In issuing a tornado warning for the Laval and greater Montreal regions on Thursday afternoon, Evironment Canada also issued the following recommendations for taking shelter should this become necessary.
Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions.
Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.
Laval to receive $7.8 million as part of federal/provincial agreement
Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity Ahmed Hussen was in Laval last week with Quebec Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau and other elected officials to announce the construction of 1,581 new social and affordable homes, spanning 54 projects, that will be built throughout Quebec in the coming years.
Rapid Housing Initiative
The new social and affordable housing is being made possible thanks to more than $308 million provided by the government of Canada through the Third Canada-Quebec agreement on the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), as well as contributions from Quebec.
From the left, Laval city councillor Nicholas Borne (responsible for housing issues on city council), Vimy MP Annie Koutrakis, Quebec Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau, Hochelaga MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada, federal Housing and Diversity Minister Ahmed Hussen, and Laval-Les Îles MP. (Photo: 2M.Media, Corinne Prince)
The funds will go towards homes intended for vulnerable populations with special housing needs, including but not limited to women and children fleeing violence, people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, seniors, veterans, recent immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, black Canadians, and Indigenous peoples.
Laval to get $7.8 million
Of the total investment, a minimum of $57.4 million will be allocated to the following cities in Quebec:
City of Laval ($7.8 million)
City of Montreal ($28.3 million)
City of Québec ($8.1 million)
City of Longueuil ($7.3 million)
City of Gatineau ($5.9 million)
As part of the funding agreement, the government of Quebec has committed to funding rent supplements for select projects. With this assistance, eligible tenants will pay only 25 per cent of their income for housing.
Two previous agreements
The announcement was in addition to the two previous Canada-Quebec agreements through the Rapid Housing Initiative signed in 2020 and 2021. These agreements have already provided investments of nearly $517 million to Quebec and are in the process of creating over 3,200 safe, secure, and deeply affordable homes throughout Quebec.
“Every Quebecer deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Hussen. “The government of Canada is proud to announce the creation of nearly 1,600 new affordable homes for the most vulnerable through the Third Canada-Quebec agreement on the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
‘No one left behind’
“Today’s announcement builds on two successful rounds of the RHI, which are expected to create nearly 15,000 affordable homes across the country including nearly 4,800 homes right here in Quebec,” he continued. “This demonstrates our unwavering commitment in ensuring that no one in Quebec is left behind.”
“Our efforts are enhanced tenfold by the financial support of the federal government,” said Duranceau. “As a result, we will be able to provide lasting, sustainable solutions to housing issues. This announcement is tangible proof of this.
A third phase coming
“It adds to all our efforts to build more housing, as soon as possible, whether through partnerships with key players in the Quebec economy, including municipalities, or through our own programs,” she added. “As we did with the first two Canada-Quebec agreements under the Rapid Housing Initiative, our government will work to facilitate the deployment of this third phase, so that Quebec households can benefit from new housing as quickly as possible.”
“With the help of the Rapid Housing Initiative, together we’re building a generation of new homes we can all be proud of,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, MP for Hochelaga, and Parliamentary Secretary to Hussen for housing dossiers. “This investment will continue to help Quebecers gain access to safe, affordable housing that meets their needs, while creating jobs for the local economy.”
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 31-14, published on July 12th, 2023. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Front page of The Laval News, July 12th, 2023 issue.
The City of Laval has announced a $3 million disbursement available to community groups which are actively involved in helping to provide assistance to vulnerable persons.
“In Laval, we believe in the all-important work being done by the community organizations for people who are the most vulnerable,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
“Our commitment to invest $3 million is a reflection of our willingness to contribute towards the development of community organizations on all our territory against poverty and social injustice.”
Marc Longchamps, executive-director of the Corporation de développement communautaire de Laval, reacted enthusiastically to the announcement. “We salute this initiative and the leadership shown by the City of Laval,” he said.
“By taking this measure to support the community organizations and the population of Laval, the municipality is contributing towards the improvement of living conditions and the quality of the social fabric,” he added. “This is support which is arriving at a moment when the situation is increasingly worrying for our organizations and the citizens of Laval.”
Social services providers in Laval say the demands placed on them since the beginning of the Covid pandemic have greatly increased. Social service organizations can apply for some of the funding from the City of Laval through a portal on the city’s website. The deadline to apply is 9 am on Sept. 11.
City replacing sand under swings with synthetic surface
The city announced last week that it has decided to replace the sand, which traditionally has served as a cushion beneath specially-adapted swings in playgrounds, with a synthetic covering.
In all, 10 parks will be affected by the decision. The city says the synthetic surface will make the swings easier to use by persons with less physical strength than the average.
The parks in question are Val-des-Arbres (Val-des-Arbres), des Trembles (Saint-Vincent-de-Paul), du Moulin (Saint-François), Chopin (Renaud), Légaré (Saint-Martin), Jolibourg (Laval-Les-Îles), Champfleury (Fabreville), Isabelle (L’Orée-des-Bois), des Saules (Auteuil) and de Lausanne (Saint-Bruno).
In the meantime, the city says a refurbishing of parc Pie-X in Chomedey is scheduled to be completed in 2024.
“The replacement of sand surfaces with synthetic carpeting under the adapted swings fits perfectly with out intention to offer inclusive play areas,” says Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
“By facilitating access to playgrounds in Laval, we are allowing all children to play together, regardless of their individual capacities.” The City of Laval has been trying in recent years to increase universal access generally, and this latest move fits in with this.
Laval issues call for bids for new social housing project in Pont-Viau
The city has announced a first call for bids for a new social and affordable housing project to be located at 1001 des Laurentides Blvd. in Pont-Viau.
According to the city, the project, for which the city is making the lot available, will create 25 to 28 new social and affordable housing units that meet environmental and universal accessibility standards. The city says applications to carry out the project will be accepted from either community-based or private project developers.
Proceeds from the event will be directly invested in services for the disabled
On June 15 at the Château Taillefer Lafon vineyard in Laval-Ouest, Le Pilier Foundation was pleased to welcome more than 100 guests to the second edition of its Urban BBQ.
A very relaxed event
The fundraising event, under the honorary presidency of Dominique Raîche of Caisses Desjardins, brought together members of the Laval and greater Montreal metropolitan area’s business community and Le Pilier Foundation’s partners in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
In a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with the Andy Dacoulis Quartet jazz band providing musical entertainment, the guests were invited during the evening to enjoy a taste of the renowned vineyard’s various products, while networking with members of the greater Montreal business community.
Foreground left, Valérie Gagnon Paradis, who is a special ambassador for Le Pilier, was among the guests at the foundation’s Urban BBQ at the Château Taillefer Lafon vineyard in Laval-Ouest on June 15. (Photo: Courtesy of Fondation Le Pilier)
A festive fundraiser
Beyond being festive, the evening was hosted to help the families of people with disabilities by raising funds to support the adapted activities and specialized respite services provided at Le Pilier Foundation’s Centre Marcelle et Jean Coutu.
The evening was hosted to help the families of people with disabilities
According to the foundation, all proceeds from the event will be directly invested in these essential services. The organizers said they would like to express their warmest appreciation to all guests, partners, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the second edition of the Urban BBQ.
“Their support helps the Foundation pursue its mission and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and their families,” they said.
Caisses Desjardins’ help
Leaders of the Le Pilier Foundation also said they would like to extend their warmest thanks to Honorary President Dominique Raîche, who is general manager of Caisse Desjardins de Mercier-Est–Anjou. “Thanks to her generosity and commitment, Le Pilier Foundation was able to treat its guests to a memorable evening,” they said.
For the past 38 years, Le Pilier Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled individuals, both young and adult, living with intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, other physical disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders, as well as the benefits for their families.
Pierre Bélanger, executive-director of Fondation Le Pilier (FLP), welcomes guests to the foundation’s second annual Urban BBQ event on June 15. (Photo: Courtesy of Fondation Le Pilier)
Respite and other services
Today, Le Pilier Foundation has over 200 dedicated employees working daily with 110 disabled individuals in its ten adapted living environments.
An additional 250 disabled individuals also benefit from its specialized respite care services, alternating housing for autism-youth, and adapted activities at the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Center in Laval.
The foundation extended special thanks to its donors who have supported its mission since its establishment in 1985. Donations to Le Pilier Foundation can be made by mail to the following address: 425 Jean-Coutu Place, Laval, Quebec, H7H 3C8, or online at: www.lepilier.org.
Among the special guests were Mayor Stéphane Boyer and other elected officials
The sprawling and historic grounds outside Église Saint-Martin – the spiritual heart of Laval’s Saint-Martin district – was the scene of a boisterous celebration last Saturday afternoon to mark Quebec’s Fête nationale holiday, while honoring at the same time the patron saint of many French-speaking Quebecers – Saint Jean Baptiste.
A local celebration
Sponsored by the Église Saint-Martin branch of the Société Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, with support from Laval city councillor for Saint-Martin Aline Dib, it was the second year that a local celebration of the day took place, even though the City of Laval was holding a major event of its own at the Centre de la Nature in the Duvernay district.
“This is a great opportunity to liven up the city’s districts, for people to get out and meet their neighbours, during this Fête nationale celebration,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer, who spent part of the afternoon at the Saint-Martin gathering while accompanied by several members from his council team.
A community gathering
“I am very happy to have been able to take part in organizing this celebration,” said Dib. “It’s very important on the Fête nationale for all of us to gather as a community, with all our particularities and cultural differences, to say thank you to Quebec. Especially here in Saint-Martin, which is so important for its heritage value and historic significance.”
Laval mayor Stéphane Boyer, centre, is seen here on the steps of Église Saint-Martin with celebration organizers, as well as several local elected officials including Chomedey MNA Sona Lakhoyan-Olivier, Saint-Martin city councillor Aline Dib, l’Orée-des-bois councillor Yannick Langlois, and Vimont councillor Pierre Brabant. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Laval city councillor Yannick Langlois, who was responsible for organizing the city’s 2023 Fête nationale festivities, said none of it would have been possible without the support of the Fête Nationale des Québécois de Laval committee, as well as many volunteers who gave many hours of their time to make it a reality.
Reviving traditions
There was traditional folk dancing, with the men dressed in colorfully woven “ceintures fléchées,” musicians playing accordions and other traditional instruments, and vendors in booths stretched out along the edges of the parking lot, offering a range of hand-crafted wares and products.
There was traditional folk dancing, with the men dancers dressed in woven “ceintures fléchées.” (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Since the Centre de la Nature is a fair distance from Laval’s west end, this local celebration offered an opportunity to those from Laval’s Saint-Martin and Chomedey districts to take part in this once-a-year renewal of feeling for French Canada’s patron and love of Quebec.
“There are Quebecers de souche, and there are Quebecers who came from elsewhere such as myself,” Lakhoyan-Olivier said in an interview with The Laval News. “But we are all fortunate to be able to live here together where we can be free and in a democracy. Today is a day to thank Quebec during this national holiday.”
Église St-Martin’s 250 years
Next year, administrators at Église Saint-Martin will be organizing a year-long celebration to make the 250th anniversary of the parish’s founding, which occurred only around a decade after the end of the ancien régime and the former New France colony.
Among the residents of the area who came out last Saturday to take part in the celebrations was Aïda Karidian. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)
Among the residents who came out last Saturday to take part in the festivities was Aïda Karidian. Of Armenian heritage, she said her family first arrived in Quebec in 1924 shortly after the Armenian Genocide, settling at first in the village of Saint-Adèle in the Laurentians north of Laval.
“I became very Québécoise,” she said, while also noting that her parents and grandparents were French-speaking prior to their arrival nearly a century ago. “We have always appreciated very much what Quebec did for us,” said Karidian.
Seventy-five students banned from prom after police called in to deal with ‘pranks’
What started out at Laval Senior Academy as a day of high jinks among the students to mark the end of another school year, turned into a dark chapter for up to 75 students – with lasting consequences.
End-of-year fun
As seen clearly in videos posted on TikTok, Smoke bombs were set off by LSA students as part of the pranks they played.
While end-of-year pranking has become somewhat of a tradition at LSA – and there are videos of the goings-on in past years posted on the web attesting to it – 2023 is likely to be remembered as the year things went more than a little too far.
Within days of the June 9 incident, to which the Laval Police – decked out in crowd control gear – had to be summoned, a letter was sent out by the school administrators to LSA parents in an attempt to set the record straight.
Harmless fun?
The letter maintained that among the pranks played by the students were “stink bombs, paint, water guns, and graffiti on school premises,” and that “regrettably, these pranks escalated beyond the boundaries of harmless fun,” the letter stated.
A quick scan of the internet reveals that several videos of the last day of school at LSA have been posted for the years 2022 and 2023 – with this year’s possibly being the wildest.
In the 2023 version, which we found posted on TikTok, LSA students can clearly be seen setting off smoke bombs, while a phalanx of LPD officers in riot gear are shown arriving at the scene as they prepare to be deployed for an intervention.
Uninvited from the prom
In the aftermath of it all, at least one student at Laval Senior Academy said that she and some of her classmates were unfairly banned from the LSA end-of-year prom as a consequence of what happened.
In this still image from a TikTok video posted on the web, Laval Police officers decked out in crowd-control gear are seen arriving outside Laval Senior Academy on June 9 after being summoned to deal with turbulence during the students’ last day of school event.
According to a media report, that was just one of several disciplinary actions imposed by the school administration after the day of pranks got out of hand and the police had to be called.
LSA student Ava Wolfson told CTV Montreal last week that everything had started out innocently enough, while suggesting they never meant for it to get out of control.
‘Tradition for the last day’
“It’s like a tradition for the last day of school to always have a harmless water gun fight with paint, basically,” she told the broadcaster. “It’s fun, it’s not meant to hurt anybody.”
She said things “progressively got worse and worse with smoke bombs, and someone put one off inside school. After that happened, it wasn’t fun anymore.”
While acknowledging that she herself had handled some spray paint, she insisted she only sprayed paint at classmates outside the Souvenir Blvd. school, but didn’t engage in vandalizing property.
Her father, Perrin Wolfson, later recounted receiving a call after the incident from the administration of the school.
Among the pranks, say LSA administrators, were stink bombs, paint, water guns and graffiti on school premises
75 students banned
He said the principal, Nathalie Rollin, had claimed Ava, along with 75 other students, were being banned from the prom because of their involvement in the pranking, which took place as the students were bursting with nearly uncontrollable enthusiasm with the summer holiday looming.
“I’m a disciplinarian,” he told CTV. “If we were having to pay restitution for something she did, if she defaced school property, if she had lit a flare in the school … if she was having criminal charges pressed against her … they wouldn’t need to tell me not to send her to prom. She wouldn’t be going to prom.”
Last week, he and his daughter were still hoping that she and the others would be able to go to the prom, although the school’s principal later clarified in an e-mail that they would be refused entry if they turned up.
The current issue of the Laval News, volume 31-13, published on June 28th, 2023. Covering Laval local news, politics, and sports. (Click on the image to read the paper.)
Front page of The Laval News, June 28th, 2023 issue.
The Laval Police are reportedly working with the Montreal Police on actions they could be taking in response to an Ontario-based “magic mushroom” retailer’s stated intention to open a store somewhere in the Montreal region over the coming weeks.
FunGuyz (logo seen here) already has nine retail outlets selling magic mushrooms, and hopes to set up at least one somewhere in the Montreal region.
Although the distribution and sale of magic mushrooms, which contain the active hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, is illegal under the Canadian federal government’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, a dispensary firm from Ontario called FunGuyz has already opened nine locations and is now setting its sites on Montreal.
In a statement issued to CTV Montreal earlier this month, the Montreal Police said it will be working with the Laval Police “to evaluate the various possible intervention scenarios, on our respective territories and in concert.
“Responsible officers will be identified in each of our police departments,” the statement continued.
“We will also be checking with our police partners across the country to see what kind of response has been given to this type of commercial activity.
“We are also evaluating the possibility of meeting with the managers of the establishments in advance to validate their intentions and explain our orientations.”
A total of 17 suspects from Laval, the North Shore and the Lower Laurentians were arrested and arraigned at the Palais de Justice in Laval on Thursday after being charged by police with participating in a narcotics trafficking network involving large quantities of cocaine and unregulated cannabis.
Eighty police officers, including some from the Laval Police Dept., took part in the operation, which was overseen by the Sûreté du Québec, along with police from Deux-Montagnes, Saint-Eustache, Blainville, Saint-Jérôme and Mirabel.
Police believe the network was affiliated with the Hells Angels motorcycle club, which has well-known organized crime links.
The operation was the culmination of efforts which started with police raids conducted in November 2021 and March 2022 when investigators seized 100 kilos of cocaine while executing a search warrant in a building on de Fontenay St. in Laval’s Pont-Viau sector.
Also seized during the searches were five handguns, two silencers, three ammunition clips, more than 90 lbs. of cannabis, two cocaine processing presses, nearly $200,000 in cash, seven vehicles, eight Rolex watches worth an estimated $150,000, and eight computer servers for mining cryptocurrency.
The list of those arrested includes: Luis David Roy-De Rodriguez, 30, who is notable for being the son of the Quebec actor and vocalist Gildor Roy.
The City of Laval’s courthouse on Saint-Martin Blvd.
Others on the list: Martin Dazé, 36, Cédrick Cazzetta-Parent, 30, Timothy Taylor, 44, Patrick Brière, 46, Marc-André Joannette-Casimir, 40, Danny Legault, 50, Damien Néron-Lacroix, 32, Marc-André Hamel, 36, Henriette Aoun Abou-Arrage, 70, Roula Barak, 50, Samira Oarab, 41, Ghizlane Ouarab, 38, Abdelilah Et-Taib, 26, Konstantinos Stathopoulos, 31, Christian Rufiange, 39, and Sandra Abou-Arrage, 42.
Still being sought by the police were Steve Abou-Arrage, 51, and Andy Abou-Arrage, 30, who (according to La Presse) are connected to Lebanese organized crime figures in the Montreal region.
