The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-10, published on May 13th, 2026.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)
Laval News Volume 34-10
Reconstruction work on Highway 13 southbound in Laval begins May 18
The Quebec Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility says that reconstruction work on a section of Autoroute 13 southbound, between Dagenais Boulevard West and Highway 440 in Laval, will begin on May 18, leading to some partial and complete highway and access ramp closures.
According to the ministry, traffic flow will continue in the area, but lanes will be diverted and their number reduced.
The work, which will continue until the end of September, is being done to improve safety and driving comfort on the busy highway, says the ministry.
Regarding the complete and extended closure of the A-13 southbound between Sainte-Rose Boulevard and Highway 440, traffic will be diverted onto the two-lane service road (the start date of this to be announced shortly, says the ministry.)
During the morning rush hour, an additional lane will be available on the opposite side of the autoroute, providing a third southbound lane.
Additional information:
- Partial overnight closures of Highway 13 in both directions;
- Partial or complete overnight closure of the Highway 13 southbound service road;
- Complete overnight closures of the Dagenais Boulevard West on-ramps;
- The speed limit may be reduced on the highway to 70 km/h southbound and 90 km/h northbound, as well as to 60 km/h on the southbound service road.
During complete closures, detours will be marked with temporary signage, and congestion is expected.
The Department recommends that motorists traveling in the area allow extra time to reach their destination.
The work may be postponed, extended or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or operational constraints.
Before heading out, it is recommended that motorists consult Québec 511, a practical tool for planning trips.
Police launch joint strategy to combat extortion of businesses
By Matthew Daldalian
Police forces unite
Police services across Quebec have launched a coordinated strategy to combat violence and extortion targeting businesses, as authorities warn the phenomenon is growing and evolving in Laval and the greater Montreal area.
The initiative, known as Project UNIS, joins the Sûreté du Québec, Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, Service de police de Laval and Service de police de l’agglomération de Longueuil in a joint effort to reduce extortion directed at merchants.
Announced April 30, the project is meant to strengthen police presence, improve intelligence sharing and encourage business owners to report incidents, whether anonymously or not.
“No business should operate under threat,” said Benoit Dubé, deputy director general of the Sûreté du Québec, in a statement to the press. “Behind every targeted establishment, there are entrepreneurs, families and employees. Their safety remains at the heart of our commitment.”
Laval seeing sustained increase
In Laval, police say the issue has intensified over the past year, with a noticeable increase in extortion cases and a shift in how criminal groups operate.
The Service de police de Laval reports a “marked and persistent increase” in extortion-related activity according to Julie Marois, officer from the Public Affairs Squad, along with a diversification of the methods used to pressure victims.
Where arson attacks were previously more common, police say suspects are now more likely to rely on threats and intimidation to exert control.
Authorities also note that no single sector of the city is more affected than others. Businesses across a wide range of industries have been targeted, including retail stores, car dealerships, construction companies, restaurants and bars.
“The businesses targeted are generally profitable,” Officer Marois said in a written response.
The scope of the problem remains difficult to quantify, in part because many cases go unreported. Police say official data reflects only incidents that are reported and recorded, suggesting the real number of cases may be higher.
A coordinated provincial response
Project UNIS is designed to move beyond isolated investigations and create a province-wide approach to tackling the issue.
The strategy focuses on several key elements: encouraging reporting, strengthening police visibility, supporting businesses with prevention tools and improving the collection and sharing of intelligence.
Police say intelligence gathering plays a central role in identifying criminal networks and detecting patterns across different regions.
“UNIS allows for better coordination between police forces, which avoids working in silos,” said Renée Labonne, team leader of the Sûreté du Québec’s Distribution and Media Relations Department to The Laval News. “Information circulates more quickly; crimes are detected earlier and investigations become more effective.”
The project also aims to target not only those carrying out acts of intimidation, but also the individuals and groups orchestrating them.
Increased presence in Laval
For Laval, the initiative translates into a more visible and proactive police presence across the city.
Officers from multiple units, including prevention, intelligence, criminal investigations and patrol, are being mobilized as part of the effort.
Police say they will conduct visits to businesses in the coming weeks, meeting directly with owners and employees to discuss concerns, identify vulnerabilities and offer advice on security measures.
“All licensed establishments, restaurants and businesses that are facing or could face intimidation, extortion or violence will be visited,” Marois said.
Authorities say these visits are intended to build trust and encourage reporting, which remains a key challenge.
Breaking the silence
Police acknowledge that fear of retaliation often prevents business owners from coming forward.
They stress that merchants who have paid money under pressure are considered victims, not offenders, and are encouraged to report incidents.
“Each piece of information can make a difference in an investigation,” Marois said.
The initiative also plans to reassure business owners that they are not alone.
“We understand the fear some merchants are living,” Labonne said in a statement. “No one should have to fear for their safety simply for trying to earn a living.”
Greater Montreal at the centre
While cases have been reported across Quebec, police say the phenomenon is particularly concentrated in the greater Montreal area.
Restaurants and bars remain among the most frequently targeted businesses, though authorities emphasize that any type of business can be affected.
The evolving nature of the threat has also made it more difficult to detect.
Methods used by criminal groups range from verbal threats and repeated visits to break-ins, financial pressure, arson and gunfire.
In some cases, so-called “protection offers” are made, with businesses pressured to pay in exchange for avoiding further harm.
Looking ahead
Police say the success of Project UNIS will depend on improved collaboration between forces and stronger relationships with the business community.
By combining intelligence, increasing visibility and encouraging reporting, authorities hope to better understand the scope of the problem and disrupt criminal networks operating across municipal boundaries.
The initiative will be rolled out over the coming months, with ongoing visits to businesses and the distribution of prevention tools.
For Laval merchants, the fight against extortion requires both enforcement and cooperation.
As Project UNIS takes shape, authorities say their goal is not only to respond to incidents, but to prevent them and restore a sense of security for business owners across the region.
Arson suspected in massive house blaze in Sainte-Dorothée
A raging fire that destroyed a house on a quiet street in Laval’s Sainte-Dorothée neighborhood has left many from the area in shock.
Some of those who witnessed the outbreak say they saw not only an explosion following the collapse of the building, but also the ensuing search by police for a suspect.
The Laval Police say the fire, near the corner of Boudreau St. Bord-de-L’eau Rd. in Sainte-Dorothée, caused severe burns to a man in his forties and may have been a criminal act.
According to several witnesses, it was preceded by an explosion so violent that neighbors felt it through their windows. By the time they looked toward the source of the noise, a thick black cloud had already formed.
Although a motive for what appears to be arson remained unknown at our deadline, an investigation is only just beginning.
In the meantime, the Laval Police quickly began searching for a suspect. The entire area was cordoned off, patrol officers carefully observed anyone passing by, and a Laval Police dog handler was brought in to help out.
Fraud victims being sought by LPD
Investigators from the Laval Integrity and Ethics Bureau (BIEL) arrested 48-year-old Mélanie Payette last week in connection with a fraud case. Police believe she may have other victims and are asking for the public’s help.
According to police, Payette was the director of a non-profit organization. She allegedly used her access to the at least one of the organization’s credit cards to make unauthorized cash withdrawals and personal purchases.
However, following a financial audit, further irregularities were discovered. The police investigation determined that the fraudulent activities took place over a year and a half, between August 12, 2023\ and January 9, 2025 and totaled more than $53,000.
This was a second fraud case involving the suspect. She was convicted in November 2025 for similar offenses committed against another NGO in the Joliette region.
Payette was arrested on March 26 and was released with special conditions. She faces a charge of fraud exceeding $5,000. The case will return to court on June 22.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of Mélanie Payette is encouraged to contact the LPD at its Information Line at 450-662-INFO (4636) or by calling 9-1-1. The file number is LVL-250206-032.
LPD seeks video of January car crash in which two children died
The Laval Police are seeking the public’s help in a fatal crash investigation that claimed the lives of two children last January. The incident occurred on January 5 around 7:30 p.m. along Route 335 between Dagenais Blvd. and Saint-Saëns St.
“Investigators assigned to this case are looking for anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant information, particularly video footage,” the Laval police said in a statement. They say they are searching for a Hyundai Kona.
According to the LPD, the case involves allegations of dangerous driving that led to multiple injuries as well as two fatalities.
The investigation remains open and the investigators are urging anyone who may have been a witness or who may have recorded even a portion of the events through a dashcam or other digital device to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at the LPD’s Info Line at 450-662-4636 or by calling 9-1-1. The file number is LVL-260105-079.
More recent fires
26 APRIL | 04:07 // Building fire on Souvenir Boulevard in the Chomedey sector. Commercial building. Visible smoke. The Code was 10-07, intervention necessary.
APRIL 25 | 20:16 // Building fire on boulevard Curé-Labelle in the Sainte-Rose sector. Commercial building. Light visible smoke. The Code was 10-07, intervention necessary.
Laval doubles up on targets, fast-tracking construction of affordable housing
City taking ‘concrete action’ to address housing crisis, says Mayor Stéphane Boyer
The City of Laval says it has set a new target of 2,000 social, affordable and non-profit housing units by 2028 – twice the objective established in its first housing action plan for 2020-2024.
Despite a challenging economic context, Laval says the latest acceleration is part of the city’s 2025-2028 Housing Action Plan.
The city says it has reached a clear turning point and is now positioned to play the role of facilitator, catalyst and strategic player in the creation of housing, while improving affordability and supporting more inclusive and sustainable urban development.
Setting a new housing target
The city says the new strategy will contribute to achieving a 10 per cent off-market housing target in Laval by 2031, as outlined in the Metropolitan Land Use and Development Plan of the Montreal Metropolitan Community, while also promoting a better balance in overall housing supply.
“Faced with the scale of the needs and the realities of the market, Laval is choosing to act with efficiency and innovation,” Mayor Stéphane Boyer said in a statement.
“We are doubling up on our efforts to accelerate the construction of affordable housing for every Laval resident, according to their needs and means,” he continued.
“Building on its experience, Laval intends to continue taking concrete action to address the housing crisis and sustainably improve the quality of life for its residents.”
Four projects now ready
Since 2025, according to the city, four funded projects in affordable housing have been completed in Laval, resulting in 153 new non-profit housing units. Furthermore, four other projects totaling 268 units are currently under construction, and seven projects are being funded so as to soon provide 1,450 new non-profit housing units.
“These developments enrich the existing housing supply and contribute to creating living environments adapted to the diverse needs of the population, thus helping to combat the housing crisis,” the administration says in a statement.
The City of Laval’s 2025-2028 Social Housing Action Plan, adopted by city council on April 14, “relies on concrete levers and renewed approaches to address current housing challenges,” says the city.
Regarding accelerated processes, the city says it is reducing permit issuance times and facilitating project implementation. In April 2025, nearly 80 per cent of permits were issued twice as fast as in 2021, with processing times reduced by 22 per cent to 70 per cent, says the city.
Stimulating residential construction
According to Laval, the city continues to innovate in its financial assistance methods to stimulate residential construction and support social inclusion. A tax credit program, created in 2025, encourages the creation of affordable housing in new construction and will soon support its first projects in high-growth areas – particularly in the city centre.
Furthermore, a program to support the start-up of non-profit housing projects, with an annual budget of $300,000 that was fully committed in the first year, accelerates the development phase of these projects. Laval also makes municipal land available for new housing creation projects and simplifies several regulatory procedures.
Encouraging favorable projects
To this end, the city says it leverages the potential of key sites to encourage favorable projects, one key example being the recently-announced redevelopment of the property of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Pont-Viau.
The city also provided key support for the launch of the first phase of non-profit housing at Carré Laval near the downtown sector, “thus contributing to the creation of sustainable, inclusive and exemplary living environments,” according to the city.
Completed and pending projects
The completed projects (and their hosts/co-sponsors) include:
• Archipel de L’îlot – 9 units and community spaces for suicide prevention (L’îlot)
• Shield of Athena – 17 units for women victims of violence (Shield of Athena)
• Habitation Bousquet – 26 units for people at risk of homelessness (Corporation d’habitation Laval)
• Racine – 101 family and small household units (Société de Gestion Querbes)
The projects under construction (and their host/co-sponsors):
• Maison Marie-Marguerite – 20 units for women victims of violence (Maison Marie-Marguerite)
• Curé-Labelle – 117 units for families and small households (Société de Gestion Querbes)
• Habitation Palerme – 31 units for people at risk of homelessness (Corporation d’habitation Laval)
• Mission Unitaînés – 100 units for seniors (Office municipal d’habitation de Laval)
Financing secured for more housing
The City of Laval has also obtained funding for seven additional projects to generate another 1,450 units of affordable and social housing.
• Place Joie de Vivre – 28 units for people living with intellectual disabilities and autism (Place Joie de Vivre)
• Habitation Horizon Ouest – 40 units for people at risk of homelessness (Corporation d’habitation Laval)
• Habitation Havre du Renouveau – 36 units for families and small households (Corporation d’habitation Laval)
• Val-Martin – South Block – 140 units for seniors, families, and small households (Office municipal d’habitation de Laval)
• Christ-Roi – 143 units for families and small households (Société de Gestion Querbes)
• Carré Laval – 1,013 units for families and small households (Angus Development Corporation)
• Habitation Coalition Est – 50 units for families and small households (Office municipal d’habitation de Laval)
All in for burn victims on May 31 at Laval’s annual ‘Firefighters’ Run’
The City of Laval is inviting runners of all ages and abilities to register for the 14th annual Laval Firefighters’ Run, taking place on Sunday May 31.
Building on the success of last year’s event, where nearly 12,000 people ran and raised $100,000 in donations, the city is placing even greater emphasis on the purpose of this year’s race: to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles, while supporting burn victims in Quebec through the Quebec Firefighters Foundation.
Activity and health
Since 2012, the Laval Firefighters’ Run has brought together young and old in a festive and inclusive atmosphere. Organized by firefighters from the Laval Fire Department, the City of Laval and the Quebec Firefighters’ Foundation, it aims to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles through a fun event.
“The Firefighters’ Run, the third largest race in Quebec, is much more than a sporting event: it’s a collective commitment to health, prevention and solidarity,” said Patrick Taillefer, director of the Laval Fire Department. “Every stride contributes to building a stronger, more resilient and more caring community,” he continued. “By supporting burn survivors and promoting healthy lifestyles, we demonstrate that the strength of the Laval Fire Department lies not only in its emergency response capabilities, but also in its commitment to inspire, protect and give back.”
‘Spirit of solidarity’
“The Firefighters’ Run embodies the spirit of solidarity, dedication and commitment that drives Laval firefighters and our entire community,” said Laval city councillor for Sainte-Rose Flavia Alexandra Novac who is responsible for public safety dossiers.
“Beyond the sport itself, it carries an essential mission: to provide concrete support to survivors of severe burns,” she said. “The generosity and massive participation of Laval residents testify to the strength of this solidarity and the profound impact this cause has on our community.”
A variety of courses adapted to runners and walkers of all levels will be offered during the run, including 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km (marathon). A virtual race option will also be available from May 17 to 31.
Young people welcome
Young people aged 17 and under who live in Laval can participate in distances up to 21.1 km for the token admission price of $10, in order to promote physical activity from a young age. In addition, organizations are invited to participate in the run’s Corporate Challenge by forming an internal running team and taking advantage of this unique opportunity to rally around a meaningful cause.
Registration fees for races of 5 km and longer will increase starting April 30. It should be noted that as of last week, more than 8,300 runners had already confirmed their participation and spots were already limited.
On race day, the finish line will be located on the outdoor grounds of Collège Montmorency. Active and public transportation to reach starting points is strongly encouraged. As such, STL bus rides will be free upon presentation of a Laval Firefighters’ Race bib, and shuttles will be available for runners to the various starting points.
Fire safety remembered
The organizers aren’t forgetting about fire safety and awareness. To that end, booths and vehicles dedicated to these themes will be set up near the finish line. They will offer runners, as well as those who come to cheer, the opportunity to better understand the practices of the Laval Fire Department, learn how to prevent fires and know how to react effectively in an emergency.
All proceeds from the Laval Firefighters’ Run are donated to the Quebec Firefighters Foundation, the only organization dedicated to raising funds for burn victims in Quebec.
Proceeds 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. The event will take place rain or shine. To learn more and to register, go to coursedespompiers.org on the web.
Alto high-speed rail’s impact on Laval stirs concerns at April city council meeting
Boyer contends developer wants to minimize expropriations by following autoroutes
Mayor Stéphane Boyer revealed during the April city council meeting that Alto, the Via Rail subsidiary with a mandate to build Canada’s first high-speed rail network between Toronto and Quebec City with a stop in Laval, is leaning towards using autoroute rights-of-way when mapping out the route – rather than having to expropriate.
After first raising the issue in March, an outspoken critic of Alto was back at Laval city council earlier this month, challenging Boyer to reveal whether the city was recently asked by Alto to approve a proposed route through Laval as well as the location of a future Alto station.
Resident seeks more info
“As the TGV (high-speed-train) is a very big project which stands to greatly change the territory, why has the city not consulted the citizens of Laval directly regarding the TGV specifically for planning on the territory?” said Pascale Durocher.
“Even if the TGV is a federal project, will the city be putting into place a means to gather information on the concerned Laval residents – a type of register – who are at risk of being expropriated while furnishing them with some kind of assistance?” she continued, specifying that she wasn’t referring to financial assistance.
Replying, Mayor Boyer acknowledged that the City of Laval met some time back with representatives of Alto to lobby for an Alto station in Laval. “I believed that if the railway were to be passing over our territory, that we should at least have a station the residents of Laval would be able to use,” he said.
‘We appear to have been heard,’ said Boyer
Boyer suggested he was probably not the only person who was surprised that the federal government (which owns Via Rail) decided to seriously consider Laval for an Alto station, since it was assumed at one time that only the City of Montreal would be getting a station.
“So, I am happy to see that at least we appear to have been heard on this,” he continued. “I think there are a lot of other people who were surprised to see that the government decided to make a station in Laval.”
Following up on a claim Durocher made at the March council meeting, the mayor acknowledged that the City of Laval’s mobility office had conducted numerous surveys and studies over the years on Laval’s transportation and mobility systems – although none were done specifically on the Alto project, he added.
“But all to say that I would like to reassure the citizens that Alto, when I met with them, made it very clear to me that what they want to do in Laval is mostly to use autoroute rights-of-way in order to minimize as much as possible eventual expropriations, so that the eventual impact should be considerably limited,” said the mayor.
Alto’s potential impact in Laval east
Action Laval opposition city councillor for Saint-François Isabelle Piché said she would be tabling a notice of motion for council to make a declaration on the impact the Alto rail line may end up having on the permanent agricultural zone established by the city in the east end of Île Jésus.
The declaration stated in part “our desire to keep this zone intact.”
While Parti Laval opposition councillor for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin Louise Lortie said the Alto project “represents an important issue for our city,” she added that “it’s completely normal that a project of this size generates preoccupations.”
She said she had been receiving calls lately from residents who were curious and seeking additional information on the project. According to Lortie, “there are people with the city who are working on this project along with people from Alto.”
Armenian Genocide Remembrance
During a period of the meeting for councillors’ statements, two city councillors drew attention to the fact that Armenians throughout the world would be marking Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24.
“Starting in 1915, the Armenians were forced to leave their homes and endured long forced marches,” said Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis. “Let us put an end to all the wars in the world and give peace a chance,” she added.
Renaud-Coursol city councillor Seta Topouzian (who is of Armenian heritage) also noted the anniversary. “This recollection is a part of my history and that of numerous Armenian families from Laval,” she said. “We take this moment to reflect and honor the memory of the victims of this tragedy that profoundly marked the history of the Armenian people.”
Future of Richard Trottier Arena
After a series of inquiries during question period from several Fabreville residents regarding the impending demolition of the Richard Trottier Arena, which has been closed since 2018, Pont-Viau councillor Christine Poirier (who is responsible for economic development on the executive-committee) responded.
“Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to renovate it to make a new arena,” she said. While noting that a planned demolition has been postponed until the city is able to evaluate the full extent of reaction from residents, Poirier said city officials will be taking their time before making a final decision on the arena’s fate.
Laval News Volume 34-09
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 34-09, published on April 29th, 2026.
Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports.
(Click on the image to read the paper.)
Biweekly garbage pickup draws mixed reaction in Laval
Residents report overflowing bins and confusion, while city says change will cut costs and reduce waste
Garbage piled on at a shopping plaza in Ste-Rose, Laval. Courtesy photo Amber Row.
New schedule sparks complaints
Laval’s shift to biweekly garbage pickup is drawing criticism from some residents. Weeks after the new collection calendar took effect on April 1, complaints online range from missed bins to overflowing waste containers outside homes and multi-unit buildings.
The city reduced household garbage collection to once every two weeks as part of a larger waste-management strategy. Recycling pickup has also moved to a biweekly rhythm in many sectors, while compost collection remains weekly in summer and every two weeks in winter.
Online, residents have used neighbourhood Facebook groups and petitions to vent frustration, posting photos of full bins, bags left beside containers and confusion over zone schedules.
One petition opposing the change has gathered more than 11,000 signatures. Wael Hamdar, a Laval resident, said he launched it after learning of the decision during the holiday period.
“I got a little bit, should I say outraged, because no consultation has been made with the resident,” Hamdar said. “The city council took that decision.”
Wael Hamdar, a Laval resident, said he launched his petition after learning of the decision during the holiday period. Photo Matthew Daldalian.
Hamdar said some residents in his area appeared caught off guard when the new system began.
“A lot of people got surprised because there was a lot of people not knowing about this,” he said. “When your garbage bin is full, people are trying to put their garbage in black bags next to it.”
Opposition calls for consultation
Saint-Bruno district councillor David De Cotis said residents contacting him have expressed anger over reduced service levels.
“They’re frustrated, they’re not happy,” De Cotis said. “They’ve seen that taxes are rising, services are being reduced, so we’re getting less services, paying more taxes.”
De Cotis said different neighbourhoods may require different approaches depending on housing density and household needs.
“What we’re asking for is a public consultation,” he said. “Laval is a huge territory. Different districts have different realities.”
Waste reduction argument
Ecological transition consultant Mélissa de la Fontaine, who works with the Incita co-operative, said the policy follows a logic already seen in other municipalities: lower costs and lower waste volumes.
“There is the logic of cost savings, and there is the logic of reducing residual waste,” she said in an interview with The Laval News in French.
She said fewer truck routes can reduce fuel use, traffic wear and operating expenses, while encouraging households to better sort materials into compost and recycling streams.
“We pay a very, very high price for managing our residual waste,” she said. “If we collectively succeed in reducing what we send out […] collectively, we’ll save money too.”
De la Fontaine said many households can make relatively simple changes, such as choosing products with less packaging and avoiding disposable items.
She suggested citizens should read up on using compost more effectively.
“Most people, the vast majority of people, can adapt to the changes,” she said, while adding that special cases should contact the city for help.
Resident builds reminder tool
For some residents, the challenge has been less about principle and more about remembering a more complicated schedule.
Dmitriy Laptev, who develops software solutions for businesses at Dotcom Specialty Corporation, said missed collections and full bins led him to help create a free online alert service called CiteHub.
“I actually missed a few bins and it’s really unpleasant to have a full bin,” Laptev said.
Dmitriy Laptev said missed collections and full bins led him to help create a free online alert service called CiteHub. Photo Matthew Daldalian.
The tool allows users to register their address and receive email or text reminders based on Laval’s zone calendar.
“When it’s your turn, you are getting an alert the day before,” he said.
Laptev said even weeks into the new system, some neighbours still appeared unsure of the schedule.
“People, they still don’t know what’s going on,” he said.
City defends move
In an email statement, Director of Communications for the Mayor’s Office and Executive Committee, Gabrielle Brais-Harvey said the change aligns with the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal’s waste plan, which sets a maximum target of 26 garbage collections per year by December 2027.
For the city, reducing frequency is a recognized way to encourage better sorting habits and increase use of blue and brown bins, according to Brais-Harvey. She added that 69 municipalities in the Montreal metropolitan community already offered 26 collections annually or fewer in 2024.
Additionally, RECYC-QUÉBEC data shows 78 per cent of average garbage-bin contents could be diverted from landfill, including 57 per cent to compost and 21 per cent to recycling.
Brais-Harvey mentioned that the new system is expected to generate annual savings of about $3.5 million by 2027 while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions tied to transport and landfill disposal.
For overflowing bins, residents or building managers are recommended to request an evaluation and possible adjustments, including added organic or recycling containers when needed.
For now, the city is not planning special summer or density-based collection changes, but staff are monitoring conditions on the ground.
What comes next
Hamdar said he plans to keep his petition active as residents continue adapting.
“I’m still hoping that something will happen in Laval,” he said.
In a previous version of this article, Gabrielle Brais-Harvey was referred to as Director of Communications for the City of Laval. She is in fact the Director of Communications of the Mayor’s Office and Executive Committee. The Laval News regrets this error.
Laval renames park as Armenian community marks Genocide Remembrance Day
Hundreds gather for march, monument relocation and ceremony on April 24
Participants carrying flags joined together in the newly renamed park on April 24 2026. Photo Matthew Daldalian.
A day of remembrance and renewal
Hundreds gathered in Chomedey’s newly renamed parc de l’Espoir on the evening of Friday, April 24.
Laval’s Armenian community marked Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day with a march, speeches and the official unveiling of a new home for the city’s Armenian Genocide memorial.
The April 24 ceremony also marked the renaming of parc des Coccinelles to parc de l’Espoir, following a March 10 city council decision tied to the relocation of the Armenian Genocide Memorial within the park grounds.
The monument, titled L’Espoir, was created by late Armenian-Canadian sculptor Arto Tchakmakchian. It honours the Armenian men, women and children killed between 1915 and 1923 during the Armenian Genocide, widely recognized as having claimed 1.5 million direct victims.
Events began around 5:30 p.m. outside Laval’s Citizen Relations building on Blvd. Chomedey, where participants carrying Armenian flags walked together toward the newly renamed park. Many speeches and announcements were delivered in Armenian, with portions in French.
As daylight faded and the sky turned orange, families, elders and children formed a wide circle around the monument while music, poetry and community performances continued into the evening.
Monument finds new home
The monument was previously located near the intersection of Hwy. 440 and Blvd. Daniel-Johnson, a site community members had long said lacked visibility and reflective public space.
Sako Yacoubian, president of the Laval Joint Committee for the Armenian Genocide Monument, said community representatives had worked for years to create and later relocate the memorial.
“The committee was formed over 16, 17 years ago,” Yacoubian said. “Representatives from each Armenian church came together, formed a committee and we worked on the monuments.”
He said the original monument opened in October 2013 before discussions began with the city on moving it.
Sako Yacoubian is president of the Laval Joint Committee for the Armenian Genocide Monument. Photo Matthew Daldalian.
“We worked with the city to try to relocate the monuments,” he said. “And finally, they heard our needs.”
Yacoubian said Laval was the natural place for such a monument because of the city’s large Armenian population.
“We’re a 45,000 strong community and the majority live in Laval,” he said. “So, it was important for our people to have a place for our 1.5 million genocide victims.”
Message beyond one community
Speakers repeatedly framed the event not only as remembrance of the past, but as a warning for the future.
Yacoubian said younger generations visiting the park may learn about genocide and the need to prevent future atrocities.
“We want to make sure that the youth acknowledge, remember and also prevent future genocides,” he said.
Herag Herkelian, a previous art historian and Laval resident, said public memorials can help broaden historical understanding.
“I hope that the main takeaway for people who come across this monument would be to learn about it, to learn about the other genocides, to learn to speak up,” Herkelian said.
He added that his hope was visitors leave with “that message of peace, of cooperation, of recognition, restorations and reparations.”
Political leaders attend
Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer, city municipal councillors, Quebec MNAs and federal MPs were among those in attendance.
Those attending politicians included Members of the House of Commons of Canada Fayçal El-Khoury, Annie Koutrakis and Carlos Leitão.
Mayor Boyer told the crowd the gathering showed the strength and permanence of Laval’s Armenian community.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer pictured with Renaud-Coursol district Councillor Seta Topouzian on April 24 2026. Photo Matthew Daldalian.
“When I was on my way here and saw everyone marching, the young people singing, and now seeing so many people here today with flags, I tell myself that the Armenian community is very much alive,” Boyer said.
He said the new site was more fitting for reflection and annual commemorations, while also representing hope.
“That is why we are here today, among other things, to inaugurate the new location of the Monument of Hope,” he said.
Renaud-Coursol district Councillor Seta Topouzian called the park renaming especially meaningful.
“This year, this moment of reflection takes on particular significance in Laval, as the commemorative monument now finally has a dignified and unifying home at Parc de l’Espoir,” she said in a statement to The Laval News.
A community rooted in Laval
For many attendees, the ceremony carried both grief and pride. Children moved between adults holding flags. Hymns and Armenian songs carried through the park. Some stood quietly near the monument while others embraced after speeches.
Herkelian said outside support from political leaders and non-Armenian residents mattered deeply.
“They are all on our side. They’re our allies,” he said. “They understand that this is a bigger issue and not just an Armenian issue.”
Yacoubian said municipal recognition sends an important message.
“We’re an important community within the city,” he said. “This means a lot for us.”
As night settled over Chomedey, the monument’s new setting reflected its purpose that evening, one of mourning and endurance.
