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Laval fast-tracks flood protection with $21.3 million more in infra funding from Quebec

Martin C. Barry
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Laval fast-tracks flood protection with $21.3 million more in infra funding from Quebec

Cities ‘on the front lines of the impacts,’ says climate minister Pascale Déry during stop in Vimont

Less than 48 hours after a torrential rain storm caused extensive flood damage in several neighborhoods of Montreal, officials from the provincial government and the City of Laval were on hand last Monday morning at a stormwater drain worksite in Vimont to announce a $21.3 million subsidy from Quebec to boost Laval’s ability to deal with a heightened risk of floods.

Among the stormwater drain infrastructure projects being undertaken by Laval this year is the modernization of systems in the Vimont district to reduce the risk of backups and stormwater flooding. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

An overdue modernization

Faced with increasingly frequent extreme rainfall events and the challenges posed by aging municipal infrastructure, the City of Laval says in a press release, the municipality is accelerating the modernization of its water systems to better adapt its territory to new climate realities.

This year alone, according to the city, more than $102 million will be invested in drinking water, sewer and stormwater management infrastructure throughout Laval, including $65 million funded by Quebec through various programs.

Laval is receiving the $21.3 million in financial aid through the Quebec government’s OASIS program to accelerate, over the next three years, the deployment of green drainage infrastructure designed to better manage stormwater and strengthen the Laval territory’s resilience to climate change.

Climate change’s impact

“Climate change has a real impact on our neighborhoods and requires us to act faster and invest more intelligently,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “Thanks to our ongoing efforts to secure funding and rigorous planning of our interventions, we are maximizing every dollar invested and accelerating the modernization of our water infrastructure.

“And thanks to the funding received through the OASIS program, we will take advantage of our projects in the coming years to integrate more sustainable stormwater management solutions directly into our neighborhoods,” he added. “The goal is simple: to better protect our residents today and prepare our city for the realities of tomorrow.”

“Municipalities are on the front lines of the impacts of climate change,” said Pascale Déry, Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change in the Coalition Avenir Québec government.

“Through the OASIS program, our government supports projects that adapt infrastructure to new realities,” she continued.

From the left, Vimont MNA Valérie Schmaltz, Quebec Environment and Fight Against Climate Change Minister Pascale Déry and Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer go over some points with supersize rainwater drain pipes ready to be buried at a work site in Vimont last Monday morning. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Reducing sewer overload

“The green spaces that will be deployed in Laval will be able to absorb a significant amount of rainwater, the equivalent of approximately seven Olympic-sized swimming pools, thus reducing sewer overload and the risk of flooding, while making neighborhoods greener and more pleasant for residents,” she said.

This year alone, according to the city, more than 40 kilometres of pipes will be upgraded in Laval, the equivalent of the distance between Laval and Mirabel.

The funding provided through the OASIS program will allow Laval to integrate more green drainage infrastructure into its street reconstruction projects over the next few years. Features, such as vegetated strips, drainage planting pits and bioretention areas, will allow for the capture, filtering and drainage of some rainwater directly into the ground rather than into the sewer system, in addition to reducing urban heat islands.

To optimize public investment, the infrastructure will be strategically placed primarily in areas where underground infrastructure work is already planned. This approach, according to the city, will allow for multiple interventions to be carried out simultaneously, limiting costs and maximizing benefits for residents.

Managing stormwater at source

The city says it is relying on an integrated approach to strengthen the performance of its infrastructure and increase the resilience of its territory. Complementary interventions planned by the city combine increasing the capacity of certain networks, rebuilding aging infrastructure, rehabilitating existing pipes without excavation, and deploying green infrastructure to manage stormwater at its source.

“Municipalities are on the front lines of the impacts of climate change,” said Pascale Déry, Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change in the Coalition Avenir Québec cabinet. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

This year alone, work will be carried out on nearly one hundred street sections in Laval, representing more than 40 kilometres of infrastructure. The approach, according to the city, will not only reduce the risks of overflows, backups, and stormwater flooding, but also protect natural environments while ensuring sustainable service for the population.

The city says the projects it has planned for this year will contribute to strengthening the capacity of municipal infrastructure while sustainably improving the Laval region’s resilience to extreme weather events.

Among the major projects currently underway are the ongoing construction of the Cartier retention basin, designed to reduce overflows into the Rivière des Prairies; the modernization of water infrastructure in the Vimont district to reduce the risk of backups and stormwater flooding; and the Mille-Îles Blvd. stabilization project.

Strategy to maintain assets

The city says the modernization of its water infrastructure is part of a strategy to maintain its assets. As part of Laval’s 2026-2028 Three-Year Capital Investment Program, the city is dedicating the majority of its investments to maintaining and modernizing its existing infrastructure. The city has chosen to allocate 75 per cent of its investments to maintaining existing municipal assets and 25 per cent to new projects.

Regarding the water networks, the city says interventions are prioritized based on rigorous technical analyses, taking into account factors such as the condition of the pipes, network capacity requirements, history of breaks and risks associated with extreme weather events.

Laval News Volume 34-13

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 34-13

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-13, published on June 24th, 2026.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

A Year of Adjustment and Investment at Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board

Alessandro Commisso
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A Year of Adjustment and Investment at Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board

Over the past year, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board has invested more than $12 million in infrastructure, expanded capacity in the North Shore and added hundreds of new classroom technologies. Those moves have marked a significant period under chairman James Di Sano’s leadership.

“When I came in, there was a need to improve our infrastructures across the organization,” said Di Sano. “Not just Laval, but across the North Shore.”

Rather than concentrating funds into one major project, the board spread the investment across multiple schools. Some saw significant upgrades, particularly older flagship buildings, while others received more modest improvements that nonetheless address pressing issues.

“We invested to respond to the needs of the respective communities,” he said, emphasizing that each region required a different approach.

At the same time, the board has expanded to meet rising enrolment in certain areas. A similar trend is unfolding in Saint-Jérôme, where Laurentia Elementary has reached capacity. In response, the board opted to expand beyond its original site, acquiring a second property with support from the Ministry of Education for just over $5.5 million. Located roughly 12 minutes from the main building, the new site will serve as a secondary campus to better accommodate growing student needs. The building required minimal work to become operational and provides an opportunity for future expansion if enrolment continues to rise.

Growth all across the regions has required more immediate solutions. At Mountain View Elementary in Deux-Montagnes, rising enrolment led to the installation of portable classrooms, modular units connected directly to the main building. These portable classrooms are a cost-effective way to expand schools immediately.

“It’s like another wing to the school,” he said, noting that the additions can range from single-level units to multi-storey extensions depending on demand.

Rather than viewing the expansion as a strain, Di Sano frames it differently. “It’s to respond to the growing numbers, which is a fantastic position to be in.”

James Di Sano, Chairmen of the Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board in his office.

Investing in more technology

Beyond physical space, the board has also focused on modernizing classrooms. Over the past year, it installed 398 new smartboards, representing an investment of approximately $1.3 million. These investments have taken place across a system that remains uniquely complex. The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board spans Laval, the Laurentians and Lanaudière, covering a vast territory with 40 schools and centres serving very different communities.

“Collectively, the territory of our board is the size of Belgium,” he said. “It’s not always one size fits all. It’s impossible. We adapt ourselves to the specific region and clientele that we’re servicing.”

That geographic diversity is reflected in enrolment trends. While some schools in Laval are seeing declining numbers, others in the surrounding regions are growing steadily.

“We’re losing in Laval, but we’re growing in the regions,” he explained.

Inevitable budget cuts

The challenge for the board has been to respond to both realities at once, expanding when needed while maintaining stability elsewhere. That balancing act has been further complicated by financial constraints. Like many school boards across Quebec, the school board had to contend with budget pressures that force difficult decisions.

“When I came in, it was to make the board more transparent, more accountable, and more fiscally responsible,” he said.

Those principles have shaped how the board has managed cuts. Rather than scaling back services outright, efforts have focused on restructuring and reallocating resources internally.

“If you’re cutting me here, I’m going to go find it here to pay for it,” he acknowledged. “We do the best that we can with the resources that we have.”

Community above all

Amid those pressures, Di Sano points to community involvement as a defining strength of the board. Within the English-language sector, parent engagement remains a consistent driver of school life. That involvement came into focus at Our Lady of Peace Elementary in Laval West, where a new playground structure opened last fall after years of fundraising efforts by parents.

“The parents took five or six years to raise the money,” he admitted. “And the difference that they were missing, we committed to funding.”

The result reflects a broader reality across the board’s schools, where projects are often shaped by collaboration between families and administration.

Student experience has also remained part of the board’s focus. Efforts to promote inclusion included raising the Pride flag at head office, a move Di Sano says is intended to encourage dialogue and understanding.

“It’s very important that students come together and have meaningful conversations about inclusion and respect,” he said.

Academic achievement has continued alongside these initiatives. At Laval Senior Academy, students hosted the Montreal Regional Science and Technology Fair, with several participants advancing to higher levels of competition in the United States.

Looking back on the year, there is no single defining initiative. Instead, what emerges is a pattern of response and adaptation. Investments in infrastructure and technology have been paired with expansion in growing regions and ongoing efforts to maintain services elsewhere.

Through it all, Di Sano returns to a consistent focus.

“Our collective duty and responsibility are to ensure the success of our students.”

Committed to mobility, STL files activity report for a ‘challenging’ 2025

Martin C. Barry
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Committed to mobility, STL files activity report for a ‘challenging’ 2025

The Société de transport de Laval (STL), which released its 2025 activity report last month, said the year was marked by persistent economic challenges, but also progress in terms of the future development of mobility on its territory, particularly in terms of electrification and on-demand transportation in industrial areas.

Bus in Laval Qc.

“In a context marked by austerity and budgetary constraints, the STL has also been able to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and optimization, while placing the customer experience at the heart of its operations,” stated Laval city councillor for Vimont Pierre Brabant, chairman of the STL board of directors.

“Alongside the ongoing funding challenges, the STL has made it a priority in 2025 to guarantee quality service to its customers, on the one hand, and to support its teams to foster a healthy, safe, and inclusive work environment, on the other,” said Josée Roy, the STL’s CEO.

Well-being and commitment

“More than ever, we are convinced that the success of our mission depends on the well-being and commitment of the women and men who carry it out every day,” she added.

The STL said it continued its mission to serve the residents of Laval, while ensuring the efficiency and optimization of its resources. However, according to the transit agency, ridership in 2025 was down 2.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

The STL board attributed the decrease to various external factors, including adjustments to service offerings, exceptional weather conditions, including storms and heat waves, as well as periods of strike action at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the impact of which was felt on the Laval network.

Despite the slight decline, public transit ridership in Laval remained the highest in the metropolitan region, said the STL. “This result demonstrates the continued importance of public transit in the travel habits of Laval residents, even in a less favorable economic climate,” stated the annual report.

Paratransit trips up 5 per cent

A graphic designer’s rendering of the exterior of the STL’s new garage facility to house and service its fleet of electric buses.

The STL said paratransit has been following an opposite trend, with a five per cent increase in trips, surpassing 2019 levels, totaling nearly 550,000 trips for the year. Initiated in 2024, paratransit service optimization efforts continued in 2025 “to better reflect actual ridership on the network,” the STL said.

In spite of a demanding budgetary context, the STL said it demonstrated agility by redesigning its service to meet anticipated mobility needs and facilitate access to new express stations for its customers. Five additional routes were also added to support ridership, particularly in western Laval, and to optimize connectivity between networks.

To support economic growth in industrial sectors, the STL said it launched three new on-demand taxi routes. The initiatives aimed to improve worker mobility in these sectors, particularly in western Laval.

To meet budget rationalization requirements of the Metropolitan Regional Transportation Authority and to contribute to metropolitan efforts in this area, the STL continued its efforts to optimize its administrative expenses in 2025.

Paratransit partner with STM

In addition to continuing to adjust its service offerings based on ridership on its network, the STL entered into a partnership with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) to take over the reservation centre and paratransit services for Laval residents, effective January 1, 2026.

The year 2025 also marked a significant milestone in the STL’s energy transition. Progress on the future electrified garage – the largest infrastructure project since the STL’s inception – paved the way for the imminent arrival of the first new-generation electric buses, according to the transit agency.

The agency said this major transformation will require profound changes, impacting infrastructure, work practices and staff skills. “This strategic project is fully aligned with the STL’s commitment to an energy transition and more sustainable mobility,” they said.

The STL’s 2025 performance results indicated that customer satisfaction with regular transit saw a slight decrease, primarily due to service adjustments implemented during the year.

Former STL chair reacts

The nearly 30 projects will help improve the STL’s performance, according to STL president David De Cotis.

Reacting to the STL report, Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis (who chaired the STL’s board from 2013-2017) faulted the transit agency primarily for a lack of transparency, while maintaining that nothing was said of the STL’s recent cuts in service brought on by a supply-chain-generated shortage of spare parts.

While the service cuts were actually implemented in the first few months of 2026, De Cotis said there should have been some mention of the problem in the 2025 report because the problem started last year, he claimed.

“It started in 2025 because they knew about it,” said De Cotis. “The parts weren’t coming in in February and March. They knew about that last November. It wasn’t something new. There’s absolutely no mention of what happened, of why it happened, and what they would do to prevent it from happening again.”

De Cotis also noted that other public transit agencies in the Montreal region were facing similar circumstances, but didn’t report any supply chain problems. Although Action Laval had asked for an inquiry to be held, the Mouvement lavallois council majority voted the motion down, he added.

Charges pending against 18-year-old who crashed into school

Martin C. Barry
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Charges pending against 18-year-old who crashed into school

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.

De Cotis, Barrasso and Uva lead community cleanup at Lausanne Park

Martin C. Barry
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De Cotis, Barrasso and Uva lead community cleanup at Lausanne Park

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.”

Laval Police Department tables an encouraging 2025 activity report

Martin C. Barry
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Laval Police Department tables an encouraging 2025 activity report

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.

2026 Laval Firefighters’ Race draws a record 12,100 runners

Martin C. Barry
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2026 Laval Firefighters’ Race draws a record 12,100 runners

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.

Portion of Méga Centre Notre-Dame being redeveloped into a light-industrial park

Martin C. Barry
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Portion of Méga Centre Notre-Dame being redeveloped into a light-industrial park

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.

Laval had a 128 per cent hike in housing starts last year: economic report

Martin C. Barry
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Laval had a 128 per cent hike in housing starts last year: economic report

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.

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