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Laval breaks ground on 100 new affordable housing units for seniors

Laval News Contributor
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Laval breaks ground on 100 new affordable housing units for seniors

A major milestone in senior housing was reached this week as construction officially kicked off on a new 100-unit social and affordable residence for independent older adults.

The project, located on Saint-Elzéar Ouest Boulevard, marks a key step in a provincewide effort to expand housing options for lowincome seniors and address mounting affordability pressures. The building is part of the second phase of a larger initiative led by Mission Unitaînés, a charitable organization dedicated to creating modern, accessible living environments for seniors across Quebec.

Over the next two years, the organization plans to deliver 600 additional affordable units in six municipalities, including Laval, Valleyfield, Québec, Victoriaville, TroisRivières and Saguenay.

The event was attended by Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women; Madeleine Chenette, Member of Parliament for Thérèse-De Blainville; Sandra El-Helou, City Councillor for the District of Souvenir-Labelle; Caroline Sauriol, President and CEO of Mission Unitaînés; and Danielle Lavoie, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Office municipal d’habitation de Laval.

A $32.5 million collaboration

The new Laval project is funded through a diverse and collaborative financial model totaling $32.5 million. Nearly $22.5 million comes from the federal and provincial governments through joint housing programs intended to accelerate construction and increase supply. The City of Laval is contributing close to $9.6 million, combining a grant, land donation and tax credit.

A philanthropic gift of $500,000 from Luc Maurice, Chair of Mission Unitaînés, completes the funding package. Construction is set to begin within days, with completion expected in winter 2027. Once built, the Office municipal d’habitation de Laval will assume responsibility for managing the residence and supporting tenants.

Expanding an innovative model

The Mission Unitaînés approach is being hailed as an innovative model for creating affordable housing at scale. Its first phase, launched in 2024, committed to 1,100 new units across 11 cities, backed by significant government investment. The second phase builds on that momentum with an additional government commitment of more than $135 million.

Under this model, Mission Unitaînés oversees the design and construction of each building and then transfers it to a municipality or designated non-profit for a symbolic fee—free of debt and without a mortgage. Each residence also receives a dedicated reserve fund of $500,000 from philanthropic donations, helping ensure longterm quality and financial stability.

Additional community partners contribute funding and services aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life. Officials note that economies of scale and the organization’s streamlined processes make it possible to build significantly more units at a lower cost than traditional public-sector housing projects.

Designed for safety, comfort and community

The forthcoming building in Laval has been planned with accessibility and community living in mind. All 100 units will be adaptable for residents with reduced mobility. The design includes two elevators, sprinklers, an emergency generator, and dedicated scooter parking. Shared amenities will feature an airconditioned multipurpose common room, outdoor patio spaces and landscaped areas intended to encourage social interaction.

The first tenants are expected to move in during the winter of 2027. A broad coalition behind the project The groundbreaking event brought together leaders from all levels of government, municipal officials and representatives from Mission Unitaînés and the local housing office.

Speakers emphasized that the project responds to a growing need for safe, stable housing options for seniors—a demographic particularly affected by rising rents and limited availability of affordable units. Officials praised the collaboration as a model for future development, highlighting its ability to rapidly produce highquality homes while keeping longterm costs manageable for residents.

Several leaders underscored the importance of helping seniors age with dignity in their own communities, stressing that secure housing plays a crucial role in maintaining health, independence and social connections.

A new chapter for senior housing in Laval

With demand for affordable senior housing continuing to rise, Laval’s new development represents both a practical solution and a symbol of renewed commitment to vulnerable residents. By combining public investment, municipal support and philanthropic contributions, the project aims to deliver a modern, welcoming home for more than 100 seniors — and serve as a blueprint for communities across the province.

Arson suspected in major fire at Casa Grecque restaurant

Martin C. Barry
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Arson suspected in major fire at Casa Grecque restaurant

Around $1 million in damage was caused to the Casa Grecque restaurant at the corner of Daniel Johnson and Saint Martin boulevards during the early morning hours of February 14 following a fire, suspected as arson.

The fire was first reported at 2:17 a.m. after a motion detector alarm alerted the owner. Police and 21 firefighters were dispatched with first units arriving at 2:26 a.m. A broken window, sprinkler activation and light smoke were found – indicative of criminal activity.

The fire was declared under control by 2:36 a.m. thanks to the building’s suppression system. No arrests have been made, although an investigation has been transferred to the Laval Police (SPL).

The incident is seen as part of a broader rise in criminal acts targeting Laval restaurants in recent months. Based on a verified report, the exact cause of the Casa Grecque fire has not yet been determined, but authorities have confirmed that it was intentionally set.

The blaze is officially described as “suspicious” and of a criminal nature. Evidence found at the scene included: a broken window, suggesting forced entry; a motion detector alarm triggered by suspicious movement before the fire; and sprinklers which had already been activated upon the firefighters’ arrival.

Authorities have not released information as to whether there was a specific ignition method (e.g., accelerant, device, etc.). However, all indication is that it was deliberately set and is part of a pattern of recent criminal attacks on Laval restaurants.

Laval and Montreal health officials warn about toxic syrup

Following a Laval Public Health notice in 2023 about a suspected pharmaceutical overdose death, the Montreal Regional Public Health Department (DRSP) is warning about the circulation of a psychoactive syrup containing a mixture of depressants in the Greater Montreal area.

According to the DRSP, users who ingest the substance could be unknowingly exposed to risks of overdose and death.

In Montreal, a purple liquid containing protonitazene (a toxic opioid) and bromazolam (a benzodiazepine) was recently found in a pharmaceutical-grade bottle of syrup labeled “Promethazine with codeine oral solution.”

Over time, according the DRSP, different mixtures have been identified in containers of identical appearance. A person consuming this product could be exposed to an unpredictable and toxic mixture, the DRSP says.

“Our investigation revealed that a purple liquid containing a mixture of methonitazene, clonazolam and an antihistamine was consumed,” Laval Public Health said in November 2023 at the time of the overdose death.

Nitazene, similar to the drug singled out by officials in Montreal, is consumed in liquid form, often by young adults for recreational purposes. Containing codeine syrup, it is often mixed illicitly with a soft drink and may be sold in a cough syrup bottle.

“Some nitazenes are estimated to be several times more toxic than fentanyl,” Laval Public Health warned in 2023. The substance poses an increased risk of respiratory arrest and death. Nitazenes are not detected by fentanyl detection strips.

Recent fire calls

Following a house fire on 2nd Avenue in Fabreville last weekend, the Laval Fire Department is warning that candles should always be used with caution and on a stable surface away from materials likely to catch fire.

The Association des pompiers de Laval (the firemen’s brotherhood) posted on their X account: “FEBRUARY 14 | 11:31 PM // Building fire on 2nd Avenue in the Fabreville sector. Residential building. Dense smoke visible on the first floor and in the basement. Fire contained to the basement. Code was 10-07, intervention required.”

It was 11:23 PM when 911 was called. Upon arrival, the firefighters could see that thick black smoke was billowing from the basement and first floor of the home just east of Route 148.

The source of the fire was found to be a basement bedroom. The blaze was reported as being under control shortly after midnight. Damage to the house was estimated at $100,000 for the building and a further $40,000 for its furnishings and other contents.

Lévesque Blvd. auto service centre goes up in flames

A major fire at an auto service center at 3153 Lévesque Boulevard West in Chomedey on the evening of February 6 caused an estimated $400,000 in damages.

“FEBRUARY 6 | 6:17 PM // Building fire on Lévesque Boulevard West in the Chomedey sector. Commercial building. Visible flames. Code 10-07, intervention required,” the APL reported on their X feed.

Although closed at the time, the building was filled with smoke upon the arrival of firefighters, who faced a complex firefighting task because of the nature of the business. The blaze was finally brought under control 2 hours and 45 minutes after the start of the operation. Damage to the building was estimated at $300,000, with a further $100,000 in damages to equipment and other contents.

Sona Lakhoyan Olivier cleared following PLQ inquiry into fake text messages

Martin C. Barry
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Sona Lakhoyan Olivier cleared following PLQ inquiry into fake text messages

‘The person who did it is getting away,’ says Chomedey MNA, seeking a deeper investigation

On Friday afternoon last week as officials with the Quebec Liberal Party were taking the last steps to acclaim Charles Milliard as the PLQ’s new leader, Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier was at her Samson Blvd. riding office contemplating the dramatic and cascading chain of events that briefly overturned her life and nearly overwhelmed the Liberals.

Following allegations of allegedly incriminating text messages exchanged during the leadership campaign of the Quebec Liberal Party, the PLQ launched an investigation whose conclusions were released by the party last week.

J de M published text messages

The PLQ mandated retired Quebec Superior Court judge Jacques Fournier to investigate after the Journal de Montréal published text messages last November suggesting that some PLQ members who had voted for Pablo Rodriguez in the party’s leadership race might have received cash payments.

Rodriguez resigned following the debacle over Saint-Laurent PLQ MNA Marwah Rizqy’s firing of her chief of staff. A report also in the Journal claimed that around 20 donors to Rodriguez’s leadership campaign received envelopes containing $500 in cash to reimburse their donations during a fundraising event in April.

Some of the media reports, discredited by the Fournier investigation’s findings, implicated Lakhoyan Olivier, as well as Fabre CAQ MNA Alice Abou-Khalil, as having been the source of the text messages. Some of the media reports speculated that Abou-Khalil was on the verge of crossing the National Assembly floor to the Liberals.

Texts fabricated, judge concluded

As a result of the doubts raised, Lakhoyan Olivier was expelled from the PLQ caucus last December, although the Fournier report’s conclusions could lead to her being reintegrated into the party. The report concluded the text messages at the heart of the controversy did not come from Lakhoyan Olivier, nor from anyone associated with her.

“I tell you, this is not fair, because it’s a dirty political game,” says Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan Olivier. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

The investigation established that the text messages were fabricated and manipulated, and that the analysis and electronic evidence clearly show that they did not originate from Lakhoyan Olivier’s devices or those of her associates.

“The evidence confirms that there was no technical possibility of attributing these messages to the MNA or to individuals associated with her,” reads a statement issued last week by Lakhoyan Olivier’s office.

“The findings of the investigation also show that Ms. Lakhoyan Olivier, like other individuals who were associated with or targeted by the interpretation of the messages, were victims of malicious manipulation aimed at damaging their personal, professional and political reputations, as well as those of the institutions involved.”

‘They want us out,’ she speculates

In spite of the ensuing province-wide media attention, Lakhoyan Olivier believes (on a purely speculative level) that the fake text messages probably originated locally. “These are people who are involved in politics in Laval, Chomedey and Fabre, who have an eye on these seats – they want us out,” she said in an interview late last week with The Laval News.

She said she still feels as if she’s aboard the emotional roller coaster she was riding for months, until the release of Fournier’s report last week. Still, she learned a very hard lesson about the life of a politician.

“I tell you, this is not fair, because it’s a dirty political game,” Lakhoyan Olivier said, her characteristic cheerfulness giving way momentarily to tearfulness.

“I did not expect to see this in Canada or the province of Quebec – not at all,” added Lakhoyan Olivier who was born in Lebanon. However, what she wants to see now is a more thorough investigation leading to the individuals who created the fabricated text messages.

PLQ also dumped Ouellette

“They cleared my name and I was really relieved,” she said. “But the person who did it is getting away with it right now.”

Charles Milliard (second from left) now leads the Quebec Liberal Party. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

The riding of Chomedey, which has been a Quebec Liberal bastion as long as anyone can remember, has seen its sitting Liberal MNA excluded from the PLQ caucus more than once in recent years.

Former Liberal MNA Guy Ouellette, was expelled from the Liberal caucus in 2018 after it was alleged he had leaked classified information to the Coalition Avenir Québec, who were then in opposition in the National Assembly.

Ouellette sat as in independent until the end of his last term in 2022. Lakhoyan Olivier said she fully understands that, for the good of the Quebec Liberal Party, it was necessary to suspend her from the caucus until her name had been cleared. “It was protocol, which was fine with me,” she said.

Wants to run again for Liberals

With the next provincial election tentatively scheduled for October 5, Lakhoyan Olivier, who was first elected in 2022, said she is interested in seeking a second term – preferably with the Quebec Liberals.

But in the meantime, UPAC (Unité permanente anticorruption) as well as the Quebec Director General of Elections (DGEQ) have opened investigations of their own and Lakhoyan Olivier is waiting before she announces her decision.

When asked whether she might consider running as an independent if she were unable to run for the Liberals, she replied without hesitation, “No, I don’t see that at all. I’d love to be with the Liberal Party of Quebec.”

Laval council passes emergency motion calling on Quebec to review immigration policy

Martin C. Barry
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Laval council passes emergency motion calling on Quebec to review immigration policy

‘Immigration decisions have a direct impact on our local economy,’ says Mayor Stéphane Boyer

Laval city council unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Mayor Stéphane Boyer at the February 3 council meeting calling on the Quebec government to revise certain aspects of its immigration policy, which the mayor argues unfairly penalize Laval’s economy and its competitiveness.

With the resolution, the City of Laval was following the lead of elected officials in the City of Montreal as well as in Quebec City.

They are specifically requesting the implementation of a grandfather clause for immigrants already established in Quebec under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), in order to avoid significant human and economic consequences.

Mayor Stéphane Boyer. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Laval’s resolution also calls on the government to recognize the city’s distinct economic reality and its capacity to welcome immigrants as a major industrial and technological hub, while asking the government to refrain from taking measures that penalize Laval businesses when there are shortages of highly skilled labour.

“Immigration decisions have a direct impact on our local economy,” Mayor Boyer said in a statement. “In Laval, poorly adapted, uniform measures risk hindering the attraction of talent and investment, while also undermining the predictability our employers need.”

“Behind these decisions are real people who have chosen to build their lives here and who contribute daily to the social and economic vitality of our city,” said Laval city councillor for Saint-Martin Aline Dib, who is responsible for intercultural relations. “We must return to a more humane approach that better reflects our regional reality while strengthening our integration efforts,” she added.

Here is the full text (translated from French) of the resolution asking for a revision of Quebec’s immigration policy passed on February 3 by Laval city council:

Notice of proposal: Economic immigration and the reality of Laval

• WHEREAS the City of Laval is a strategic economic hub of Greater Montreal, characterized by major industrial zones, a strong manufacturing and technology presence and integrated value chains on a metropolitan scale;

• WHEREAS Laval businesses face persistent needs for skilled and specialized labour;

• WHEREAS the Government of Quebec, in its deliberations on multi-year immigration planning in Quebec, recently issued guidelines aimed at reducing the number of non-permanent residents for the period 2026-2029;

• WHEREAS the freeze on temporary immigration and the salary criteria applicable to Laval businesses do not take into account our distinct economic reality or our differentiated capacity to welcome immigrants;

• WHEREAS these policies are currently having negative impacts on businesses, economic development and workforce planning in Laval and the greater metropolitan area;

• WHEREAS this approach also undermines predictability for Laval employers and risks hindering the attraction of strategic investments and talent specifically to Laval;

• WHEREAS the abolition of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), without consideration for those already in the region who contribute to its social and economic life, has deplorable human consequences.

IT IS PROPOSED BY Stéphane Boyer:

• THAT the City of Laval request the Government of Quebec: 1. to explicitly recognize Laval’s distinct economic reality and capacity to welcome newcomers in the application of immigration policies; 2. to ensure equitable treatment within Greater Montreal, without penalizing Laval businesses with poorly adapted, uniform measures.

• THAT the City of Laval supports maintaining programs that allow businesses access to skilled temporary foreign workers, as well as mechanisms that facilitate their transition to permanent residency;

• THAT the City of Laval requests that the government grant grandfathering rights to immigrants already established under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ); • THAT the City of Laval forward this resolution to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, the Montreal Metropolitan Community and relevant economic partners.

City agrees to study welcome tax payment in several installments

Martin C. Barry
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City agrees to study welcome tax payment in several installments

Parti Laval proposal supported by mayor’s party passes unanimously

Officials with the City of Laval are thinking of allowing new property owners to spread their payment of the welcome tax over several equal installments and without interest.

A proposal by the Parti Laval, the official opposition at Laval city hall, aimed at offering more flexibility to new homeowners, took a significant step forward during the city council meeting on February 3.

Parti Laval councillor Louise Lortie’s proposal, aimed at studying the possibility of offering more flexibility to new homeowners by allowing the payment of the welcome tax in several equal installments, was unanimously adopted by council with an amendment. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Expected in 2027 budget

Submitted by Parti Laval city councillor Louise Lortie who represents the district of Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, the proposal requesting that the measure be studied by the city’s senior management was unanimously adopted.

However, Lortie accepted an amendment proposed by Mouvement lavallois L’Orée-des-Bois city councillor Yannick Langlois, who is in charge of public finances on the executive committee, to ensure that a due analysis will be carried out “with a view to the 2027 budget year” rather than “as soon as possible.”

“We have been saying this for a long time: when a family or couple buys a house, they already have to deal with the down payment, notary fees, moving costs and sometimes other unforeseen expenses, requiring, on top of that, a single payment of several thousand dollars, while other cities offer more flexibility, it adds unnecessary pressure at an already stressful time for many households,” said Lortie.

A Necessary Measure

Since the easing of a provincial legal framework in 2023, several municipalities have offered more flexible payment options for transfer taxes to reduce the financial burden associated with purchasing a property. Lortie cited the examples of Saint-Jérôme, which now allows payment in two installments, as well as Quebec City, Sainte-Thérèse, Brossard and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

In Laval, however, payment is still required in a single lump sum, and the welcome tax rate was recently increased by Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s party, reaching 3 per cent for transactions exceeding $500,000. The Parti Laval sees this rigidity as increasingly difficult to justify and felt it was necessary to introduce a new measure to better support buyers.

More payment flexibility

“In Laval, access to home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult for the middle class,” said Claude Larochelle, the Parti Laval’s leader. “Offering more flexibility in the payment of the welcome tax is a concrete step we have long advocated.

Parti Laval leader Claude Larochelle.

“This measure, included in our platform, is reasonable, effective and already implemented elsewhere,” he added. “It was time we agreed to study it seriously.”

“It’s a simple measure that can make a real difference for those settling in Laval,” said Lortie. “The important thing now is to complete the analysis and deliver concrete solutions to new homeowners.”

The ‘taxe de bienvenue’

While the municipal welcome tax, officially known as the property or real estate transfer tax, was a measure first introduced in Quebec in 1976, the name itself can be misleading.

Although it would seem to suggest municipalities are welcoming new property buyers with a somewhat hefty payment, it actually comes from a French nickname (taxe de bienvenue), which came from a motion in the National Assembly made by Quebec Liberal Party minister Jean Bienvenue.

According to information on real estate transfer rights on the City of Laval’s web site, anyone who buys a property must pay registration fees as stated by provincial law for municipalities. Transfer taxes are payable in a single payment within 30 days of the invoice date.

Transfer tax exemptions

However, in Laval a new property owner can be exempt from transfer tax in certain situations. Cases of exemption:

  • Purchase of the property from a direct ascendant or descendant family member. For example, from father to son, or from grandmother to granddaughter. But the exemption does not apply between siblings.
  • Purchase of the property from a spouse. The exemption applies to married or cohabiting partners, provided they have lived together for the 12 months preceding the sale.
  • Purchase of the property by a legal entity (e.g., a company), at least 90 per cent of whose shares are owned by the seller, who is an individual.

Fate of Nature Centre mini-farm in limbo, as city ponders next move

Martin C. Barry
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Fate of Nature Centre mini-farm in limbo, as city ponders next move

Animal-themed ‘activity’ proposed, but future of the farm building looks dim

In a partial reversal of an earlier decision to close the mini-farm at the Centre de la nature in Duvernay, Mayor Stéphane Boyer announced during the February city council meeting that his administration has decided to postpone the move and consider alternatives before going further.

Mayor Stéphane Boyer announced during the February city council meeting that his administration has decided to postpone the move and consider alternatives before proceeding further. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

‘Difficult decisions,’ says mayor

In his opening remarks during the meeting, Mayor Boyer alluded to the targeted spending cuts the city made in its latest annual budget.

“It was also in that context that we had to make decisions that are often difficult – such as the one for the mini-farm at the Centre de la nature,” said Boyer, noting that a large number of opponents to the closure turned out for the council meeting.

While upholding the rationale for the city’s decision – the mini-farm building needs from $15-$20 million in renovations to bring it up to current standards for sheltering animals – the mayor said there was also good news.

“We’ve heard the people,” he said. “We ran into many residents over the last few weeks and months, we received calls, we also saw people on social media talking about the petition.

‘Lemonade with lemons’

“We may be elected officials but we are also human who want to make good decisions, even if the choices aren’t always easy. And so what we’re going to try to do is to make lemonade with lemons.”

With that said, Mouvement lavallois city councillor for Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Annick Senghor tabled a motion later that evening calling on the city to provide support for an unspecified “activity” free of charge at the Centre de la nature where children and families would be able to interact with animals in a revised version of the current mini-farm.

Action Laval Saint-François city councillor Isabelle Piché’s motion for a public consultation on the future of the mini-farm was pushed aside during the February 3 city council meeting. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

In choosing to take that course of action, the mayor, supported by the Mouvement lavallois council majority, dismissed a motion brought forward by Action Laval opposition councillor Isabelle Piché to hold a public consultation on the mini-farm issue.

In a statement issued by Action Laval the following day, they said Action Laval “strongly deplores the decision by the mayor and his councillors to reject, during the adjournment of the February 3 city council meeting, the proposal tabled by Saint-François councillor Isabelle Piché.”

‘Justification untenable,’ says Action Laval

Noting that the mayor seemed to be trying to justify his decision by claiming that rebuilding the mini-farm would be too costly, Action Laval said, “This justification is untenable: the public deserves to be heard before closing the book on such a meaningful place.

“Despite the presence of many citizens eager to save the farm and the numerous questions posed by the public to the council, the mayor and his team voted unanimously against holding a public consultation,” said Piché.

“This closure of democratic dialogue comes as a petition with 20,000 signatures, launched by Laval resident Dennis Fiévèt, has been officially filed. When more than 20,000 citizens mobilize, a mayor has a moral obligation to listen.”

Action to hold its own consultation

Action Laval said it would organize its own public consultation, where residents would be able to express their views on the future of the mini-farm, propose solutions and participate in a collective reflection.

The Parti Laval opposition, in a statement of their own, accused the mayor of taking steps to “muzzle” the opposition “in order to impose a decision that goes against the will of the citizens, as expressed in the petition with over 20,000 signatures.

“It is an attempt to avoid any real discussion on preserving the small farm, a preservation clearly demanded by the citizens,” they said. “When families, children and workers mobilize to defend a place they love, our responsibility as elected officials is to open the dialogue, not close it,” said Parti Laval city councillor for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Louise Lortie.

Questions over democratic debate

The Parti Laval said the mayor’s decision to push forward his own party’s motion while ignoring Councillor Piché’s “raised serious concerns about respect for democratic debate at city council.

“What the opposition is denouncing is that the mayor and his majority allegedly forced the rushed adoption of their own proposal, even before the discussion on Ms. Piché’s opinion began, thus giving them a reason to avoid debating it,” they added.

Martin Vaillancourt, the Parti Laval city councillor for Fabreville-Sud, stated that he was left with the impression during the council meeting that a gag order was effectively being executed, albeit at the municipal level.

“Despite our objections, the mayor’s party forced the opposition parties to immediately debate its proposal, which was already destined to be adopted by Mayor Boyer and his elected officials, even though it doesn’t address the citizens’ main demand, namely the preservation of the farm,” he said.

Hellenic Community Heritage Month

During a period devoted to new business and statements from city councillors, Chomedey councillor Aglaia Revelakis tabled a proposal that Laval city council declare the month of March as Hellenic Community Heritage Month.

“This is about an opportunity to recognize and celebrate a community which for more than 120 years has been contributing to enrichment of our society through its customs, traditions and it commitment,” she said.

“I invite my colleagues sincerely to join me in supporting this meaningful recognition in honoring the legacy of the Hellenic community,” she said.

Laval News Volume 34-04

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 34-04

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-04, published on February 18th, 2026.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

Polar vortex impacts attendance at city’s 2026 ‘Laval en Blanc’

Martin C. Barry
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Polar vortex impacts attendance at city’s 2026 ‘Laval en Blanc’

Cold puts a damper on celebration of winter at Centre de la Nature

The City of Laval’s Centre de la nature in Duvernay was definitely not the place to be on the weekend of January 23-24-25.

Some areas of the Centre de la nature, such as the food concessions seen here, were virtually deserted during this year’s Laval en Blanc because of the deep freeze. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

A polar vortex assailing the region had the obvious effect of discouraging many moms, dads and children – who are usually eager to get outdoors during the winter – from attending Laval’s popular Laval en Blanc seasonal celebration.

A seasonal counterpoint

Every year in January, Laval en Blanc offers a counterpoint to the city’s popular Fête de la Famille which takes place during at the end of summer.

For those seeking a break from the cold outdoors at the Centre de la nature, there was entertainment for children at a heated indoor pavilion. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

The idea of having fun outdoors during the winter, in temperatures that normally hover around zero degrees Celsius, is a novel concept and a discovery in itself.

However, this was not to be for Laval en Blanc this year, as the thermometer dipped as low as -25 Celsius on some days.

Attendance was way down

Even with the sun shining down on the Centre de la nature on Saturday, it wasn’t enough to raise the temperature more than a few degrees, the result being that only a fraction of the thousands of Laval residents who normally attend turned up.

Usually crowded with skaters during the annual Laval en Blanc winter festival, the frozen-over lake at the Centre de la nature was lonelier than usual this year in the midst of a polar vortex that dropped temperatures some days as low as -25 Celsius. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

For those who still felt up to the challenge of facing the rigors of a real Quebec winter, there was snow sledding, ice skating, obstacle course racing, snow sculpting, even some musical performances to be enjoyed by kids and their families in warmth inside an enclosed interior pavilion.

Laval man arrested by RCMP after being tracked to Mexico

Martin C. Barry
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Laval man arrested by RCMP after being tracked to Mexico

A Laval resident who was sought by the RCMP in a cocaine trafficking investigation over the past three years led by the federal police force has been arrested in Mexico.

The RCMP’s Montreal branch confirmed on Monday that Adham Haouili, 43, the son-in-law of Montreal mob boss Raynald Desjardins, 72, was arrested in Mexico where he had been planning to meet his wife.

Haouili is facing charges in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu south of Montreal of conspiracy and drug trafficking along with four other suspects targeted in an investigation that was dubbed Project Camelot.

Some of the contraband seized by the RCMP.

In Project Camelot, led by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) in collaboration with the Longueuil police service, “the five accused allegedly conspired to transport cocaine from the Toronto and Montreal regions to St. John’s, Newfoundland by seaplane,” the RCMP stated in an earlier press release related to the case.

Following police raids in conjunction with those accusations, an aircraft was seized, along with 10 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms and approximately $32,000 in cash. Among those arrested were Benoît David, 55, taken in by Interpol in Santiago Chile, and William Thomas Webber, 44, in Mississauga, Ont.

According to court records, David, like Haouili, is also a resident of Laval, but has yet to be extradited to Canada. The trial of one of the accused, Michael Duguay Halle, 42, of nearby Terrebonne, is scheduled to begin next September.

Fire damages Souvenir Road home

A fire caused damage to an unoccupied home on Souvenir Road in Chomedey on Friday, January 30 just after 12 noon.

The Souvenir Road home in Chomedey damaged by fire. (Photo: Courtesy of Association des pompiers de Laval)

The Association des Pompiers de Laval posted on its social media feed, “Building fire on Chemin du Souvenir in the Chomedey sector. Two-story residential building. Visible smoke. The code was 10-12, second alarm.”

According to the APL, a 9-1-1 call was placed at 11:54 a.m. and the Laval Fire Department arrived on the scene five minutes later. Smoke was visible and an evacuation of the premises was confirmed to have taken place by fire department personnel.

The fire is believed to have started in the basement of the house and spread throughout the building. Cold weather is said to have complicated the work of the 34 firefighters and 9 units that were on site trying to confine the flames to one area of the building.

The firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control nearly two hours after the operation had begun. Several other emergency responders, including the Laval Police and Urgences-Santé were also on hand. Investigators initially believe the probable cause was a mechanical or electrical malfunction.

CO leak forces evacuation at Place Montmorency

Nearly 1,000 occupants in 500 residential units at the Espace Montmorency campus in central Laval were evacuated from apartments on the morning of Saturday, January 31 following a carbon monoxide leak.

Firefighters from the Laval Fire Department, using CO detectors, found carbon monoxide concentrations reaching 60 ppm on several floors of towers No. 1 and No. 4, which was well above safe levels.

The maximum level of CO recommended by Health Canada is 10 ppm over a 24-hour period in a residential setting.

Other recent fires in Laval

JANUARY 29 | 1:52 AM // Building fire on 7th Street in the Chomedey sector. Residential building. Flames visible in the basement and spreading to upper floors. Code was 10-14, fourth alarm.

JANUARY 21 | 7:46 AM // Building fire on Jeanne-le Ber Street in the Duvernay sector. Residential building. Flames visible. Code was 10-07, intervention required.

Pink in the City presents $386,407 to MUHC Foundation for breast cancer care

Martin C. Barry
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Pink in the City presents $386,407 to MUHC Foundation for breast cancer care

It’s all about gratitude, MUHC Foundation head tells fundraiser’s supporters

“Today is about gratitude, it’s also about community, and most of all it’s about celebrating an extraordinary group of people who continue showing us what is possible when compassion meets action,” Marie-Hélène Laramée, president and CEO of the MUHC Foundation, said as she was about to unveil a cheque for $386,407 – the latest annual fundraising donation from Pink in the City

Friends, supporters and board members of the MUHC Foundation and Pink in the City boards are seen here after revealing the amount raised last year for the foundation. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Championing breast wellness

The sum, nearly $70,000 more than what Pink in the City donated last year, was presented on January 25 by officials with Pink in the City. It represented funds raised last year through several activities for holistic care provided to breast cancer cancer patients at the Montreal-based teaching hospital.

Pink in the City has become synonymous with breast cancer care at the McGill University Health Centre. They have championed the MUHC’s Breast Clinic Wellness Program through the MUHC Foundation and events like Raise Craze as well as an annual gala.

Tireless and concerted efforts

From breast cancer survivors to passionate high school students, Pink in the City has brought together a loyal following dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Pink in the City’s latest donation to the MUHC brought their total contributions to nearly $2 million.

The funds raised were the result of tireless efforts, which included an inspiring Pink in the Rink campaign led by the Concordia University Women’s Hockey Team.

Dora Tzavaros spoon feeds a dessert to Eleni, granddaughter of Pink in the City co-founder Denise Vourtzoumis (seen here with her husband Bobby, and other grandchildren) at the MUHC on January 25. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Another one of the fundraising highlights was the Raise Craze, a much-loved event where people shave or dye their hair pink in support of the cause. Students from the Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board did their part, raising more than $20,000 in that campaign, showing how young people are getting involved in philanthropy.

Staff shortages at MUHC

On a somewhat more somber note, Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, director of the Breast Center at the MUHC, sounded a note of caution regarding the state of affairs at the MUHC. “It’s been a very tough year for medicine at the MUHC – there’s no denying it,” he said.

According to Dr. Meterissian, who is a professor of surgery and oncology in the McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, only six of the MUHC’s 14 operating rooms are currently open. “That’s because we don’t have enough anaesthetists or nurses,” he said, noting that some surgeries are now taking place at the Lachine General Hospital and the Ville-Marie Surgery Institute.

Denise Vourtzoumis, a Chomedey resident, co-founded Pink in the City with her son, Lawrence, in 2014 to raise funds for breast cancer care at the MUHC. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

He said the money Pink in the City raises helps to promote women’s health not only through the Breast Clinic Wellness Program, but also helps pay for other program necessities, including medical instruments to care for patients.

Thanks to Vourtzoumis family

“The Wellness Centre would never have happened without the Vourtzoumis family and the efforts put in over the past 10-12 years,” Meterissian said. “It’s providing a service that anybody who’s gone to a physiotherapist, a sex therapist, a dietician, an exercise personal trainer, knows that it costs between $100-$150 an hour.”

Thanks to the financial support provided by Pink in the City, many of these services are made available free of charge to patients. “I think that every doctor at the Breast Centre comes to me and says, ‘my patient needs this, my patient needs that,’ and we’re able to provide it thanks to you. I wake up every day thanking you guys for everything you do.”

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