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Influx of Ukrainian and Kurdish refugees turned to Agape in the past year for help

Martin C. Barry
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Influx of Ukrainian and Kurdish refugees turned to Agape in the past year for help

Ninety-five new files for people in need were opened at the English-speaking social services provider

Chomedey-based English-language social services provider Agape had a surge of new applications for assistance in the past year, with an influx of temporary settlers from war-torn Ukraine, but also Kurdish refugees from Turkey who came to Laval after arriving in Quebec through the highly-publicized Roxham Road U.S.-Canada border crossing.

“Agape, being the only English-speaking charitable organization in Laval, had to again scale back requests for Christmas baskets in December 2022,” board president Greg Young and secretary treasurer Elizabeth McLeod wrote in the 2022-2023 report of Agape’s activities, which was tabled June 29 at Agape’s annual general meeting.

‘Stabilization’ not foreseen

“We are not certain to see a stabilization of growth in demand for 2022-2023 due to the economic downturn and continued inflation of prices remaining, war with potential increases of refugees or asylum seekers (Ukrainian or others),” they continued.

From the left, Agape assistant-director/social worker Ian Williams, board member Roderick McLeod, secretary treasurer Elizabeth McLeod, board president Gregory Young and executive-director Kevin McLeod are seen here on June 29 at the Agape Senior Wellness Centre during the organization’s annual general meeting. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

However, on a more positive note, they added, “Our generous English-speaking community, Laval English schools, churches and private companies or individuals and The Laval News, are the reason why we can continue our mission. We sincerely thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to working with you through 2023-2024.”

Many more in need

Since Agape’s last AGM in June 2022, they opened up 95 new files for people in need of assistance. This represents 175 adults (compared to 89 in 2021-22), and 136 (compared to 61) children. Among these, a total of 11 (12 in 2021-22) were single-parent families who were responsible for 23 (19 in 2021-22) children in total.

According to demographics compiled by Agape over the past year, the organization saw an increase in files for asylum seekers who claimed refugee status at an irregular land border.

While there were 12 families of Ukrainian origin out of a total of 51 files, there were many others of Kurdish origin, numbering 29 in all. Ten other families came from diverse countries, including Haiti, Syria, Lebanon, Columbia, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Nigeria, India, Algeria and Mexico.

Senior Wellness success

One of Agape’s most successful projects, the Senior Wellness Centre, underwent “a very successful year” in 2022-2023, with more than 400 membership enrollments now. A variety of activities can be found at the centre, including Tai Chi, chair yoga, exercise classes, health presentations and advanced workshops for iPad users.

Former CFL quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes Anthony Calvillo spoke at nine different Laval schools, as well as to members as at the Senior Wellness Centre as part of an Agape project in the past year addressing mental health issues. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

The Agape Senior Wellness Centre has now expanded successfully to the second floor of an office building on Notre Dame Blvd., with a recreational room for seniors. According to the annual report, this year Agape will be looking to expand its English-speaking Seniors Wellness Centre activities in the hopes of reaching isolated seniors in Laval’s Duvernay district through a new resource centre where one or two wellness activities for seniors will be held weekly.

Another Agape project last year, for the support and promotion of mental health, received funding from the CHSSN (Community Health and Social Services Network) through the Public Health Agency of Canada. As part of the project, former CFL quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes Anthony Calvillo spoke at nine different Laval schools, as well as to members as at the Senior Wellness Centre to share his personal experience and struggles to inspire children and youths who may also be having mental health issues.

Agape’s annual fundraisers

Apart from the subsidies and grants of money Agape receives from governments and other agencies throughout the year, the organization holds three important fundraisers. Last year’s John and Lois Hashimoto Annual Memorial Walk raised a total of $5,207. This year’s event will take place on Saturday Sept. 16 at 11 am, beginning at 3950 Notre Dame Blvd. in Chomedey.

Another fundraiser, the Denise Williams Annual Seniors’ Love Walk, was held earlier this year on Feb. 17 and raised $5,626. The next Love Walk will be taking place on Feb. 16, 2024 from 8:45 to 9:30 am, indoors at the Centre Laval Shopping Centre. (An added perk: Longtime board member Roderick McLeod always picks up the bill for a complimentary breakfast afterwards at Nickels.)

Christmas fundraiser returning

Agape’s third major fundraiser, the Agape Annual Fundraising Christmas Dinner, hasn’t been held since 2019, because of the gap created by the three-year-long Covid pandemic. However, it will be back this year on Nov. 10 at 6 pm at the Embassy Plaza congress centre on Curé Labelle Blvd., where well-known Montreal-area standup comic Joey Elias will be top-billed, with support from fellow performer Carly Baker and MC Franco Taddeo. As profits from this fundraiser are going to Agape’s English-speaking Senior Wellness Centre, SWC members can take advantage of a $5 discount applicable to a ticket purchase. For more information on tickets and donations, contact Barbara at (450) 934-1122.

Sainte-Rose Art Symposium takes place from July 27 – 30

Martin C. Barry
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Sainte-Rose Art Symposium takes place from July 27 – 30

Works by 70 talented artists to be shown in historic Vieux Sainte-Rose

In July every year, you always know summer has finally arrived in Laval when it’s time again for the Corporation Rose-Art’s Sainte-Rose Art Symposium.

This year, from Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30, those with a discerning taste for fine sculpture and inspiring visual art will be coming from all over Quebec and areas of eastern Canada for the 27th symposium.

As always, it will be taking place alongside the Rivière des Mille-Îles in the charming and historic Laval neighbourhood known as Vieux Sainte-Rose.

From the left, Quebec actor Nico Racicot, Laval city councillor Pierre Brabant (representing Sainte-Rose councillor Flavia Alexandra Novac) and Corporation Rose-Art president Oprina-Félicia Dolea provided details about the Sainte-Rose Art Symposium during a press conference last week. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Recognition for excellence

After winning a range of awards for excellence over nearly three decades, the organizing committee, led by Corporation Rose-Art president Oprina-Félicia Dolea, continues to uphold the standards that have established the Sainte-Rose Art Symposium’s reputation for excellence in art circles across eastern Canada.

The organizers have received some significant recognitions. In 2019, the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented them with a Dunamis award for helping to promote tourism in Laval. They were also a finalist for a second Dunamis the following year, as a sustainable organization or enterprise.

The Corporation Rose-Art is paying homage this year to two of the Sainte-Rose Symposium’s founders: Aline Cyr and Yolande Lapalice Daneau. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Visitors from far and wide

More than 20,000 people are expected to attend this free event. Although most are usually from the Laval and greater Montreal regions, the busy vacation season is also known to bring in visitors from Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as well as from the U.S. states of Vermont, New Hampshire and New York.

It is notable that tourism has been growing by leaps and bounds in Laval over the past few years, as travellers from all over Canada and the U.S. begin to rediscover hidden treasures, such as the Symposium de Sainte-Rose, in an upsurge of interest in travel since the end of the three-year Covid pandemic.

Showing 70 talented artists

The ‘Vieille Caserne’ art gallery across the street from Église Sainte-Rose-de-Lima in downtown Sainte-Rose should be your starting point if you drop by the Sainte-Rose Art Symposium from July 27 to 30. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Many visitors will be purchasing works produced by the 70 participating artists, expressing themselves in styles ranging from traditional and impressionistic to modern and abstract. This year, the event’s honorary chairwoman will be Sainte-Rose city councillor Flavia Alexandra Novac. The symposium’s official spokesperson is Québécois actor Nico Racicot.

During a press conference at the Vieille Caserne art gallery last week, where the board unveiled details of this year’s symposium, they paid homage to two of the event’s founders: Aline Cyr and Yolande Lapalice Daneau.

The corporation is staging a special exhibit of the two women’s artistic achievements next to the gallery at the Vieille Caserne. As well, works by Corporation Rose-Art members will be featured in the gallery. Works by Nico Racicot will also be displayed on the ground floor.

How to get there

The Symposium will be taking place along a stretch of the main street in downtown Sainte-Rose, next to La Vieille Caserne (216 Ste-Rose Blvd.), a stone’s throw from the historic Sainte-Rose-de-Lima church, between Filion and Deslaurier-Hotte streets.

The hours are as follows: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Additional information is available on the website www.roseart.ca. E-mail: roseart@videotron.ca. Phone: (450) 625-7925.

Action Laval delivers half-year report on its accomplishments

Martin C. Barry
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Action Laval delivers half-year report on its accomplishments

Opposition party tabled seven notices of motion in last six months

Over the last six months, elected members of Action Laval tabled seven notices of motion in Laval city council. This was in addition to numerous questions put to the executive-committee as well as to the directors the Société de transport de Laval.

Earlier this month around the year’s half-way mark, Val-des-Arbres city councillor Archie Cifelli, who is Action Laval’s interim-leader, outlined the opposition party’s accomplishments.

Not all motions accepted

City councillor for the district of Saint-Bruno David De Cotis expressed disappointment that the Boyer administration turned down an opportunity proposed by Action Laval that the city take part in a pilot project by Élections Québec to test voting over the internet.

Action Laval also tabled a proposal for the city to create a hotline for architecture and engineering professionals to call the urban planning department so that the processing of files can be made as efficient as possible. However, the proposal was turned down by the Boyer administration.

Sign language motion passes

Action Laval city councillor for Saint-François Isabelle Piché scored a major victory when her proposal to enlarge sign language availability for hearing impaired persons was accepted by city council unanimously. Before then, only the question period was covered by sign language. And finally, Action Laval city councillor for Chomedey Aglaia Revelakis recalled proudly that the Commission on Urban Violence, which council had set up following her suggestion, tabled its report a few weeks ago.

Opposition parties agree: A new park is needed in downtown Laval

Martin C. Barry
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Opposition parties agree: A new park is needed in downtown Laval

But administration wants to put a library on vacant lot on Jacques Tétreault St.

In a relatively rare instance of agreement, Laval city council’s two main opposition parties and a third political entity without council seats have all agreed that a vacant lot owned by the city in Laval’s rapidly growing downtown sector should be used for a badly-needed public park, rather than for a library as planned by the Boyer administration.

Site chosen for new library

The lot, on Jacques Tétreault St. and a short distance from the Montmorency Metro, has already been singled out by the city as the location for a new municipal library building with a cultural centre.

Still, the three parties, as well as some residents in this mixed commercial/residential area, believe it would be much wiser to establish a park because of the crying local lack of green space in an area that is over-saturated as it is with asphalt and concrete.

Saying no to pavement

The vacant lot in question, owned by the City of Laval, has been selected as the site for a new municipal library building. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

To make their point, the leaders of the official opposition Parti Laval, the secondary opposition Action Laval, and the unelected Ma Ville Maintenant, planted a sapling tree last week in a corner of the vacant lot to illustrate their point that greenery is needed much more in the area than pavement, bricks and steel.

“This planting could be the first phase of the implementation of a future green space,” said Parti Laval interim-leader Claude Larochelle, who is the city councillor for Fabreville, adding that “Mayor Boyer should stop repeating the errors of the past.

The future to be considered

“To build and to keep building, without regard to the real needs of the population and the consequences for the quality of the living environment,” he said. “There is already enough concrete in the downtown area and so little green space. We have to think about future generations.”

Larochelle said the green space in the vacant piece of land could one day be comparable in grandeur to Dorchester Square in downtown Montreal or the Carré Saint-Louis some distance to the east of there.

A missed opportunity?

“Imagine what this island of refreshment and greenery could do for the residents of this area,” he said. “This unique space opens the door towards creating an environment for living to inspire the people residing here or coming to this sector. The city shouldn’t let this opportunity pass.”

Action Laval finds it deplorable that the people living in the area were never fully consulted about the future of the lot, even though it’s virtually the dead-centre of their living environment. While the administration did set up a web page with some information, Action Laval doesn’t consider that to have been an adequate consultation.

“The next phase will be to consult all the citizens of the sector to learn their views,” said Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis.

‘Makes no sense,’ says De Cotis

“The Boyer administration is sacrificing one of the last vacant lots in the centre-city to implement a concrete monument that nobody asked for, and this makes no sense,” added De Cotis. He suggested that a desperate need exists in other neighbourhoods of Laval for infrastructure such as community centres and libraries.

To make their point, the leaders of the official opposition Parti Laval, the secondary opposition Action Laval, and the unelected Ma Ville Maintenant, planted a sapling tree last week in a corner of the vacant lot to illustrate their point that greenery is needed much more in the area than pavement, bricks and steel. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Pierre Anthian, a former Laval-des-Rapides city councillor who ran for mayor in the last municipal elections as leader of the Ma Ville Maintenant party, noted that the residents of Laval-des-Rapides “have very few places to find shelter in the shade just as heat waves are becoming more numerous.”

Everybody benefits: Revelakis

Although the district of Chomedey has interests apart from those of Laval-des-Rapides, Chomedey city councillor Aglaia Revelakis said she is supporting the idea of the new park because it will eventually impact people from all over the city. “This is the future downtown of Laval and it’s a space that is going to be used by everybody,” said Revelakis.

“There are a lot condos around the area here and the Metro is here. But there’s no green space. We’re not against the library or cultural centre. But at the same time, we have to think about what is best for the families who live around here.”

Environment Canada recommendations during tornado alert

Martin C. Barry
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Environment Canada recommendations during tornado alert

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.

Canada, Quebec announce $308 million for nearly 1,600 more affordable homes

Martin C. Barry
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0
Canada, Quebec announce $308 million for nearly 1,600 more affordable homes

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.”

Laval News Volume 31-14

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 31-14

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.
Front page of The Laval News, July 12th, 2023 issue.

City invests $3 million to support community groups

Martin C. Barry
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City invests $3 million to support community groups

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.

Fondation Le Pilier’s second annual ‘Urban BBQ’ was a resounding success

Martin C. Barry
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0
Fondation Le Pilier’s second annual ‘Urban BBQ’ was a resounding success

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.

A lively local celebration for Quebec’s Fête nationale and St-Jean Baptiste

Martin C. Barry
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0
A lively local celebration for Quebec’s Fête nationale and St-Jean Baptiste

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.

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