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Marquise VIII offers an opportunity for stylish living to empty nesters

Martin C. Barry
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Marquise VIII offers an opportunity for stylish living to empty nesters

In Chomedey, work begins on ‘a gorgeous jewel set in an urban oasis’

The climax of an exciting and ambitious chapter in the history of residential development in Laval got underway earlier this month when a ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction for the eighth and final tower of the Marquise on Jean-Béraud Ave. in Chomedey.

For Michel Guilbault, executive vice-president of development at Dév Méta which was a key player in the rental condo project, it was the approaching conclusion of a long journey that began in 2012 when he first guided efforts to raise the first towers of the Marquise project.

Investors, developers and project leaders are seen here with City of Laval councillor for Renaud Seta Topouzian (centre), representing the mayor, during the ground-turning for the final phase of the Marquis project. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

‘A leap forward,’ says mayor’s rep

Doing the honors on behalf of Mayor Stéphane Boyer during the groundbreaking, Laval city councillor for Renaud Seta Topouzian said Marquis VIII was doing its part to help the City of Laval take “a leap forward into the future,” while helping to define the values and direction of the city in the years ahead.

The final phase of an elegant project situated in the heart of Laval, Marquise VIII might also be a last chance for some to reserve one of the 137 high-end units in a tastefully landscaped setting near autoroutes 15 and 440, around the Centropolis, the Carrefour Laval and many fashionable shops and restaurants.

‘Jewel in an urban oasis’

Billed by its developers as “a gorgeous jewel set in an urban oasis” within a vast and exclusive complex, Marquise VIII is sure also to attract many of the same type of former local homeowners who chose to invest in the earlier phases of the project.

Following the groundbreaking, a toast to the success of Phase VIII of the Marquise residential project. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

A large portion of the Marquise’s previous clientele included a mix of professionals and retirees looking for luxurious, maintenance-free living in a neighbourhood they know and trust – but that clearly has undergone a transformation for the better in a new incarnation.

Marquise’s lofty towers are surrounded by lush pathways, with spectacular fountains standing out as pièces de résistance on grounds worthy of an elite residence.

Adapted to an evolving market

As Marquise director of sales Geneviève Lussier explained during an interview with The Laval News, the development team succeeded in meeting the needs of condo purchasers, as well as those of rental clients, in spite of changing conditions in the housing market.

“The project had initially been conceived as a co-ownership,” she said. “With the evolution of the market, we were able to adapt and to listen to the needs of our clients who expressed a need for rental, and not just co-ownership.”

However, added Lussier, the majority of Marquise’s clients remain local downsizers, who want to transition to a new way of living after retiring and selling the home – while maintaining the same quality of life.

According to Guilbault, it’s part of a growing trend being seen increasingly by Quebec condo and housing developers.

Marquise VIII will be located on Jean-Béraud Ave. in Chomedey near downtown Laval. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

A new home at Marquise

“We’re seeing more and more empty nesters who are leaving their homes and they’re looking for something with an equal amount of comfort and sufficient space,” he said. “That’s what we are delivering with Marquise, since our units are larger than average.”

“Everything you leave behind at home you will find at Marquise all over again,” said Lusssier. “And more,” Guilbault added.

Among the Marquise VIII’s amenities are an outdoor pool complemented by a grassy terrace, as well as common spaces for gym workouts, for cooking, gatherings and other types of activity – all of which are designed to encourage a sense of community and belonging.

‘Lilac Benefit’ brings Shield of Athena closer to $5 million funding goal

Martin C. Barry
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‘Lilac Benefit’ brings Shield of Athena closer to $5 million funding goal
CJAD Radio host Joanne Vrakas, right, and Global TV’s Eramalinda Boquer take bids during a live auction segment for art pieces at the Lilac fundraiser. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Laval shelter now 85 per cent completed, according to executive-director Melpa Kamateros

Nearly 200 supporters of emergency shelters for women and children fleeing abusive households were guests on Saturday Nov. 23 at Shield of Athena’s annual “Lilac” Benefit Gala, raising as much as $150,000 for the cause during the non-profit’s gourmet dinner and art auction event at the Embassy Plaza in Chomedey.

For more than 30 years, many women and children who have been facing domestic crises in the greater Montreal region have turned to the Shield of Athena for help.

Though it’s been around for three decades, Shield of Athena’s biggest expansion to date is the Second Step Shelter in Laval. Shield of Athena’s goal is to ultimately raise $5 million over the next few years for its emergency shelters.

Michelle Sweeney and her band put on a good show for guests during Shield of Athena’s Lilac event. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

Power generator needed

The purpose of the event was to raise money to expand Shield of Athena’s first emergency shelter which is in Montreal. At the same time, funds would also go towards the purchase of an emergency power generator for the shelter in Laval, said executive-director Melpa Kamateros.

“If the shelter freezes, what are you going to do: are you going to put vulnerable women and children out?” Kamateros said in an interview with The Laval News regarding the latter need.

Since the pandemic and the ensuing constraints placed on Shield of Athena’s services because of a rise in demand, the organization has been navigating “uncharted financial waters,” said Kamateros.

Laval shelter nearly finished

Shield of Athena president Chris-Ann Nakis and executive-director Melpa Kamateros are seen here with Sam Norouzi, senior vice-president and general manager of Montreal’s ICI multicultural TV network, an outstanding supporter of Shield of Athena’s efforts. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Newsfirst Multimedia)

“What we hope is that with events like this, as well as the generosity of people and companies and businesses that keep on giving, we’ll be able to keep on providing our services.”

According to Kamateros, the Laval shelter is now 85 per cent completed, although its location will always be kept confidential in order to safeguard the women and children who will be sheltered there.

Hosted by CJAD Radio weekend morning show host Joanne Vrakas along with Global TV’s Eramalinda Boquer, the evening featured gourmet dining and live music, including performances by musicians from the Montreal Classical Orchestra and Michelle Sweeney with her singers and band.

Raffle and art auction

Guests were also invited to take part in an auction of artworks by some very talented Montreal-area artists, as well as a raffle for luxurious prizes. In addition to helping double the capacity of Shield of Athena’s first shelter, funds raised will help finish building the 17-unit Second Step shelter in Laval.

Among the major sponsors for Shield of Athena’s work are the Azrieli Foundation, Schwartz’s, the Papadimitriou Family, Scotia Bank, the Fairmount Queen Elizabeth, the Montreal Classical Orchestra, Direct Travel, CJAD Radio and Global TV.

From the left, CJAD Radio host Joanne Vrakas, Global TV host Eramalinda Boquer, Shield of Athena president Chris-Ann Nakis and guests.
ICI TV’s Sam Norouzi with guests during Shield of Athena’s Lilac fundraiser.

Made in Quebec, produced in Laval

Martin C. Barry
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Made in Quebec, produced in Laval

Laval C of C launches ‘buy local’ campaign in time for Christmas

Working closely with the Legault government, as well as the City of Laval and a lobby of producers and retailers across Quebec, the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIL) has launched a campaign to encourage consumers to “buy local” as they contemplate their purchases for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

A $1.4 million campaign

Held at Laval branch of the Oberson Sports chain on des Laurentides Blvd., the launch attracted some notable stakeholding officials, including Sainte-Rose MNA Christopher Skeete who is a Delegated Minister for the Economy in the Legault cabinet, Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer and several local MNAs.

The CCIL’s “buy local” campaign launch drew stakeholders in boosting the Laval economy, including Mayor Stéphane Boyer, Quebec’s Delegated Minister for the Economy Christopher Skeete, CCIL officials and several Laval-areas MNAs. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

According to the CCIL, the goal of the $1.4 million promotion is to provide a boost to the local economy, while drawing attention to local businesses that cast Laval in a positive light.

The campaign will be implemented through various visual channels, including billboards located along Laval’s autoroutes, in buses and bus shelters, on social media and through in-store customer-contact and visual displays.

Made in Quebec

Among other things, store customers are invited to become actively involved by awarding “stars” to their favourite merchants and businesses, lighting up a virtual Christmas tree in the process.

Skeete, who was born and raised in Laval and is the Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, noted that buying local is increasingly a trend.

“The tendency towards local purchasing continues to grow, which is why it’s all the more relevant for businesses to obtain a meaningful and reliable certification like that offered by LPDQ,” he said, referring to Les Produits du Québec, a lobby group representing manufacturers and retailers who are based in Quebec.

Buy in Laval, Boyer urges

Mayor Boyer suggested it’s no coincidence the campaign is getting underway just as the Christmas season is also about to start. “Our city is filled with entrepreneurs, artisans and business operators who drive the dynamic in Laval, so that our city has become a choice destination for making purchases, be they for small or major occasions,” he said.

“By throwing our support behind this campaign, we are inviting each and every Laval resident to make a choice which can end up making a real difference,” he added.

Elfi Morin, general manager of the LPDQ, said that certifying products as having been produced in Quebec has advantages for businesses as well as for consumers. “Quebecers want to know where the products they are consuming come from,” she said.

“The tendency towards local purchasing continues to grow,” said Skeete. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Guaranteed by certification

“These certification marks – Product of Quebec, Made in Quebec and Designed in Quebec – guarantee the Quebec origin of non-food items, showcasing the talent and the innovation of our entrepreneurs, while underlining the positive impact that buying local has on our economy and our environment.

“By choosing certified products, we are doing much more than buying: we are investing in the future of our community,” added Morin.

Caroline De Guire, president of the CCIL, was more than pleased that the chamber had decided to partner with strategic players on the campaign rather than doing it alone.

“A campaign of this magnitude can’t be done alone,” she said. “We acknowledge the exemplary mobilization undertaken by our partners, all of whom answered the call with enthusiasm.”

Protectionism worries

But at the same time, De Guire noted that the campaign is being launched as new concerns have arisen among business owners in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada over protectionism, including access to materials and products coming from other regions and countries.

“This initiative is our way of responding meaningfully on behalf of our manufacturers and retailers, who are confronted by unprecedented disruptions in their supply chains, amplified by the rise of protectionism and a geopolitical context which is evolving constantly,” she said.

Part of the campaign distinguishes itself through the use of a new in-store advertising technology furnished by Laval-based AddAd Média. The company is providing animated light screens set up inside participating stores, featuring key messages and information about the importance of buying local.

Covid economic impact

The CCIL notes that although the effects of the Covid pandemic are for the most part over, the long-term economic after-effects stand to continue being felt for some time to come.

“In a context where the repercussions of the pandemic are still being felt, buying local more than ever is a key economic and social issue,” the chamber’s leadership said in a statement.

“The crisis revealed the vulnerability of global supply chains, underscoring the essential importance for having a local economy that is resilient. By choosing to consume locally, people from Laval are contributing towards strengthening the resilience of their community, while supporting the creation of jobs and reducing the ecological imprint.”

Laval donates a record $418,408 to Centraide Montréal

Martin C. Barry
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0
Laval donates a record $418,408 to Centraide Montréal

While non-profit organizations report a drop in donations lately, employees as well as retirees formerly employed by the City of Laval have shown themselves to be the exception to the rule through a record-breaking donation to Centraide Montreal.

In their annual contribution to the Montreal region’s centralized charitable services organization, the city’s current staff along with retirees contributed a total of $418,408.

This will in turn be going to 26 non-profit charities in the greater Montreal region which provide services to combat poverty and social exclusion.

Benoit Collette, director-general City of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, mayor, Claude Pinard, president and CEO of Centraide du Grand Montréal, Tania Fonrose, director of Laval’s citizen relations department and Cecilia Macedo, official speaker for city council and city councillor for Marigot. (Photo: Martin Alarie)

“Taking into account the extreme nature of the needs, the solidarity of the members of the city’s teams makes a real difference,” said Laval city councillor for the district of Marigot Cecilia Macedo, who is the official speaker of Laval city council and who was honorary co-chair of city’s fundraiser for Centraide Montréal.

“Their exceptional commitment bears witness to their generosity towards supporting all those who need it the most,” she added. “For this, I am profoundly grateful.”

A business model at the service of the Laval community

As part of Social Economy Month, the City of Laval, in close cooperation with its economic development service, as well as Laval économique and the Pôle régional d’économie sociale de Laval (PRESL), recently announced the adoption by city council of the first official policy for social economy in Laval.

According to a statement issued by the city, Laval hopes to gain recognition for its leadership in collective entrepreneurialism. The policy would allow a contribution of collective entrepreneurialism to economic development on the territory to be maximized, while encouraging citizen commitment.

“I am extremely proud to see that our first policy for social economy in Laval has been launched,” said Laval city councillor for Marigot Cecilia Macedo, president of city council, who is also responsible for the social economy dossier.

“This policy dedicated exclusively to collective entrepreneurialism equips us with precise orientations that will allow us to be distinguished across Quebec,” she added.

“Our investments already are greatly significant, but we hope that the policy and the action plan that will follow will incite greater interest for the creation and the development of collective enterprises, in addition to facilitating the development of productive and distinctive projects to benefit all residents of Laval,” said Macedo.

Laval has more than 270 businesses on its territory which operate on the social economy model. Employing more than 5,000 persons, the businesses are estimated to generate $548 million in revenue.

“At Laval économique, the businesses in Laval are at the heart of the preoccupations of our team of experts,” says Lidia Divry, Laval économique’s director.

“While it remains still largely unknown, collective entrepreneurship as a business model answers to the values and ambitions of many dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs,” she adds.

“Our ultimate goal is to motivate new and impactful projects, while allowing Laval to be able to position itself as a leader in the use of this entrepreneurial model.”

Laval observes World Children’s Day with renewed commitment

On Wednesday Nov. 20, more than 1,000 persons, many of them grade- and high-school students, took part in an outdoor walk to mark World Children’s Day.

The initiative, drawing attention to the City of Laval’s status as a child-friendly municipality, brought together students, parents, teachers and members of several community groups, along with members of Laval city council.

Among the schools and organizations participating were the Maison des enfants Le Dauphin de Laval, École primaire les Quatre-Vents and École secondaire Saint-Maxime.

“Laval places families at the centre of its priorities with a strong commitment in favour of the rights of children,” said Laval city councillor for Renaud Seta Topouzian, who is responsible for dossiers involving children.

“It is with great pride that we work closely with the community organizations in Laval who work constantly on offering a healthy and diverse environment to our youths,” she said. She noted that 2024 marks the 10th year since Laval obtained its statute as a Municipalité amie des enfants.

Another victory for the opposition in Ottawa?

Martin C. Barry
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Another victory for the opposition in Ottawa?

Liberals cancel $250 cheques to people with incomes up to $150,000

Despite the NDP’s refusal to support the Trudeau government’s $250 cheque program, three of the Laval region’s Liberal MPs didn’t disagree last week with a Trudeau cabinet minister’s assertion that it was right for the government not to include senior citizens already benefiting from federal subsidy programs.

Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis, Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury and Alfred-Pellan MP Angelo Iacono held a press conference at Supermarché PA in Chomedey with Hochelaga Liberal MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who is Canada Economic Development Quebec minister in the Trudeau cabinet.

Managers with the Supermarché PA food store chain are seen here on Nov. 24 with three of Laval’s four Liberal MPs during the announcement of the GST tax holiday and the aborted $250 cheque plan. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

NDP support lost

At that time, before the government was forced to postpone the $250 one-time payments because of the NDP’s refusal to back it up, the Laval MPs expressed support for the $250 cheques, as well as for the GST exemption.

(Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Liberal MP Yves Robillard, who has maintained a low profile since first being elected in 2015, was notably absent.)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had announced the $6.28-billion plan that included $4.68-billion to send most working Canadians $250 cheques by spring.

$1.6 billion GST cut

At the same time, Trudeau announced a $1.6-billion proposal to drop the GST over the Christmas season on a wide range of products, including children’s toys and restaurant meals, over a period of two months.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who initially supported the cheques and the sales tax cut, later took a more critical view, saying that while he supported the GST measure, the plan for the cheques left out retirees, students and people with disabilities.

But up until last week, Laval’s MPs seemed unanimous in their support for both.

“As I knock on doors in my riding, my constituents tell me they are worried about the cost of food, gifts and clothes this holiday season,” said Koutrakis, maintaining this was the main reason the Trudeau government decided to provide financial assistance at this time.

“And though inflation is coming down, they need more help,” she added.

Already helped seniors, says Minister

Responding to questions that arose about the Liberal government’s failure to include seniors and others in the cheque program, Martinez Ferrada said last week, “We have in the past helped a lot of seniors … We put in place a dental care program directly at the beginning for seniors.”

As well, she added, the government helped a lot of seniors during the pandemic, noting that the Trudeau government increased the pension supplement for retirees more than 75 years old. “So, we have done an admirable job and will continue to do so,” the Minister said.

She said that during the upcoming Christmas season, seniors will be among the millions of Canadians who will have access to the GST tax exemption – “and I think it’s a measure that touches everybody.”

Not buying votes, says Ferrada

Another criticism which was lobbed at the Liberal government – especially by the official opposition Conservatives – was that the $250 cheque program was an example of the Trudeau government’s “buying votes” through subsidies paid out, especially during the Covid pandemic.

“We’re not in an election right now,” argued Ferrada, maintaining that the next federal election is only officially scheduled to take place in October 2025. “But we will continue with this work,” she continued.

“My constituents tell me they are worried about the cost of food, gifts and clothes,” Vimy Liberal MP Annie Koutrakis said while announcing the Trudeau government’s latest subsidy plan. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

“During the pandemic the government was there to support Canadians. And now even though the economy is in a good place, people don’t feel it in their pockets. So, we have to make sure we give them that support now during Christmas which is the highest and most costly time of year.”

PA says it’s ready for GST cut

At Supermarché PA on Samson Blvd. in Chomedey last week, the food store chain’s general manager of operations said they were confident they could implement changes to their GST tax calculation system in a timely and efficient manner.

“We have everything in place and we are coordinating everything to have everything ready for December 14,” said Patricia Chouinard. The chain currently has five stores in the greater Montreal region, including the one on Samson Blvd. in Laval.

Last week, the Bloc Québécois raised the issues to another level of debate by inviting representatives from organizations representing seniors and pensioners to speak out.

Exclusion angers seniors

“Two hundred and fifty dollars for someone making a net $150,000 is a drop in the ocean, but two hundred and fifty dollars for someone making $22,000 a year is a lot,” said Pierre Lynch of the Quebec Association for the Defense of Pensioners’ Rights. “It is not normal that the elderly were not taken into account from the beginning, for a measure aimed at giving air to those who need it,” he added.

The 5% exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST) will come into effect on December 15 and will affect a range of consumer products, from food at restaurants to Christmas gifts, books and alcohol.

Restaurant lobby group Restaurants Canada said it was pleased with the federal government’s announcement of a two-month GST holiday for restaurant meals. The restaurant industry is doing worse today than at any time in recent history, including the pandemic.

More than half (53%) of restaurant companies operate at a loss or simply make a loss. Canadians are cutting back on discretionary spending due to the economic crisis. At the same time, restaurants have large debt loads and their operating expenses have increased by at least 20%.

Impact on restaurants

When the GST was introduced in 1991, it led to an immediate reduction in meals eaten in restaurants. The food services sector suffered an 11% decline in actual sales, 7% of which was attributed to GST. The GST tax holiday could lead to a 5% increase in sales for the average restaurant. For a restaurant with $1.5 million in sales, that would result in an additional $5,700 in sales per month.

Laval News Volume 32-23

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 32-23

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 32-23, published on December 4th, 2024.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

Front page of The Laval News.
Front page of The Laval News, December 4th, 2024 issue.

Laval firefighters retrieve corpse from Rivière des Prairies near Hydro-Québec power dam

Martin C. Barry
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Laval firefighters retrieve corpse from Rivière des Prairies near Hydro-Québec power dam
Hydro-Québec’s power production facility on the Rivière-des-Prairies just south of Laval. (Photo: Courtesy Hydro-Québec)

The Laval Police have confirmed that firefighters on Monday managed to recover the remains of a deceased person found in the waters of the Rivière des Prairies a short distance from Hydro-Québec’s electric power station on the southern edge of Duvernay in Laval.

According to a Hydro-Québec spokesperson contacted by TVA Nouvelles, the unidentified remains might have originated upstream, but were prevented from going any further after reaching the power dam.

According to TVA Nouvelles, Hydro-Québec temporarily shut down power production at the station Monday evening while major crimes investigators from the Laval Police were on the scene.

Update: Overnight accident leaves damaged Mercedes sprawled in middle of Notre Dame Blvd.

Martin C. Barry
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Update: Overnight accident leaves damaged Mercedes sprawled in middle of Notre Dame Blvd.

Accident investigators with the Laval Police on Saturday morning were trying to piece together the circumstances of a serious car accident overnight when the driver of a Mercedes SUV lost control while apparently travelling at high speed along Notre Dame Blvd. near 101st Ave. in Chomedey.

The accident, which left the Mercedes in the middle of Notre Dame toppled on its side, also left behind a field of debris, the result of striking several parked cars at high speed.

According to a resident who was on the scene several hours later, part of Notre Dame was closed Saturday morning and afternoon as investigators analyzed the situation before filing an accident report.

“One car was hit so badly that it was moved from its parking spot on the street and was shoved into the parking driveway of a private house,” said the resident.

The Laval News contacted the Laval Police for additional information. By Saturday evening, they provided the following account.

Around 2:15 am Saturday, according to the LPD, a luxury SUV with three people aboard was rolling westward on Notre Dame.

A little past 100th avenue, the driver lost control and collided with a parked vehicle.

This vehicle in turn was pushed by the force of the collision into a second parked vehicle.

In spite of this, the driver of the SUV continued along Notre Dame, but soon hit yet another parked vehicle, after which the SUV flipped onto its side and stopped.

According to the police report, a female passenger in the back seat of the SUV had to be taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries, although they were not life-threatening.

The driver, a 22-year-old male, was placed under arrest for being impaired while at the wheel.

As well, according to the LPD, he was driving despite the fact his driver’s license was suspended.

Planned projects suggest a looming building boom in Laval

Martin C. Barry
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0
Planned projects suggest a looming building boom in Laval

A flurry of major construction projects in Laval announced over the last few weeks suggests that a building boom – usually considered a significant positive economic indicator – may well be underway in the region.

Leading the list is a two-tower residential rental apartment project at the Carrefour Laval mall, announced on Nov. 18 by Toronto-based commercial real estate investor/operator Cadillac Fairview (CF).

A first phase of the development will feature 365 units across the two towers, featuring 20 and 11 floors respectively, sharing a six-storey podium housing the development’s common areas, including a swimming pool and other amenities.

From the left at the official groundbreaking for CF’s residential project at Carrefour Laval., Sal Iacono, President & CEO of Cadillac Fairview; Céline Haytayan, Member of the Quebec National Assembly; cabinet minister Christopher Skeete; Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval; Brian Salpeter, Executive Vice President of Development, Cadillac Fairview, and Jeroen Henrich, Senior Vice President of Development, Cadillac Fairview. (CNW Group/Cadillac Fairview)

In a statement issued by CF, they say their “foray into the residential rental sector is in line with the company’s diversification strategy within its existing land bank to address Canada’s critical housing shortage.”

“The exciting evolution of this property is a strong reflection of our ongoing commitment to the city of Laval.” said Brian Salpeter, executive vice-president for development at Cadillac Fairview.

Carrefour Laval, which first opened in 1974, celebrated its 50th anniversary last March.

The centre currently has 266 stores and is recognized as Quebec’s most productive retail destination, according to the International Council of Shopping Centres’ annual rankings in Canada.

Construction of the new residential project was set to commence before the end of November, with initial occupancy expected in summer 2027.

In commercial and industrial development, Monarch Specialties (a company that may be familiar to those who travel northward on the A-13 just past the link to the A-440) recently announced the start of construction on a major expansion of its warehouse, with Groupe Montoni carrying out principal work on the $50 million project.

In 2007, Montoni built Monarch’s very first building in Laval. Seven years later, in 2014, the two companies collaborated again on a first expansion of Monarch’s facilities to meet growing needs.

A rendering of Monarch’s upcoming expanded warehouse project. (Photo: Courtesy Monarch)

Monarch, widely regarded as a leader in the North American furniture and home decor industry, says the project will include three premises, including the warehouse to meet a growing demand for Monarch products as well as an ambition to expand home decor offerings.

According to the company, two additional spaces will also be available for lease, allowing other companies to benefit from Monarch’s strategic location at an increasingly important crossroads, a short distance from Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

Calling the move “a strategic investment in the future,” Monarch says the expansion will enable them to significantly increase inventory capacity and to improve its logistics processes.

They say the project is part of the company’s strategy to diversify and expand into new market segments, including upholstery and bedroom furniture, while adding that Monarch continues to strengthen its position in the North American market through strong partnerships with major companies that include Wal-Mart, Costco, Amazon and Wayfair.

Finally, the Canadian government had some good news recently for those who may have been wondering when a lasting resolution might be found for the country’s worsening housing crisis.

Laval was among nine Canadian cities where the federal government plans to release a dozen properties from its real estate portfolio to be added to the Canada Public Land Bank for redevelopment into affordable housing.

The former ‘Vieux Pen’ prison facility in Laval’s St. Vincent de Paul district is on a federal government list of properties slated for affordable residential development. (Photo: Courtesy Government of Canada)

The properties in Laval include the former Laval Penitentiary (Le Vieux Pen) on Montée Saint-François in St. Vincent de Paul, and a tract of vacant land located next to a low-rise federal government administrative building at 1575 Chomedey Blvd.

“Wherever possible, the government will turn these properties into housing through a long-term lease, to support affordable housing and ensure public land stays public,” said a statement issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Vimont children’s daycare workers face charges of assault

Martin C. Barry
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Vimont children’s daycare workers face charges of assault

The Laval Police say they have arrested two workers at a daycare centre on des Laurentides Blvd. in Vimont, who face allegations that they assaulted children less than five years old.

The two accused, ages 54 and 60 respectively, were until recently employees at the Garderie Paradis des Laurentides.

They were arrested last Wednesday.

A summary of the accusations filed by the LPD maintains the assaults happened this past September and October.

The LPD said an arrest warrant was also issued for a third suspect to face similar charges.

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