as January possibly.
“For me, my answer is it’s possible,” Laval-Les Îles Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury replied when the question of an early election was put to him.
“I think so, too,” Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis responded, although she was more nuanced in her response. A third Liberal MP, Angelo Iacono of the Alfred-Pellan riding, confirmed to The Laval News that he would also be running in the next election.
LPD arrests jewellery store robber wanted for six heists
The Laval Police confirmed that an appeal to members of the public to help identify a suspect being sought following a Chomedey jewellery store robbery over the summer of 2024 led finally to his arrest.
The suspect, Alain Bernecky Jr., age 45, faced two charges of theft over $5,000. In the robbery committed in Laval, he made off with a rack of 20 gold chains with a value of $800 – $1,000 each.
November
Conservative Senator Leo Housakos (right), seen here with Toronto-area Conservative MP Anna Roberts and Laval-les-Îles Conservative candidate Konstantinos Merakos, said the Conservatives were well-positioned to win in Laval. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
As reported in our November 6 issue, Conservative Party organizers claimed the Trudeau government had been “buying votes” in recent years through an extensive program of subsidies – including Covid-era CERB payments.
Quebec Conservative Senator Leo Housakos said he agreed the Trudeau government has effectively been purchasing votes.
He said that around the same time as the Covid crisis, the government also “went on a spending spree,” giving away millions to non-profit organizations “that didn’t need it.”
‘Eva the Louse’ a hit with kids and parents
After eighteen months of auditions, rehearsals, recording and production, The Adventures of Eva Louse was the culmination of those efforts.
As reported in our pages, development of the massive, multi-level, educational and artistic project culminated in style at The Palace convention centre in Laval with a performance of highlights, as well as the official release of a children’s picture/audio book.
The project, led by Dimitris Ilias and his wife Maria Diamantis, brought together the talents of 175 young choristers from 13 English Montreal School Board schools.
Laval shone a spotlight on contributions of its volunteers
Newly-elected SWLSB chairman James Di Sano.
On Wednesday November 6, the City of Laval presented its latest volunteer-recognition evening at the Salle André-Mathieu. The event included musical entertainment, as well as dancing and humor.
Leadership torch passed to James Di Sano at Laurier School Board
Former Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board commissioner James Di Sano launched the SWLSB on a new path of renewal, resurgence, reform and change in his new role of Board Chairman, after being elected on November 3 and sworn in a few weeks later.
Russell Copeman, SWLSB Director-General, officiated for Chairman Di Sano and the 12 commissioners, seven of whom were acclaimed, while two were elected, and three were designated as parent-representatives.
They fought for their country. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Résidence l’Oasis honored six former Canadian Armed Forces soldiers
Six Canadian Forces veterans ranging in age from 70 to more than 100 years were the focus of a special homage paid during a Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony held at the Résidence l’Oasis de Laval on November 11.
Veterans Lucien Gravel, age 90, Jean-Jacques Lavergne, 99, Jean-Pierre Bureau, 70, Jean Poirier, 89, Daniel Legault, 73, and Ernest Robert, 100, all served with the Canadian Forces in a variety of capacities – including World War II defence and combat operations.
New library/community centre opened in Saint-Francois
The Espace citoyen des Confluents (ECC), which is located on a soon to be developed green patch in Laval’s sprawling but rapidly-expanding district of Saint-François, was officially opened by Mayor Stéphane Boyer. The $41 million cost was shared by the City of Laval and the provincial government.
December
The CCIL’s “buy local” campaign launch drew stakeholders in boosting the Laval economy, including Mayor Stéphane Boyer, Quebec’s Delegated Minister for the Economy Christopher Skeete, CCIL officials and several Laval-areas MNAs. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Made in Quebec, produced in Laval
The Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIL) launched a campaign to encourage consumers to “buy local,” in Quebec and in Laval, as they contemplated their purchases for the upcoming Christmas holidays.
According to the CCIL, the goal of the $1.4 million promotion was to provide a boost to the local economy, while drawing attention to local businesses that cast Laval in a positive light.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer suggested it was no coincidence the campaign was getting underway just as the Christmas season was also about to start. “Our city is filled with entrepreneurs, artisans and business operators who drive the dynamic in Laval,” he said.
‘Lilac Benefit’ brought Shield of Athena closer to $5 million funding goal
As reported in our December 4 issue, nearly 200 supporters of emergency shelters for women and children fleeing abusive households were guests at Shield of Athena’s annual “Lilac” Benefit Gala at the Embassy Plaza, raising as much as $150,000 for the cause during the non-profit’s annual gourmet dinner and art auction.
“What we hope is that with events like this, as well as the generosity of people and companies and businesses that keep on giving, we’ll be able to keep on providing our services,” said Shield of Athena executive-director Melpa Kamateros.
Investors, developers and project leaders are seen here with City of Laval councillor for Renaud Seta Topouzian (centre), representing the mayor, during the ground-turning for the final phase of the Marquis project. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Marquise VIII: another opportunity for stylish living for empty nesters
The climax of an ambitious chapter in the history of residential development in Laval got underway in early December last year when a ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction for the eighth and final tower of the Marquise on Jean-Béraud Ave. in Chomedey.
For Michel Guilbault, executive vice-president of development at Dév Méta which was a key player in the rental condo project, it was the conclusion of a long journey that began in 2012 when he first guided efforts to raise the first towers of the Marquise project.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer performed the backstroke after being one of the first three users to dive into the pool at Laval’s new Aquatics Centre. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Laval’s new Aquatics Complex opened in city centre
Joanne Tsoublekas, left, with Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier.
Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer was among the very first people to take a high-dive into the waters of the Olympic-size pool at the city’s new Aquatics Complex.
“The opening of this aquatic complex is an important step for our city,” said Mayor Boyer. “Not only does this project answer to the growing needs of our community, but it also is part of our vision of an inclusive and accessible society for all.”
Filia founder presented National Assembly Medal
Chomedey Liberal MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier paid tribute to Joanna Tsoublekas, founder of the Filia Seniors’ Association, for her outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the elderly.
During the celebration of the association’s 41st anniversary, Lakhoyan Olivier presented Tsoublekas with a Quebec National Assembly Medal, an honorary distinction that signifies official recognition for the exceptional work done by outstanding and committed citizens.
City of Laval to clarify elected officials’ spending regulations after allegations
After being cleared of misspending allegations by a provincial commission overseeing municipalities, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul city councillor Paolo Galati says he is waiting to learn whether he will be reinstated into the Action Laval opposition party’s caucus.
In a recent ruling, the Commission municipale du Québec said the vast majority of personal expenses claimed by Galati comply with the law and regulations in place.
Saint-Vincent-de-Paul city councillor Paolo Galati, currently sitting as an independent after stepping away from the Action Laval caucus, read out a statement at the January 14 city council meeting after he was absolved of spending irregularities by the Commission municipale du Québec. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Report raised questions
The issue of his spending had been raised following an investigative piece published in the tabloid Montreal daily Journal de Montréal, which had focused on Galati’s claimed expenses while overlooking those of any other Laval city councillor.
Among other things, the Journal’s report found that Galati had submitted invoices for expenses that included computer equipment as well as refreshments and food items.
He later said the computer gear was work-related, while the other purchases were used during meetings he organized to touch base with residents of his district. The tabloid characterized the purchases as being potentially for household use – something Galati denied.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Galati wasn’t the only Laval councillor with research funding spending issues.
Councillor Warnet’s expenses
Mouvement lavallois councillor for Laval-des-Rapides Alexandre Warnet was also found to be potentially straying from existing protocols for how expenses funding from the city was supposed to be spent. It was revealed he submitted invoices for life coach training, which Warnet maintained was work-related,
The City of Laval has since then made a commitment to clarify in a more detailed way how councillors’ expenses are supposed to be accounted for and refunded.
In a statement Galati read out during the January 14 meeting of Laval city council, he said, “Today marks the conclusion of a thorough and rigorous investigation by the Commission municipale du Québec, which has unequivocally cleared me of any wrongdoing regarding the recent allegations about my spending.
Galati’s statement to council
“From the beginning, I maintained my integrity and my belief in the truth, and this outcome confirms what I have always known: that my actions were honest, transparent, and aligned with the trust the people have placed in me.
“These past few months have been challenging, not just for me, but for my family, my team, and the citizens I proudly serve,” he continued. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to those who stood by me, believing in my commitment to ethical leadership and public service.
“This experience has only strengthened my resolve. I will continue to fight for the values we share, to serve with accountability and transparency, and to ensure our community thrives. The trust of the people is sacred to me, and I will do everything in my power to honor that trust.
“Let this serve as a reminder: truth and justice prevail. I look forward to moving beyond this chapter and refocusing my energy on the important work ahead. Together, we will build an even stronger, united community.”
No wrongdoing, CMQ said
The CMQ’s findings concluded there was no wrongdoing by the councillors, although it emphasized that the City of Laval’s current regulations provide council members with too much discretion in assessing whether their expenses are admissible or not.
The report included recommendations for updating the regulations regarding reimbursement from the research and support expenses fund, while suggesting the city provide more precise guidelines for certain categories of admissible expenses, including computer supplies and meeting costs.
May run again for council
Given the uncertainty generated by the Journal de Montréal’s initial reporting, Galati (who was also chairman of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board) decided not to run for another term in last fall’s EMSB elections. As well, he decided to remove himself from the Action Laval caucus until the allegations were cleared up.
While saying that he still hasn’t made up his mind about his future in municipal politics, he is leaning towards running as councillor for Saint-Vincent-de-Paul again, even though the elections are more than nine months from now. In the meantime, he’s waiting to find out whether he’ll be reintegrated back into the Action Laval caucus.
A view looking southward from the corner of Souvenir and Chomedey boulevards onto the City of Laval’s Place du Souvenir campus where the new courthouse building will be located. (Photo: Courtesy City of Laval)
The City of Laval says a new municipal courthouse building, set to go up on Place du Souvenir east of city hall, should be completed by April 2027, although its official public opening has yet to be confirmed.
According to the city, the new courthouse is being constructed in an area regarded as strategic, and it will be equipped with some of the most up-to-date amenities.
The new building will contain six legal proceedings rooms, compatible with Quebec Ministry of Justice protocols, compared to only three such rooms at the municipal courthouse’s current location at 55 des Laurentides Blvd. in Pont-Viau.
Some of the other rooms in the new building will be judges’ offices, a legal aid section, prosecutors’ offices, a detention area for suspects in police custody, secure interior parking for employees, and comfortable public spaces for visitors.
The city is currently seeking to have the building certified as LEED-compliant (for environmentally-sustainable design).
It has been designed with some wood incorporated into its structure, with reduced energy consumption, while oriented towards natural light sources to minimize energy needs and to maximize winter heating and cooling during the summer.
STL reaches one-million debit payment target for bus fares
The wireless credit card payment terminals installed on STL buses.
Some good news for once from the Société de transport de Laval.
The region’s public transit agency, which has been struggling with budget constraints these past few years, says it recently reached an important milestone: the first one-million fares paid by Interac debit transaction.
Launched in June 2023, debit payment on STL buses was a first among transit agencies in Quebec. STL management maintains they made the right decision in going ahead with debit payment on buses, arguing that ridership would be increased by making it easier to take the bus.
“The STL is proud to be the province’s first transit agency to introduce this payment system which enhances the experience of our clientele,” said STL general manager Josée Roy.
“Reaching a million trips paid by debit card bears witness to our commitment to offer modern and practical solutions for the benefit of the people of Laval,” she added.
According to the STL, Interac debit payment was used an average of 2,500 times per weekday since last fall to facilitate bus travel on the transit agency’s bus routes. The agency says debit card payment now accounts for 31 per cent of single on-board payments on its buses.
Laval is prepared for snow removal and cold snaps
After undertaking their second major snow removal operation of the current winter season, City of Laval public works crews remain prepared for whatever lies ahead weather-wise, including a cold snap expected around the middle of this week.
The crews have been out spreading salt on the roads and streets, following a thaw that left sheets of water on street surfaces, which quickly froze over when the temperature dropped.
The city is reminding Laval residents that when snow removal crews get to work after a storm, parking restrictions come into effect. Information on the parking restrictions can be found on the City of Laval’s web page, through its smartphone app (Info-Stationnement), or on street signs where snow removal is scheduled.
