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Laval man among three facing trafficking charges in Ontario

Martin C. Barry
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Laval man among three facing trafficking charges in Ontario

A 23-year-old man from Laval is one of three suspects facing drug and human trafficking charges after their vehicle was stopped and searched by Ontario Provincial Police at an ONroute rest stop along Highway 401.

The OPP were alerted on Thursday to the presence of the trio, which included a minor, by the regional police force for the area who said they had been tracking the phone of the minor who had been reported missing in Quebec.

The OPP finally located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Highway 401 Kingston ONroute.

The police determined that two of the passengers were victims of human trafficking.

During a search, they found around 500 grams of suspected cocaine, multiple weapons and a little less than $1,500 in Canadian currency.

According to a report published by the online news site QuinteNews, police also seized cell phones, as well as scales and materials associated with drug and human trafficking.

Mathis Bourgeois, 23, of Laval, Joseph-Jean Pevensly, 29, of Longueuil, and a youth from Magog who cannot be identified under Ontario’s Youth Criminal Justice Act were charged.

The charges include:

  • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
  • Human trafficking;
  • Human trafficking a person under 18;
  • Material benefit from trafficking in persons;
  • Material benefit from trafficking in persons under 18;
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000.

Additional charges filed against Bourgeois include:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
  • Failure to comply with a probation order – two counts;
  • Driving a motor vehicle with liquor readily available;
  • Driving a motor vehicle with cannabis readily available.

Shield of Athena launches new multilingual website

Laval News Contributor
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Shield of Athena launches new multilingual website

Shield of Athena has launched a new multilingual website. It was designed, according to the social services provider, to improve access to critical information, support services and resources for women and families experiencing domestic violence.

Shield of Athena says the new website, www.bouclierdathena.com, was created to provide more accessible and inclusive access to information for both victims of either conjugal or family violence, and the public in multiple languages.

The platform was designed to help people more easily find assistance, learn about available services, and connect with support regardless of linguistic or cultural barriers.

The launch comes at a time of growing concern in 2026 over the rise in femicides and gender-based violence.

Advocacy groups and frontline organizations across Canada report increasing rates of intimate partner violence and violence against women, highlighting an urgent need for accessible support systems and prevention resources.

In response to the crisis, Shield of Athena decided to develop the new website as a centralized, accessible resource hub where women could quickly find information on safety planning, counseling, legal accompaniment, interpretation services, youth and family support programs and community resources.

“By expanding multilingual accessibility online, the Shield of Athena aims to strengthen prevention and outreach efforts, promote equality, and reduce barriers to accessing resources for victims and other vulnerable community members who are facing linguistic barriers,” said Melpa Kamateros, Shield of Athena’s longtime executive-director.

“Through these efforts, we provide knowledge and options to individuals who are often marginalized and underserved within the system,” she added.

Koutrakis announces increase in 2026-2027 Canada Child Benefit payments

Martin C. Barry
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0
Koutrakis announces increase in 2026-2027 Canada Child Benefit payments

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government says it is lowering costs for families by strengthening the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a monthly tax-free payment to help families with the costs of raising children.

On Monday at the Laurus Camp located at the JFK school in Laval, Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families, announced that starting this month, the CCB will provide families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17, representing an increase of up to $160 per child under age 6 and up to $135 per child aged 6 to 17 compared to the previous year.

Nationally, the CCB supports about 3.6 million families caring for 6 million children, delivering approximately $30 billion in annual payments.

In Quebec alone, the CCB provides over $6.2 billion in benefits to approximately 892,000 families each year.

“The Canada Child Benefit continues to give families the stability they need to thrive,” Koutrakis said in a statement following the announcement.

“By adjusting payments to keep pace with the cost of living, we are ensuring parents have more money in their pockets for essentials like groceries, clothing, and child care, helping build stronger, more resilient households across the country,” she added.

According to the government, numerous research studies and reports have found that the CCB has had the following impact:

Laval’s firefighters extinguish blaze in Auteuil on de Bohème St.

Martin C. Barry
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Laval’s firefighters extinguish blaze in Auteuil on de Bohème St.

A fire that started last Saturday evening in the basement kitchen of a split-level home on de Bohème Street in Laval’s Auteuil district caused an estimated $150,000 in damage.

The firefighters noted immediately upon arriving before 9:35 pm that flames were visible in the basement.

Although the flames were spreading quickly, the firefighters succeeded in extinguishing the blaze before it inflicted more severe damage to the rest of the house.

An inspection to locate the source of the fire revealed it to be a kitchen stove whose touch-sensitive controls had apparently been triggered accidentally, causing some materials in close proximity to catch fire.

Damage to the building was estimated at $100,000 and $50,000 for furnishings and other interior contents.

STL fare drops to $1 on Sunday during smog alert

Martin C. Barry
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STL fare drops to $1 on Sunday during smog alert

On Sunday July 19, Laval Transit Corporation (STL) customers can ride the bus for $1 due to a smog alert issued for the Laval and Montreal regions by Environment Canada.

The special fare will apply all day on the entire STL regular network (buses and shared taxis).

To take advantage of this offer, you should pay on board with cash, credit card or debit card.

Launched in 2008, the STL’s annual smog alert program is unique in Canada.

It aims to promote the use of public transit rather than cars when air quality deteriorates to the point of falling below acceptable standards.

The STL is monitoring Environment Canada’s smog alerts until Labour Day.

City of Laval hosting televised viewing of FIFA World Cup final at Lausanne Park

Martin C. Barry
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0
City of Laval hosting televised viewing of FIFA World Cup final at Lausanne Park

Although MetLife Stadium in New Jersey USA is the place FIFA soccer fans want to be on Sunday afternoon when Spain and Argentina play the concluding match for the 2026 World Cup, the City of Laval is offering residents one of the next best things: a live public screening of the match in Lausanne Park in Vimont beginning at 3 pm.

“Bring your chairs, blankets, or snacks, and put on your team’s sweaters!,” the city says in an announcement posted on its website, while adding that the activity is organized in partnership with the AS Laval Football Club.

The site will be opening at 2 pm, with a few preliminary activities planned before the game’s start.

As access to the site will be via de Lausanne St., parking in the immediate area is expected to be limited.

However, it will be available in front of the soccer fields, at the Régent-Martimbeau Community Centre, and on surrounding streets (albeit subject to the regular parking regulations applicable on those streets).

There will be accessible parking for people with reduced mobility near the football pitches, and there will be toilets (also accessible) in the Régent-Martimbeau community centre, as well as “Johnny-on-the-spot” mobile toilets outside.

According to the city, dogs on leashes are welcome on the trails and grassy areas, although not in children’s playgrounds, on sports fields or in buildings.

The city says all bags will be checked before admission to the site, and food may be brought in a soft cooler or bag.

Plastic containers are permitted. However, glass containers, cans, hard coolers and cooking appliances are prohibited for safety reasons.

Bringing alcohol onto the site is totally prohibited, and there will be no sale or consumption of alcohol.

However, the AS Laval Football Club will be hosting a BBQ with food and drinks for sale.

A water fountain for refilling reusable containers will be available outside the Régent-Martimbeau Community Centre.

Electronic Recyling Association joins Fabre MNA to donate tech gear to Laval-Ouest Maison de la famille

Martin C. Barry
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0
Electronic Recyling Association joins Fabre MNA to donate tech gear to Laval-Ouest Maison de la famille

The Maison de la famille de Laval-Ouest will be able to upgrade its computer resources with new desktops, laptops, tablets and other IT accessories thanks to a donation announced by the Electronics Recycling Association (ERA) in conjunction with Fabre MNA Alice Abou-Khalil.

Together, according to a statement issued by the ERA, the association and Abou-Khalil (who is Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology in the CAQ government cabinet) donated:

  • 2 desktop computers
  • 3 laptops
  • 3 tablets
  • 1 projector
  • and 1 printer

“These devices will help strengthen the [Maison de la famille’s] ability to support families throughout the Laval community by providing greater access to technology for educational programs, administrative services, digital learning and community initiatives,” said the ERA.

The Maison De La Famille De Laval-Ouest supports families through programs that promote learning, inclusion and community well-being.

Through partnerships with businesses, governments, elected officials and community organizations, the ERA refurbishes and redistributes technology to charities, schools and non-profit organizations across Canada.

If your business or organization has retired computers, laptops, tablets, or other IT equipment, consider donating them to ERA at era.ca.

Branch 251 in Chomedey to mark Royal Canadian Legion’s Centennial in September

Martin C. Barry
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Branch 251 in Chomedey to mark Royal Canadian Legion’s Centennial in September
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 251 Sergeant at Arms Chuck Washburn and branch First Vice-President Dean McKay paid their respects during the 2022 Remembrance Day ceremony at the Laval War Cenotaph. (File photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

In 2026, The Royal Canadian Legion celebrates 100 years of service to Veterans, their families and communities across Canada.

As part of the centennial, Branch 251 will host an official Centennial Celebration and the unveiling of newly added commemorative bricks on the branch’s Commemoration Wall.

“This ceremony will bring together members, community partners, and invited dignitaries to reflect on a century of remembrance and service, while honouring the individuals whose names and memories are preserved on our Commemoration Wall,” says Patricia Vezina, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 251’s secretary.

According to Vezina, the Commemoration Wall stands as a lasting tribute within the branch.

Following a period of more than two decades without additions, the legion’s Centennial “has provided the opportunity to renew this meaningful initiative,” she added.

She said the newly engraved bricks will represent “a continuation of remembrance and a commitment to preserving our legacy for future generations, while leaving space for many more to be honoured in the years ahead.”

Branch 251 has served the Laval community for over 60 years and the members’ efforts extend well beyond Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Among other things, the branch members coordinate the annual Armistice Day Parade in Chomedey, welcoming over 600 cadets from the Laval area, while actively supporting 10 Cadet units by providing facilities for training, meetings and community activities.

Through Branch 251’s Poppy Campaign, members continue to provide financial support to Canadian Forces veterans, their families and community organizations.

Recent contributions have also supported Ste-Anne’s Veterans Hospital, Wounded Warriors, The Last Post Fund, as well as several local organizations serving vulnerable populations.

Branch 251 also works closely with the Sir-Wilfrid Laurier School Board and other local partners to support events and initiatives that strengthen the community.

BBQ blaze damages multi-unit home on Place Darieux in Chomedey

Martin C. Barry
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0
BBQ blaze damages multi-unit home on Place Darieux in Chomedey

Three people will be living temporarily outside their usual home on Place Darieux in Chomedey after a fire set off by a BBQ on a balcony caused $40,000 in damage to the building’s structure and $5,000 in damage to its contents.

The blaze just after 11 pm on Saturday July 11 at the four-unit home near Curé Labelle Blvd., a few blocks north of Saint Martin Blvd., broke out at the second-story level.

Firefighters traced the cause to a container of charcoal briquettes which had been used earlier in the evening for an outdoor BBQ.

Flames were beginning to spread up into the roof when the firefighters intervened to prevent further damage.

One person was treated by Urgences-Santé for smoke inhalation.

Daniel Jacob named head coach of Laval Rocket

Laval News Contributor
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0
Daniel Jacob named head coach of Laval Rocket

Laval Rocket General Manager John Sedgwick has announced the appointment of Daniel Jacob as head coach of the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League.

With over 15 years of experience in junior and professional hockey, Jacob served as an assistant coach for seven seasons with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, the Syracuse Crunch and the San Diego Gulls.

Jacob, 45, spent the last two seasons (2024-2025 and 2025-2026) with the Laval Rocket as an assistant coach. He served as the defensemen’s coach and oversaw the penalty kill units.

This is Jacob’s second stint with the Laval Rocket, having joined the team in its second year (2018-19 to 2020-21). He also served as an assistant coach with the San Diego Gulls and the Syracuse Crunch for one season each.

Before making the leap to the professional level as a coach, Jacob was an assistant coach for four seasons with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL. He also spent four seasons as an assistant coach for the McGill University team in USports.

Before making his coaching debut, the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu native played for McGill University for four seasons, following a brief stint with the Drummondville Voltigeurs organization in the QMJHL. He tallied 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) and 369 penalty minutes in 108 games at the Canadian university level.

He then finished his playing career with the San Antonio Rampage in the American Hockey League, before concluding his professional career with Innsbruck HC in Austria.

“The Montreal Canadiens organization is proud to promote Daniel Jacob to the position of head coach of the Laval Rocket,” said Sedgwick.

“Daniel is the right person for this role, and we have full confidence in his ability to continue to develop our young players in a competitive environment,” he added.

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