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$20 million allocated by Laval and Carney government for Pont-Viau development

Martin C. Barry
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$20 million allocated by Laval and Carney government for Pont-Viau development

City moves to accelerate new housing and revitalization in Cartier Metro area

An extensive phase of new residential development is set to begin in the City of Laval’s Pont-Viau district following an announcement last week that the Carney Liberal government will be contributing $8 million to help modernize key underground infrastructure through Ottawa’s Strong Communities Fund.

Laval is the first municipality in Quebec to receive support through the new program. The development, taking place near the Cartier Metro station and the Pont-Viau bridge, will enable the construction of nearly 1,800 housing units, representing a total investment of nearly $20 million including the City of Laval’s contribution.

A birdseye view of the area in Pont-Viau where the City of Laval will be installing new underground infrastructure with subsidies furnished by the federal government. (Aerial photo: Vincent Girard, City of Laval)

Cartier Metro revitalization

The project aligns with a revitalization vision for the Cartier Metro area initiated by the City of Laval in 2016, in conjunction with a specific urban planning program (PPU) in place since 2022.

In recent years, the city has undertaken numerous initiatives to transform the neighborhood, including the acquisition of sites of interest, the improvement of public spaces and more greenery.

The goal, according to the city, is to create a place where people can live, work and enjoy leisure activities within walking distance, close to public transit, and in a high-quality living environment.

Among the city’s recent projects were the acquisition of property that included the Convent of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception on Place Juge Desnoyers, opening a new chapter for the heritage site.

From the left, Laval city councillor for Marigot Cecilia Macedo, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Liberal MP Carlos Leitão, Alfred-Pellan Liberal MP Angelo Iacono, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson, Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer, Trois-Rivières Liberal MP Caroline Desrochers, and Laval city councillors Christine Poirier and Nicolas Borne. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Impending transformation

Set for a transformation, the redeveloped site will house new housing as well as a cultural and community hub, while contributing to the revitalization of the area. The project, like others to come, will directly benefit from the infrastructure modernization plan announced by the city and the federal government.

In the area near the Cartier Metro, according to the city, underground infrastructure networks have reached their full capacity, currently limiting the development of new residential projects. Upgrading the infrastructure is therefore seen as a concrete means of accelerating housing construction while meeting growing consumer demands.

The work, which is scheduled to begin in the fall, will increase sewer and water network capacity by replacing or upgrading nearly 2.5 kilometres of underground pipes, ensuring reliable municipal services while reducing the risk of overflows. The project will also incorporate features promoting active transportation, greening and sustainable stormwater management.

Major construction coming

“We are investing in the construction of reliable infrastructure at a pace and scale unprecedented in generations,” said Minister of Housing and Infrastructure in the Carney cabinet Gregor Robertson. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

“We’re going to have a lot of buildings built around this area,” Laval city councillor for Marigot Cecilia Macedo (which includes the area slated for development) said in an interview with The Laval News.

She noted that in addition to being the location of one of Laval’s three Metro stations, the area is one of the main vehicle traffic entrances into Laval and the focus for a number of years for projected improvements.

“To build a strong Canada, we must first build strong communities,” Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure in the Carney cabinet, said during an outdoor press conference held on the edge of the area to be developed.

“Thanks to the new Strong Communities Fund, we are investing in the construction of reliable infrastructure at a pace and scale unprecedented in generations: roads, hospitals, schools and water systems that support people, create jobs, and build connected communities,” added Robertson.

Targeted development

“Focusing on what matters most means investing in the infrastructure that allows our city to develop smartly,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

“With this project, we are upgrading underground infrastructure networks, unlocking the construction of nearly 1,800 housing units, and providing concrete support for the transformation of the Cartier metro area,” he continued.

“This is a neighborhood undergoing revitalization, where we are helping to create complete, accessible and high-quality living spaces close to public transit.”

The new Strong Communities Fund “will help strengthen communities across the country,” said Trois-Rivières Liberal MP Caroline Desrochers, Parliamentary Secretary to Robertson.

“By investing in municipal infrastructure in Laval, we are supporting the facilities that communities need to grow and build a strong Canada.”

Action Laval launches survey on the city’s worst streets

Martin C. Barry
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Action Laval launches survey on the city’s worst streets

460,000 pairs of eyes will gather information and rate city’s streets

Action Laval’s interim leader, Achille Cifelli, along with the municipal opposition party’s two elected officials, David De Cotis of Saint-Bruno and Isabelle Piché of Saint-François, have announced the launch of a citizen-led initiative to identify the most damaged streets in Laval – similar to the work of CAA-Québec.

Action Laval interim leader Archie Cifelli.

According to a press release issued by Action Laval, “the initiative aims to highlight the state of road infrastructure in order to contribute constructively to the municipal administration’s improvement efforts.”

Citizen reporting

Posted now on the Action Laval website at www.actionlaval.com and on the party’s various social media platforms, the survey invites Laval residents to report streets in poor condition. An explanatory video also accompanies the survey.

“Citizens are best positioned to testify to the reality on the ground,” explained Cifelli. Citizens have until April 30 to complete the form, and the survey results will be compiled and made public in early May.

Supporting solutions

“With this survey, we want to give citizens a voice and gather concrete data to support effective and sustainable solutions,” said Piché.

Action Laval says it is inviting all residents to take part in large numbers to make their voices heard and contribute to better street maintenance in the city.

“We have 460,000 residents in our territory,” noted De Cotis. “That’s 460,000 pairs of eyes to gather information and assess the situation in our city,”

What the city says

On one of the City of Laval’s web pages describing work done to repair potholes and other damage on the municipality’s many streets, the city maintains that its roadways are monitored closely throughout the year for street repair work when necessary.

Regarding pothole repair, the city says it “regularly inspects the condition of roads: Potholes are repaired throughout the year. Repair work intensifies in the weeks following the spring thaw.”

For street maintenance work, the city says two main factors are taken into account when prioritizing work: the level of deterioration of the street section, and the state of disrepair of underground infrastructure (sewers, water mains, etc.).

Combining upgrade projects

“In the interest of sound management of public funds, the city carries out all work requiring excavation and road reconstruction in a single project,” states the city.

When streets are resurfaced, the existing pavement is covered with a new layer of asphalt, the lifespan of which is 5 to 10 years, according to the city. The duration of this type of work is normally around one week on average.

Managing public funds

Regarding road reconstruction, the city says roadways are most often rebuilt during underground infrastructure renewal work, such as sewer and water mains or storm sewers, “in the interest of sound management of public funds.”

Existing pavement is removed to rebuild the base and lay the new pavement. Curbs and sidewalks in poor condition are then repaired or replaced.

The lifespan of new pavement is around 40 years for a neighborhood street, 25 to 30 years for a collector road or artery, with the duration of such work being four to six weeks on average.

Isabelle Piché to get expert advice at Action Laval consultation on mini-farm

Martin C. Barry
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0
Isabelle Piché to get expert advice at Action Laval consultation on mini-farm

Saint-François city councillor looking at alternatives for a potential reopening

Action Laval city councilor for Saint-François Isabelle Piché has announced that François Handfield, an agronomist and engineering graduate, will act as an expert at a public consultation on the future of the Nature Centre mini-farm she will be holding later this month.

“With his exceptional background combining field experience, technical expertise, and commitment to the development of the agri-food sector, Mr. Handfield will make a valuable contribution to this process,” the municipal opposition party said in a statement last week.

A former organic farmer and co-founder of Ferme aux petits oignons, François Handfield, according to Action Laval, has built a successful business, recognized nationally, notably for its innovation and profitability.

Action Laval city councillor for Saint-François Isabelle Piché (seen here outside the mini-farm at the Centre de la nature) has been helping to spearhead efforts to get the city to reverse its decision to close the facility. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Agricultural expert

Today, as a consultant, speaker and trainer, says Action Laval, Handfield supports agricultural businesses, public authorities and local communities in areas as diverse as production, economic management, planning, marketing and regulation.

He is also the president and founder of Mana Culture Inc., a company specializing in the design and manufacture of agricultural equipment. “His hands-on experience as a farm entrepreneur allows him to offer realistic, innovative solutions tailored to real-world conditions,” Action Laval says.

“The appointment of François Handfield is a major asset to our consulting,” said Piché. “His expertise, combined with his practical experience as a producer and entrepreneur, will allow us to develop a rigorous, credible and sustainable approach to the future of the Centre de la nature farm.”

Rethinking mini-farm’s future

Piché will be chairing an advisory committee on the mini-farm’s future, supported by Dennis Fiévèt, who initiated a citizen petition to save the facility, and by Julie Vézina, a health strategist. A first phase of online consultations ended on March 31.

A second phase, during which the most popular options will be presented to participants in person, will take place on April 30 at a location to be announced. The recent closure of the petting zoo at the Centre de la nature sparked a strong grassroots reaction, with a petition that exceeded 20,000 signatures.

The city stood by its decision to close the mini-farm, noting that the facility was outdated and worn out, and the reconstruction costs were estimated to be between $15 and $20 million. The building itself had an immediate need for a new roof, with an estimated cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Mini-farm now closed

Fiévèt and Piché spearheaded efforts to rally the support of residents from all over Laval, in the hopes of saving the small but cherished mini-farm which housed a range of domestic animals, including sheep, geese, chickens and donkeys.

Since then, the city took measures to replace the mini-farm with a mobile petting zoo that will be visiting the Centre de la nature on a regular basis beginning this summer, while offering visitors (many of whom are children accompanied by parents) the opportunity to interact with domesticated animals as they did for many years at the Centre de la nature’s mini-zoo.

Sexual exploitation arrest: Laval Police seek alleged pimp’s victims

Laval News Contributor
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Sexual exploitation arrest: Laval Police seek alleged pimp’s victims

Investigators with the Laval Police Dept.’s Sex Crimes Division have arrested 53-year-old Sylvain Riopelle on suspicion he might be connected to several cases related to the sexual exploitation of vulnerable persons.

Officers believe the suspect may have had additional victims and are asking for the public’s help.

The Laval Police allege that between 2024 and 2026, Riopelle used deception to target vulnerable individuals who he then sexually exploited while acting as their pimp.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has information that could further the investigation is urged to call the Laval Police information line at 450-662-4636 or 9-1-1.

The file number is LVL-250625-096.

Despite rising waters, Laval says flooding situation under control

Martin C. Barry
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0
Despite rising waters, Laval says flooding situation under control

The City of Laval says it is increasing its vigilance as a rise in flow rates and water levels has been observed for several days along the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille-Îles.

Although the city insists the situation appears to be under control for now, municipal officials say they are installing a dike on Riviera Street – a precautionary project that could take up to five days.

According to the city, water levels and flow rates are expected to continue rising over the next five to seven days.

The city says a Municipal Civil Security Plan has been activated and various operational teams are being coordinated to progressively deploy the necessary preventative measures.

Other Preventative Measures

Equipment, including a pump and a generator, have been installed at the Laval-sur-le-Lac curling center.

As well, a dike is being installed to protect a pumping station. Furthermore, active monitoring of the embankments is being carried out in the Rivière des Mille-Îles and Bellevue sectors of Laval.

Situation Status

The city said in a statement that no intervention from the Fire Department is required at this time, although the situation remains under constant surveillance in Laval.

However, some streets are impassable due to minor flooding, particularly in the Laval-Ouest and Fabreville sectors, including Riviera Street and 41st Street, 8th and 9th Avenues, as well as Riviera Street between 51st and 53rd Avenues, near the Goélands riverbank.

In the meantime, preventive patrols are underway and municipal teams are continuously monitoring the situation.

Being prepared is essential.

While the city acknowledges that it shares the responsibility for ensuring the safety of residents and their property, it says it is crucial that those living in flood zones prepare by following the safety guidelines available at laval.ca/inondations.

Citizens must register for city alerts and update their contact information at laval.fr/abonnement to be notified promptly of important notices.

For any emergency that threatens safety or health, residents are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

City undertakes massive upgrading at La Pinière wastewater treatment plant

Martin C. Barry
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0
City undertakes massive upgrading at La Pinière wastewater treatment plant

$334 million allotted by Laval to modernize facility in St-Vincent-de-Paul

The City of Laval is taking a bold step forward with a decision to modernize its wastewater treatment infrastructure with a planned investment of $334 million in the La Pinière plant in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, which serves three-quarters of the city’s population.

The project will involve a major upgrade in the heavy equipment used to treat the solid waste stream at the city’s main wastewater treatment plant in order to adapt the facility to meet strong population growth and increased urban development, while reducing the environmental footprint of its operations.

An aerial view of the La Pinière wastewater treatment plant in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, which serves 75 per cent of the City of Laval’s population. (Photo: Vincent Girard, City of Laval)

Major financial commitment

In keeping with the requirements of the project, the city’s executive committee has recommended the adoption by city council of one of Laval’s largest-ever borrowing by-laws to finance the undertaking.

According to the city, the upgrade of the La Pinière plant (the largest projected infrastructure project in Laval) underscores the crucial necessity for upcoming funding from the federal and provincial governments.

“Discussions are underway to secure the necessary financial support, comparable to that provided to other similar projects in Quebec and across Canada,” the city said in a statement issued last week.

“In Laval, our commitment is to focus on the essentials for the coming years, with particular attention paid to water management infrastructure,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

Will need government support

“Upgrading the La Pinière plant, which serves three-quarters of our population, is a major undertaking in this regard,” he added. “This is also a large-scale infrastructure project that will require government financial support.”

The state of municipal infrastructure, particularly the water and wastewater systems, “necessitates massive and sustained investments to ensure citizen safety, quality service and the economic vitality of our communities,” Boyer continued.

“Current and future programs will need to be strengthened to meet these needs,” he said. “Investing in municipal infrastructure means investing in Quebec’s prosperity, the safety of Laval residents and the ecological transition that we must collectively achieve.”

Meeting growth demands

Located in the semi-rural Saint-Vincent-de-Paul district near the eastern extremity of Laval, the La Pinière wastewater treatment plant plays a central role in the city’s wastewater management scheme. Commissioned in 1998, the city says the facility now needs to be modernized to support the area’s development, given increased pressure on infrastructure due to population growth, as well as the ongoing housing crisis.

Among the project’s main objectives, according to the city, are increasing treatment capacity, recovering 100 per cent of the sludge produced and reducing the environmental footprint. The project also aims to ensure the long-term viability and adaptability of the facilities, in response to the area’s growth, as well as future regulatory requirements for liquid waste treatment, which will be addressed in a separate project, the city says.

With this in mind, several pieces of equipment and systems are slated to be replaced. For example, a sludge drying system will be modernized to improve the reliability of the facilities, as well as public health and operational safety.

‘Design-build’ approach

For the project, the City of Laval chose the “design-build” approach (a project delivery system used in the construction industry), which had already proven successful on other projects, including the new municipal courthouse now under construction next to city hall, and the new Cultural Centre also under construction in the downtown core.

According to a statement issued by the city, “this integrated approach fosters close collaboration between partners from the outset, optimizing efficiency, ensuring greater technical consistency and guaranteeing high-quality execution within budget and on schedule.”

The city says the selection of a design-build contractor will take place in two stages. The first will be a call for qualifications (currently open), aimed at determining the qualifications of a maximum of three candidates. The second stage will be a call for proposals, open to companies deemed qualified. This stage, lasting approximately one year, according to the city, will aim to develop a technical and financial proposal.

Some interesting points

Infrastructure: The La Pinière Wastewater Treatment Plant is recognized as one of the largest in North America, treating more than 254 million liters of wastewater per day, reaching up to 600 million liters during peak periods.

It may also be worth noting that guided tours of the La Pinière plant are occasionally available, sometimes organized by the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau C.I.EAU which delivers presentations on local water resources.

Laval News Volume 34-08

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 34-08

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-08, published on April 15th, 2026.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)

Montreal’s mayor and Greece’s Deputy PM led the 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade

Martin C. Barry
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Montreal’s mayor and Greece’s Deputy PM led the 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade

Hellenic or not, many people waved Greek, Canadian and Quebec flags proudly

Several thousand people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds – although primarily Greeks – lined the sidewalks of Jean-Talon St. in Parc Extension on the afternoon of Sunday March 29 for the Montreal Hellenic community’s biggest annual celebration – the Greek Independence Day Parade.

It was all the more important this year as 2026 marks the 120th anniversary of the founding of the largest organization representing the greater Montreal Hellenic community.

Two parade marshals

The parade marshals were Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Deputy Prime Minister of Greece Kostis Hatzidakis. They led the dignitaries westward on Jean Talon St. past Athena Park near the corner of Bloomfield Ave. where they climbed the stairs onto an outdoor stage to review the marchers passing by.

Greek or not, most people brought many flags to the parade in order to pay tribute to the history, heroism and the independence of Greece – the nation that gave birth to modern-day traditions of democracy.

“I’m very happy, very honored to be parade marshal today,” Mayor Martinez Ferrada said told Nouvelles Parc Extension News a few minutes before the start of the parade. “And 120 years shows how well implanted the Hellenic community is in Montreal. So I’m very proud to be here and to share with the community.”

In an exclusive interview, the Greek republic’s deputy prime minister said he was impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm shown by members of the Greek diaspora in Laval and Montreal on the occasion of the HCGM’s birthday as well as the anniversary of the independence of Greece.

A bridge from Canada to Greece

“Greece unites us, and we believe that the Greek Canadian community here is a bridge between Greece and Canada,” said Hatzidakis, adding that Greece and Canada share characteristics and are “like-minded” states, while Canada and Greece “cooperate on things like NATO and we hope this will continue.”

Papineau Liberal MP Marjorie Michel, who is Health Minister in the Carney cabinet, said she was attending the parade long before being elected in April last year. As deputy chief of staff at former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s office in Ottawa, she often attended the parade in Montreal.

“The Greek community was at one time the backbone of Papineau,” she said in an interview with Nouvelles Parc Extension News at the corner of Jean Talon and Hutchison where the parade started.

Michel made a point of bringing along the Canadian and Republic of Greece national flags she used in previous years. “I’m so excited to be here,” she said. “Even though many Greeks now live in Laval, I want to be with my constituents on this important day.”

HCGM’s anniversary continues

In addition to continuing a decades-old tradition with a series of commemorative events marking Greek Independence Day all last weekend, the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) has been celebrating its 120th anniversary with special events throughout the year.  In a statement, the HCGM said this year’s parade marked a double celebration.

“On the one hand, the heroic Greek Revolution of 1821 and the timeless values of freedom and democracy, and on the other, the long and proud journey of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, founded in 1906, which continues to uphold and preserve the ideals of Hellenism.”

Additionally, on the occasion of this important anniversary, the federal government arranged that on March 25, the Samuel-De-Champlain Bridge was illuminated in blue and white in honor of Greece’s National Independence Day and in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal.

Hellenics from Laval and Montreal gather for Greece Independence Day festivities

Martin C. Barry
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0
Hellenics from Laval and Montreal gather for Greece Independence Day festivities

Visit by republic’s Deputy Prime Minister adds to HCGM’s 120th anniversary celebration

The 120th anniversary of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal along with an observance of the 205th anniversary of the liberation of Greece was a dual celebration for 500 guests who attended a gala dinner on the evening of Saturday March 28 at the Château Royal in Chomedey.

For Greeks around the world, March 25 in the year 1821 was the beginning of the revolutionary fight that ended 400 years of Ottoman rule.

Following a protracted war in which Greek patriots received support from Russia, Britain and France, Greece finally received recognition from the world as an independent nation in 1832.

Traditional Greek dancers livened up the evening of celebration at the Château Royal, which drew 500 guests. (Newsfirst Multimedia)

Deeply spiritual meaning

For Greeks every year, the commemoration date also has deeply religious significance as it falls on the feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Christian Orthodox tradition.

Among the dignitaries at the Château Royal were Deputy Prime Minister of Greece Kostis Hatzidakis, Greek Ambassador to Canada Ekaterina Dimakis, Greek Consul General in Montreal Nikolaos Karalekas, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal president Basile Angelopoulos.

Also present were Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury, Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier, Saint-Laurent Liberal MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Laval city councillors Vasilios Karidogiannis (representing the mayor) and Nicolas Borne, Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis and Montreal city councillor Effie Giannou.

From the left, Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal president Basile Angelopoulos, the Greek Orthodox Church’s Fr. Nikodimos Kodogeorgafis, HCGM 120th anniversary committee chairwoman Justine Frangouli-Argyris, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, and Senator Leo Housakos. (Newsfirst Multimedia)

A bridge between nations

In an exclusive interview with Newsfirst Multimedia, the Greek republic’s deputy prime minister said he was impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm shown by members of the Greek diaspora in Laval and Montreal on the occasion of the HCGM’s birthday as well as the anniversary of the independence of Greece.

“Greece unites us,” Deputy Prime Minister of Greece Kostis Hatzidakis told Newsfirst Multimedia, referring to the Republic of Greece’s close relationship with members of the Greek diaspora residing in Canada. (Newsfirst Multimedia)

“Greece unites us, and we believe that the Greek Canadian community here is a bridge between Greece and Canada,” said Hatzidakis, adding that Greece and Canada share characteristics and are “like-minded” states, while Canada and Greece “cooperate on things like NATO and we hope this will continue.”

Greek Republic’s mail-in votes

Hatzidakis said he especially wanted to emphasize that a recent decision by the Hellenic Parliament to allow mail-in voting by Greek citizens living outside Greece in upcoming national elections will lead to even closer ties between the home country and the Greek diaspora abroad “to the benefit of both sides.”

The 2026 Hellene of the Year, following a nomination process held by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, was Montreal-area social services consultant Danae Savides. (Newsfirst Multimedia)

In the evening’s keynote address, the HCGM’s president emphasized the Hellenic community’s looking towards the future, rather than focusing on the past. “Our parade on Jean Talon will not be a march of memory – it will be a declaration of the present,” Angelopoulos said, referring to the Greek Independence Day parade in Montreal the next day.

Danae Savides Hellene of the Year The 2026 Hellene of the Year Award, following a nomination process held by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, was presented to Montreal-area social services consultant Danae Savides.

She was presented with a plaque by HCGM president Basile Angelopoulos. Among other accomplishments, Savides has written on the phenomenon of Suicidal Adolescents and the Greek Community of Montreal.

Laval and Montreal officials commemorate Greek Independence Day

Martin C. Barry
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0
Laval and Montreal officials commemorate Greek Independence Day

Elected officials from all three levels of government gathered at the Veterans’ Cenotaph near Laval City Hall on the morning of Saturday, March 28, to pay tribute alongside residents of Hellenic origin in honour of Greek veterans and fallen soldiers.

The ceremony marked the 205th anniversary of Greece’s Independence. Joining this year’s commemoration was Vice Premier of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Hatzidakis, who travelled to Laval to take part in the celebrations.

Elected officials from the City of Laval and the Quebec government prepare to lay a wreath during a ceremony to commemorate Greece’s Independence Day.

Remembering a defining moment in history

Greek Independence Day commemorates the events of March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras blessed a Greek flag and proclaimed an uprising against the Ottoman Empire.

This act is widely regarded as the beginning of the Greek War of Independence, a struggle that continued until 1832, when the modern Greek state was officially proclaimed and recognized by the world’s major powers.

Within the Montreal region, Laval is home to the largest concentration of residents of Greek heritage, making the annual commemoration especially meaningful for the local community.

Laying of wreaths

Each year, Greeks from throughout the greater Montreal area gather at the Cenotaph to honour those who sacrificed their lives for Greece’s freedom. The ceremony includes the laying of commemorative wreaths.

Among those laying wreaths this year were Vice Premier of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Hatzidakis, Laval-Les Îles MP Fayçal El-Khoury, Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis, Marc Aurele Fortin MP Carlos Leitao and St-Laurent MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos.

Senator Housakos laid a wreath on behalf of the Canadian Senate. Wreaths were also laid by Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier and Milles-Iles MNA Virginie Dufour.

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