An 18-year-old driver who crashed into an elementary school in eastern Laval last week was released pending a court appearance, although further searches and analysis could lead to charges.
The identity of the driver was not immediately released by the Laval Police, as the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) has a mandate to decide on the next legal steps, according to the Laval Police Department.
Around 3:25 a.m. last Thursday morning, the driver suffered serious injuries after fleeing police and crashing into the Charles-Perrault Elementary School building on de la Concorde Blvd. East.
He was taken to hospital where his condition was initially considered critical, although he was deemed to be out of danger a few hours later. The elementary school, which was closed all day Thursday last week, reopened Friday morning.
Possible arson blaze damages de la Concorde barber shop
A possible arson fire damaged a barbershop in the district of Pont-Viau in eastern Laval early last Monday morning.
The Laval Police received a 9-1-1 call at 4 a.m. about the incident on de la Concorde Boulevard East. Although tenants living above the shop were forced from their homes, there were no reported injuries.
Police say witnesses saw a suspect fleeing the scene before the arrival of authorities.
A 21-year-old woman, alleged by the police to be a possible accomplice, was arrested nearby. She was expected to be questioned by police later in the day.
Recent fires in Laval
JUNE 7 | 2:10 AM // Building fire on Chemin Saint-Antoine in the Laval-Ouest sector. Residential building. Visible smoke. Code 10-09, full response, potential for escalation.
An electrical short circuit caused by a revolving fan is believed to be the most likely cause of this fire which damaged a residence at this address on the night of Sunday June 7.
The incident occurred in a residential area of Laval-Ouest around 2:10 a.m., when 9-1-1 was first received a call. The Laval Fire Department sent eight units to the scene, including 30 firefighters and officers, with the first crew members arriving at 2:14 a.m.
Smoke was visible from the outside, and an evacuation was completed to ensure that all occupants, including some in an adjacent building, were evacuated as well.
Firefighters located the source of the fire in the basement and quickly extinguished the flames, limiting spread to the building structure and upper floors.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control around 2:42 a.m. and damage was estimated at around $25,000 for the building structure, and an additional $10,000 for furnishings and other contents.
May 27 | 10:36 PM // Building fire on Grand-Pic Street in the Sainte-Rose sector. Residential building. Smoke visible. Code 10-07, meaning intervention required.
Saint-Bruno city councillor David De Cotis joined community volunteer/environmental advocate Enrica Uva and Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board Ward 6 Commissioner Barbara Barrasso on May 30 to take part in an annual Spring Cleanup at Lausanne Park.
The event, the fourth of its kind, brought together a large number of local residents, students from Terry Fox Elementary School and their families, with all being united by a common goal: to preserve and enhance one of Saint-Bruno’s most cherished green spaces.
“Our fourth annual cleanup was another tremendous success,” De Cotis told The Laval News.
A year-after-year success
“This initiative continues to grow year after year because it strengthens community pride, promotes environmental responsibility and encourages residents of all ages to take an active role in caring for their neighbourhood,” he said. “I am committed to ensuring this tradition continues for many years to come.”
Throughout the morning, dozens of volunteers worked together to remove litter and beautify the park. Students from Terry Fox Elementary School demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and dedication, setting an inspiring example of civic engagement.
“I was truly impressed by the energy and commitment shown by these young people,” added De Cotis. “Their participation sends a powerful message about the importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship. They are helping build a stronger and more responsible generation for the future.
A unifying event
“This is something that always brings the community together,” he continued, noting that some of the participants were passers-by who decided on the spur of the moment to join the citizen cleanup crew in order to do their part.
He said part of the day’s mission was to explain to some of the younger people that there are consequences when trash, such as cardboard and paper waste from convenience stores or fast-food takeout restaurants, is disposed of carelessly instead of placing it in garbage or recycling bins as it should.
“We’re telling them, ‘Look what happens when you just throw things away and it just piles up,’ said De Cotis. “We’re trying to teach them about dedication and discipline, so that when they’re eating something, they know enough to put it in the garbage can right away.”
Volunteerism and commitment
The success of the initiative was also made possible through the collaboration of dedicated community partners and volunteers who generously contributed their time and efforts. According to Barrasso, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board strongly encourages initiatives among students and their families that promote citizenship, volunteerism and community commitment.
“Our students have once again demonstrated that they are capable of achieving great things when they come together for a meaningful cause,” she said. “I am extremely proud of their efforts and I know their families share that pride. Through activities like this, we are helping shape the engaged and compassionate citizens of tomorrow.”
Committed to the environment
For her part, Enrica Uva emphasized the importance of bringing families together around a shared commitment to the environment. “When young people see adults working together to improve their community, they learn that every action matters,” said Uva.
“It was inspiring to see so many families, students and volunteers come together to care for Lausanne Park,” she continued. “By working side by side, we are not only creating a cleaner environment, but also building stronger connections within our community.”
Cases files opened by LPD reached 16,868 in 2025, compared to 18,961 in 2024
The number of criminal incident cases in Laval dropped by up to 11 per cent last year compared to a year earlier, according to an annual report presented by the head of the city’s police service to municipal officials last week.
Laval Police director Karine Ménard tabled the force’s 2025 activity report in Laval city council on June 2. The lengthy and detailed report provided an overview of the LPD’s main achievements last year, including annual highlights and crime trends in 2025 in Laval.
The year 2025, according to the report, was marked by sustained efforts by the police to resolve a number of priority cases involving social and criminal factors that continue to evolve.
More than 10 per cent drop in caseload
The total number of cases reported to the Laval Police reached 16,868 in 2025, compared to 18,961 in 2024. Crimes against persons went down by 6 per cent, while property crimes went down by 8 per cent.
According to the LPD, vehicle thefts of all types underwent a significant decrease of 18 per cent. For the second consecutive year, the number of property crimes decreased, said the police, with an 8 per cent reduction compared to 2024, and an 18 per cent decrease since 2023.
Interventions related to mental health disturbances reached a peak of 3,293 cases, an increase of 4 per cent compared to 2024. LPD director Ménard emphasized the staff’’s commitment to achieving results.
“Behind every statistic, there are women and men deeply committed to the community,” she said. “I am proud of the professionalism, humanity and adaptability of our police and civilian staff.
“Every day, they are there to protect, support and reassure the citizens of Laval,” she added. “Their work makes a real difference in people’s lives, and it is together, with our partners and our community, that we continue to move forward.”
Marked increase in extortions
In 2025, according to the report, the phenomenon of extortion received particular attention due to its scale and its direct impact on Laval’s economy. The Laval Police said they had noticed a marked increase in extortion cases, primarily affecting businesses, but also some entrepreneurs and service companies.
Karine Ménard is the City of Laval’s chief of police. (Photo: Courtesy of City of Laval)
“These acts of intimidation, often accompanied by threats, financial pressure, or violence, have significant consequences for the sense of security and economic vitality,” stated the report.
Faced with this situation, the LPD launched the Coordinated Vigilance Project, which relies on a structured approach combining prevention, targeted investigations and close collaboration with businesses and partners. “These initiatives help to better support victims, encourage reporting and send an unequivocal message to criminal groups that extortion will not be tolerated in Laval,” said the LPD’s report.
The LPD said combating urban gun violence remained a priority in 2025. Through the Coordinated Paradoxe Project, teams maintained constant pressure on criminal elements. The report indicates there were 16 illicit firearms discharges in 2025, compared to 25 in 2024, as well as 26 illicit firearms seized and 21 arrests.
“While the phenomenon remains volatile, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of a concerted, proactive and visible approach on the ground,” stated the report.
Road accidents down for second year
In terms of road safety, the LPD said it continued efforts to reduce the number of accidents on the territory. For the second consecutive year, the total number of accidents in Laval was down, with 4,157 cases recorded in 2025, 211 fewer than in 2024, representing a 5 per cent decrease.
Although a slight increase in the number of fatal accidents was observed, the LPD said it maintained a proactive approach focused on protecting vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, school zones and residential neighborhoods.
It should be noted, however, that two of the three fatal accidents in Laval involving a pedestrian in 2025 were workplace accidents (CNESST) and did not occur on public roads.
The Laval Police also continued their fight against vehicle theft. In 2025, the number of vehicle thefts, of all types, decreased by 18 per cent compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the total volume of property crimes declined by 8 per cent, confirming a downward trend that began after a peak which was reached in 2023.
Mental health and homelessness
The year 2025 also cast a spotlight on mental health and homelessness issues in Laval, representing a growing share of police activity. According to the LPD, interventions involving individuals with mental health problems reached a new high with 3,293 cases, representing a noteworthy 20 per cent of all police activity.
To address this increasingly complex situation, the SPL said it relied in particular on its Social Emergency division and on psychosocial teams, “which allow for a more humane and tailored intervention,” in collaboration with partners in the community and institutional networks.
The LPD said it also carried out several hundred interventions with people experiencing homelessness, while prioritizing support and referrals to appropriate resources.
New facilities opened
From the LPD’s organizational standpoint, 2025 was marked by significant structural achievements. The opening of the LPD’s new headquarters building and west end “gendarmerie” in Chomedey represented a major step forward, stated the annual report, “bringing teams closer to the field and optimizing coverage of the territory, particularly in an area generating a high volume of calls.”
The opening of the new facilities, as well as the reorganization of the LPD’s territory into two operational regions, “contributed to improving response times, strengthening coordination between squads and increasing the overall efficiency of the police service, directly benefiting the residents of Laval,” stated the 2025 report.
A smaller Firemen’s Festival gets a ‘thumbs-up’ from kids and parents
A record number of participants turned out for 14th annual Laval Firefighters’ Race on Saturday May 30, when more than 12,100 young people and adults took part in this popular and consistently very anticipated event.
Since 2012, the race has brought together young and old in a festive and inclusive atmosphere.
(Photo: Jany Tremblay, City of Laval)
Organized by firefighters from the Laval Fire Department, the City of Laval, and the Quebec Firefighters Foundation, the Firefighters’ Race aims to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles within the community.
This year’s event also raised over $82,000 in donations for the Foundation to Support Burn Victims.
Incredible performances
In the marathon, Edouard Foster took first place among the men with an impressive time of 2 hours 34 minutes and 51 seconds. Corinne Lienhard was the first woman to cross the finish line, completing the distance in just 3 hours 3 minutes and 22 seconds.
In the half-marathon, Benjamin Raymond, with a time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 15 seconds, and Roxanne Leblanc, with a time of 1 hour 23 minutes and 16 seconds, each finished in first place in their respective categories.
(Photo: Jany Tremblay, City of Laval)
It should be noted that the winners of both the marathon and the half-marathon each received a gold helmet bearing the Firefighters’ Race logo, symbolizing the determination, discipline, perseverance and effort required to achieve such a feat.
The event also included 10 km, 5 km, 2.5 km and 1 km races. All races culminated at the finish line located on the outdoor grounds of Collège Montmorency, where enthusiastic crowds cheered runners crossing the finish line.
Eight Marathons in Eight Days
In a sidenote, from May 24 to 31, ultramarathon runner Manuel Cabral, an ambassador for the Laval Firefighters’ Race, took on the challenge of running a marathon every day, inviting other runners to join him each time, while also donating to the Quebec Firefighters Foundation.
He completed this feat by finishing his eighth marathon on May 31 as part of the Laval Firefighters’ Race, where he also recorded the fifth-best time in the 42.2 km race. Last year, he ran a half marathon every day during the virtual portion of the event, from May 17 to June 1.
All proceeds are donated to the Quebec Firefighters Foundation, the only organization dedicated to raising funds for burn victims in Quebec. The funds will directly contribute to financing: specialized medical equipment; clinical research; a direct aid fund for victims and their families; and a summer camp adapted for children with severe burns.
Some vintage fire trucks formerly in service with the City of Laval and the pre-merger village of Saint-François, were on hand at the smaller Laval Firemen’s Festival on Saturday May 30. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
A smaller Firemen’s Festival
While the Firefighters’ Race was taking place, a modified and diminished version of the Laval Firemen’s Festival was also underway on the grounds of Collège Montmorency. Originally held for many years at the Centropolis mall, in more recent times the staging area for the still highly-popular Firemen’s Festival was transferred to the grounds outside the college.
However, as the City of Laval announced last fall in its budget for 2026, the Firemen’s Festival was reduced beginning this year to a single day (rather than two) and with far fewer activities for kids and families. As a result, the ever-popular parade of fire trucks, with sirens and warning signals screaming, was greatly reduced, with just a few fire vehicles on site Saturday.
But there were at least a few activities, including educational kiosks on fire prevention and safety, a simulated evacuation of a smoke-filled house and firefighter museum artefacts.
Some residents are beginning to complain about being left in the dark over project
Saint-Laurent property developer Rosefellow has started work at a large former section of a consumer retail megamall on the edge of Autoroute 13 in Sainte-Dorothée, in order to redevelop it into a modern industrial space providing infrastructure to strengthen Laval’s supply-chain and logistics corridor.
Demolition got underway last week on vacant former discount retail outlets like this one at at the northern end of the Méga Centre Notre-Dame in Sainte-Dorothée in preparation for the development of new infrastructure to reinforce Laval’s supply-chain and logistics corridor. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Last year, the company paid the megamall’s owners, RioCan REIT and Harden, $75 million for the underused retail and commercial property where the tenants had included designer apparel factory outlets, although occupancy over the years remained relatively low.
Demolition done
Last year, osefellow announced plans to spend around $200 million to develop 550,000 square feet of the property, including several industrial buildings, at the northern end of the Méga Centre Notre-Dame, with demolition of the last of the retail outlets near completion last week.
In 2025, when the mall owners announced it had gone ahead with the sale of the 27-acre portion of the Méga Centre Notre-Dame, Harden said the transaction marked a key milestone in the site’s transformation, supporting broader redevelopment efforts and reinforcing a long-term commitment to enhancing Laval’s economic and commercial vitality.
Harden co-owns the remaining area of the mall in conjunction with RioCan in a 50 per cent partnership. “The portion sold to Rosefellow was a less productive area of the site,” Harden acknowledged last year in their statement following the sale announcement.
“This strategic disposition enables targeted reinvestment into the retail core of Méga Centre Notre-Dame, accelerating its transformation into a productive, dynamic destination for residents, workers, and visitors alike,” they added.
Meeting a regional demand
Rosefellow’s planned redevelopment of its portion will see the construction of up to three state-of-the-art industrial buildings, meeting a growing regional demand for high-performance logistics and light industrial space.
The parties all firmly believe the development will complement the centre’s retail operations, creating a mixed-use hub that draws value from both sectors, while serving evolving needs.
The first phase of the project, a 144,316-square-foot building, is being designed to meet LEED Gold standards and the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standards.
The development is expected to feature a hybrid steel-and-mass-timber structure, solar panels on the roof and facade, and a high-efficiency mechanical system.
Construction on the first phase is scheduled to begin before the end of June, with completion tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. A second phase, involving a 410,740-square-foot industrial building, is expected to begin by late this summer.
Nearby residents complain
In the meantime, some residents on streets immediately adjacent to the site (and who apparently were not aware of the proposed redevelopment, which was announced as early as May 2025) have begun expressing their alarm.
“The construction is very disruptive to the residents behind the mall,” said one resident who contacted The Laval News by e-mail.
“Was there any consultation about making an industrial park in a residential neighborhood?” they said. “Will there be trucks coming and going? How will this affect property values? How long will the noise and construction continue? Just wondering if anyone looked into this.”
The Laval News reached out to the city councillor for the district of Sainte-Dorothée, Ray Khalil, who is also responsible for development and territorial management dossiers on the executive-commmittee, for his response, but we did not hear back earlier this week in time for our deadline.
The City of Laval stands out for the strength of its indicators and the robustness of its real estate activity, according to the latest annual report from Laval économique, the city’s economic development service.
The 2025 report reveals that the number of residential units started in the city jumped by 128 per cent, reaching 4,613 units by the end of the year.
The report suggests that the economic vitality of the region and the renewed confidence of investors are very real, despite an economic context still marked by uncertainty.
The report also indicates that Laval’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at $24 billion, confirming the dynamic nature and diversification of the city’s economy. As well, the report reviews actions implemented by the city to support businesses, stimulate investment and strengthen the region’s economic resilience.
“With a gross domestic product of nearly $24 billion, investments exceeding $2 billion annually, record housing starts and a thriving job market, Laval is a major economic driver,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer, reacting to the report.
Prosperous and innovative
“We are continuing our work to make Laval a prosperous, innovative and forward-looking city for all,” he continued. The report says public and private investments in Laval reached over $2.2 billion last year, marking the fifth consecutive year that the $2 billion mark was exceeded.
“This remarkable stability confirms Laval’s ability to attract major and sustainable investments in the real estate, industrial and commercial sectors,” stated Laval économique.
The total value of the City of Laval’s building permits (non-residential and residential) is now estimated at over $1 billion. The report says the city supported 28 real estate projects directly contributing to the housing supply, representing investments totaling nearly $660 million.
“Economic development relies on a clear vision and the ability to leverage the right resources at the right time,” said Lidia Divry, director of Laval économique. In 2025, she continued, Laval économique supported more than 1,780 Laval businesses.
$10 return on each $1 invested
As well, a total of $3.3 million in financial assistance was granted, generating $30.3 million in investments within the region. Every dollar invested by the city ended up generating nearly $10 in additional economic benefits, noted Divry.
“These results demonstrate the ability of Laval businesses and our partners to adapt, innovate and collaborate,” she said.
The year 2025 was also marked by the launch of Opération Prospérité Laval, a $4.5 million, three-year investment aimed at supporting Laval businesses’ exports and ensuring sustainable economic growth for the region. To date, according to the Laval économique report, more than 45 Laval-based companies have received support to help them evaluate and develop their access to new export markets.
Saint-Vincent heritage preservationists say Maison Giasson’s future is threatened
Prior to the start of the June 3 meeting of Laval city council, the mayor and councillors observed a minute of silence for the ten women who died due to acts of domestic violence in Quebec since the beginning of 2026.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer congratulated the Montreal Victoire women’s hockey team (who play home games at Place Bell) for their recent championship win, citing them as a good example for young people to get involved in sports. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
As council speaker Cecilia Macedo noted, the province reached the annual average number of “femicides” in just a few months.
“This number reminds us of the grave nature of the violence that women can be exposed to,” she said. “By honoring the memory of the victims, we are loudly and strongly reaffirming our willingness to see these violent acts come to an end.
“Women are not objects and belong to no one, they are free and thanks for respecting this,” she added.
Congrats to Montréal Victoire
In his opening remarks, Mayor Stéphane Boyer noted that the Montreal Victoire women’s hockey team’s recent victory in the Professional Women’s Hockey League championship will provide encouragement to youths to become more involved in sports. He congratulated the team (who play their homes games at Place Bell) for winning the PWHL’s Walter Cup.
“So obviously, this is something to celebrate,” said Boyer. “But beyond the celebration, for me it’s also something very symbolic for our youths and our girls, for whom there has often been too little or no room at all in sports – especially hockey.
“So, this is a model for our youths to follow. And we often see that when a professional team does well, it’s not unusual that the following year there is an increase in registrations in our sports associations.”
In a summary of the work the city has done to clean up the territory after a long winter, the mayor revealed that more than 70 per cent of the painted traffic median lines and strips on boulevards and streets all over Laval had been completed as of last week.
Mayor reports on spring cleaning
As well, he said mechanical sweepers had also gone over three-quarters of the city’s territory and will pass over them once more in the coming weeks to make sure the work is done properly. In addition, according to the mayor, more than 90 per cent of Laval’s parks and green spaces had been cleaned of post-winter debris.
Boyer also revealed that cameras positioned on public works trucks are helping to identify potholes, leading to a significant reduction in the number of complaints about potholes received from residents.
During a period of the meeting for councillors to table reports and documents, Action Laval city councillor for Saint-François Isabelle Piché presented her report on the closing of the mini-farm at the Centre de la nature, which was the focus of a more than 20,000-signature petition, as well as a survey and consultation meeting organized by Piché.
The Fête nationale du Québec will be celebrated at Paroisse Saint-Martin on June 24, according to Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
With the Fête nationale du Québec nearly upon us, Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis pointed out that a celebration will be taking place June 24 at the Paroisse Saint-Martin from 11 am until 6 pm with a range of activities, including folk dancers.
Heritage property threatened
A group of residents from the city’s Saint-Vincent-de-Paul district, who turned up at the June council meeting to ask questions about the fate of the Maison Giasson, a heritage property on Bellevue Ave. which they claim is in danger, never got a chance to speak, after failing to register in time for the council meeting.
In spite of this, the city councillor for Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Annick Senghor, tabled a petition with 32 signatures demanding action on the property’s future. Built around 1945, the Maison Giasson, which faces out towards the Rivière des Prairies, appears on a City of Laval list of heritage properties. It was the home of Dr. Carl Giasson, who died in 2016.
While not allowed to speak during the question period, Denise Fortin, a spokesperson for the residents, provided The Laval News with a list of the issues they had hoped to raise with Councillor Senghor and Mayor Boyer during the meeting.
Among them: the protection of mature trees in the neighbourhood near the building; monitoring and follow-up of permits issued for work carried out at 467 Bellevue Avenue; strengthening the city’s Architectural Integration and Implementation Plan (AIP) at the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul village core.
Other issues: Whether the City of Laval is ensuring that the restoration plans for 467 Bellevue Ave. respect the original Queen Ann style of the house and the surrounding built environment; and what requirements or recommendations has the city made to guarantee harmonious integration and the enhancement of the existing heritage.
Residents demand restoration
In a declaration demanding the restoration of the 467 Bellevue property that the residents issued in April, they stated, “We, the residents of the Bord-de-l’eau sector in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, wish to express our profound indignation at the near-total destruction of the green space located at 467 Bellevue Avenue.
“This space, which we considered the ‘lungs’ of our neighbourhood, was cut down with a chainsaw by the landowner. Despite our efforts with the City of Laval to emphasize the importance of this area for our health, our environment and the quality of life of our neighbourhood, 95 per cent of this precious wooded space has been cleared, within the limits permitted by municipal regulations.
“We consider this act a serious attack on our already fragile environment. This intervention has not only harmed local biodiversity but also our collective well-being. At a time when the City of Laval is investing in tree planting and the protection of its natural areas, it is unthinkable to accept such a loss in the heart of our community.”
The residents are demanding: That the City of Laval take responsibility and purchase the land at 467 Bellevue Avenue; that it restore the house and plant a forest there to commemorate the heritage and history of the neighbourhood; and that the city regulate the construction of new homes along the waterfront, “homes that blend well into the neighbourhood,” the residents stated.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-12, published on June 10th, 2026. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
The Quebec Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility says that starting June 13, reconstruction work on a section of Autoroute 13 southbound between Dagenais Boulevard West and Autoroute 440 in Laval will necessitate a traffic detour and require lane management for several weeks at a time, until the fall.
Here are the details.
A-13, between Sainte-Rose Boulevard and A-440:
Complete closure of A-13 southbound at any time.
Traffic will be diverted onto the southbound service road, which has two lanes.
During the morning rush hour (Monday to Friday), an additional lane will be available on the opposite side of the highway (i.e., traffic will flow in the opposite direction), creating a third southbound lane.
These lane changes will be implemented between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., and again between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., using dynamic lane management.
It should be noted that the right shoulder of the southbound service road will remain reserved for buses during the morning rush hour.
The speed limit may be reduced in the construction zone on the highways to 70 km/h southbound and 90 km/h northbound, as well as to 60 km/h on the southbound service road.
As congestion is expected, the department recommends that motorists travelling in the area allow extra time to reach their destination.
During complete closures, detours will be marked with temporary signage.
The work may be postponed, extended or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or operational constraints.
Therefore, before travelling, it is recommended drivers consult Québec 511, a practical tool for planning road trips.
A major computer crash affecting Laval’s Cité de la Santé hospital, as well as health services in the Lanaudière and Laurentian regions, appeared to be resolved by mid-day Tuesday, although it was still unclear how it might continue impacting patients with blood test appointments.
On Monday, the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) of Laval was asking the public to avoid the emergency room at Cité de la Santé until further notice, except in cases needing immediate intervention.
However, on Tuesday officials told CBC News that the broken fibre optics cable that affected several institutions, including Cité de la Santé, was fixed at around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday.
The CISSS was initially recommending that those with medical should seek help elsewhere for the time being, even though Cité de la Santé remained open to the public.
Cité de la Santé hospital on René-Laennec Blvd. in eastern Laval.
“Our teams are mobilized to maintain essential services and minimize the impact on the population,” the CISSS said on one of its social media feeds.
Although the emergency department at Cité de la Santé remained operational, many computers weren’t working, forcing staff to take notes on paper rather than digitally, which slowed down their work, according to the CISSS.
A fiber optic cable located north of Laval that was severed as a result of a road accident was the apparent cause of the computer systems failure, according to a Facebook post issued by Santé Québec Lanaudière.
The CISSS de Laval initially announced that it had cancelled all appointments scheduled for Tuesday morning at its blood collection centres, although it wasn’t clear whether the situation had changed.
“Our team will contact those affected to reschedule their appointments. Thank you for your understanding,” read a post shared on the CISSS’s social media.
At some facilities within the CISSS de Laval’s institutional network, staff were experiencing telephone problems Monday and Tuesday.
Incoming calls were reported as not working at the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital in Chomedey, the Sainte-Rose CLSC, the Louise-Vachon residence, the Centre hospitalier ambulatoire régional de Laval, and the Centre de réadaptation pour les jeunes en difficulté d’adaptation de Laval.
Patients are being advised to call 8-1-1 if they required services or clarifications about appointments, or 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
