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City issues positive report after first year of First Responder service

Martin C. Barry
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City issues positive report after first year of First Responder service

Officials with the City of Laval say they are greatly pleased with the First Responder service Laval first implemented a year ago.

Since May 16 last year, 280 firefighters working out of the city’s nine firehalls began offering First Responder service, complementing emergency medical services also offered by Urgences-Santé ambulance crews.

The firefighters have been certified as First Responders in accordance with norms maintained by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services.

Since last year, they have been able to provide emergency response in medical situations involving cardiopulmonary arrest, anaphylactic shock and opioid overdoses, resulting in saved lives over that period.

“I would like to warmly thank the firefighters from Laval for this first year during which they served as First Responders,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer.

“The integration of the firefighting service with First Responders brought about many changes in the work of our intervenors,” he continued. “But they showed themselves remarkably capable of adapting, which led to reduced fatalities in the population of Laval, while also improving the quality of life of citizens. With this new role, the firefighters are contributing to saving even more lives.”

With their new responsibilities, Laval’s First Responders are arriving at the scene of emergency medical incidents in a little more than five minutes. This, according to the city, is twice as fast as ambulance crews for the same type of intervention.

While acknowledging that it will take from three to five years longer to know the full impact of the new service, the city’s initial estimate is that 1,561 interventions have been made by Laval’s First Responders so far.

According to the stats, Laval’s First Responders made 110 interventions for medical situations which were considered potentially life-threatening, but which were stabilized thanks to their actions.

As well, they dealt with 22 situations involving respiratory problems because of opioid overdoses, and 76 interventions involving people having serious allergic reactions. Laval is among the first major cities in Quebec to implement First Responder service through its firefighters to Level One (PR-1).

City of Laval wins highest distinction in élixir de PMI-Montréal competition

The City of Laval won the award for Project of the Year in urban planning in the élixir PMI-Montréal competition, which recognizes excellence in project management. The award was presented during the Gala Élixir held in Montreal on May 9.

Award for Laval’s communications and marketing team

The City of Laval’s communications and marketing team also was the recipient of an award recently: the Gold Quill Award of Merit, presented by the International Association of Business Communicators(IABC).

The award recognized the team’s excellence in communications strategy on an international scale. It was presented in recognition of the City of Laval’s development of a digital “one stop shop” for managers to use while working in hybrid mode.

From the left: Josée Lapointe, Nathalie Monette and Joannie Tremblay of the city’s internal communications team with the award.

“This award attests to the ongoing commitment of our employees, most notably in the communications and marketing department, to come up with quality, innovative and practical solutions which answer to the needs of the organization,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “We are honoured to have received this world-class recognition which highlights the passion and devotion of our teams, who are always working towards improvement, for the employees and for the citizens.”

SWLSB students recognized at Laurier Gala/Star Fest

Martin C. Barry
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SWLSB students recognized at Laurier Gala/Star Fest

‘Their performances mesmerized the audience’

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) says the Laurier Gala/Star Fest, held on Thursday May 25 at the Château Royal in Laval, was a “resounding success,” showcasing the achievements of 205 students from across the school board in the categories of arts, academics, community involvement, school perseverance and sports.

Memorable performances

The evening’s entertainment was provided by 23 talented students who auditioned to be part of the 2023 Star Fest. “Their performances mesmerized the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere of celebration and admiration,” the board said in a statement.

The Laurier Gala/Star Fest was hosted by two SWLSB principals and Virgin Radio’s charismatic morning host, Cousin Vinny.

CDC Vimont student Angela Amarualik, recipient of the annual event’s prestigious 2023 Indigenous Artist of the Year award, kicked off the Gala/Star Fest and set the tone for the evening.

$2,500 in bursaries

The event was made possible through the financial contributions of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Foundation and Caisse Desjardins Thérèse-de-Blainville, which allowed the SWLSB to give students $2,500 of bursaries during the gala.

“Their unwavering commitment is truly commendable, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable partnership,” the board stated.

During the gala, Paolo Galati, chairperson of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, took a moment to express his sincere appreciation to the parents for their invaluable role as partners in their children’s education.

Congrats and thanks

He acknowledged their collaboration with school teams, emphasizing that the teams play a vital role in ensuring the success and well-being of their children.

“Your involvement has proven to provide more opportunities for success,” said Galati. “Thank you for being so dedicated and supportive. Parents, on behalf of the Council of Commissioners, we cannot thank you enough.”

Galati also extended heartfelt congratulations to the students being honored at the event. He commended their hard work, resilience and the unwavering support of their families and educators, emphasizing the immense pride the school board holds for each and every one of them.

A community event

The Laurier Gala/Star Fest brought together more than 1,200 people, reflecting the strong support and enthusiasm of the school board community.

The board said it wished to extend its deepest gratitude to all the students, parents, staff and partners who contributed earning the SWLSB a graduation and qualification rate of 88.3 per cent.

“Together, we continue to foster a culture of excellence and inspire future generations to reach for the stars,” they said.

‘Parents, on behalf of the Council of Commissioners, we cannot thank you enough,’ SWLSB chair Paolo Galati said

Third-largest school board

With a workforce of more than 2,000 employees, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board is the third largest English school board in Quebec. Its territory comprises the administrative regions of Laval, Laurentides and Lanaudière.

The school board provides preschool, elementary, secondary, adult education, and vocational training services to over 14,000 students in 35 schools and four centres, as well as business training services.

Laval News Volume 31-11

Laval News Staff
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Laval News Volume 31-11

The current issue of the Laval News, volume 31-11, published on May 31st, 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, May 31st, 2023 issue.

LPD seeks suspects in alleged false representation frauds

Martin C. Barry
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LPD seeks suspects in alleged false representation frauds
The LPD says the suspect is a French-speaking white woman between 20 and 30 years of age. (Photo: Courtesy of Laval Police)

The Laval Police Dept. is seeking the public’s help to identify suspects alleged to be involved in a string of cases of “false representation” fraud which targeted senior citizens.

The fraud involved a male and a female suspect, each carrying out an aspect of the scam.

He would call victims on their home phones and pose as a bank employee, while claiming the victim had been targeted in a credit card fraud scheme which he was mandated to investigate.

After obtaining a victim’s personal identification number (PIN), the male suspect instructed the victim to put their bank transaction card in an envelope.

The victims were then told that the investigator in charge of their file was a man named Jean Melançon. Most of the victims live in seniors’ retirement homes.

For her part, the female suspect would go to victims’ homes to gather the envelopes, while posing as a police officer with a specific badge number.

LPD investigators say nearly 10 cases are believed to be connected to the suspects, beginning in June 2022.

Because the female suspect was photographed by security cameras in at least one instance when she turned up to pick up the envelopes, the LPD issued an image of her.

She is described as a French-speaking, white woman between 20 and 30 years old, around 5’5″ tall, with dark brown or black hair.

She allegedly posed as a police officer and is believed to have operated under several aliases, including Claudia Spinelli, Claudia Pinelli, Maria Moreli, Claudia Morelli, and Sabrina Spinelli.

Anyone who thinks they have useful information is asked to call 9-1-1, or contact the LPD directly at 450-662-4636. The file number is LVL-220626-043.

Propane explodes after trucks catch fire in Laval industrial park

Martin C. Barry
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Propane explodes after trucks catch fire in Laval industrial park
Photo: Courtesy Association des Pompiers de Laval)

Firefighters with the Laval Fire Dept. responded to an emergency call in the city’s industrial park on Friday after two trucks caught fire, leading to a propane tank explosion.

The blaze, which broke out at a roofing company on Dagenais Blvd. West near le Corbusier Blvd., spread to a nearby business.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, flames were seen shooting from an area within a parking lot where tires were being stored near several vehicles which were parked nearby.

It was all over by 4:30 pm, around when the LFD declared the incident under control.

David De Cotis helps lead a spring cleanup in Lausanne Park

Martin C. Barry
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David De Cotis helps lead a spring cleanup in Lausanne Park

Terry Fox school students, UPS Canada workers, take part in post-winter op

On Saturday May 6, Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis joined Enrica Uva, operations supervisor for UPS Canada in Laval, as well as Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board district six commissioner Barbara Barrasso for a spring cleanup operation at Lausanne Park.

A tradition starts

Deeming the operation a success, De Cotis pledged that this would not be last time it takes place by any means, and that the cleanup will henceforth become an annual tradition involving everyone from the district who wishes to do their part to keep Lausanne Park clean and neat after the long winter months.

Around 30-40 students from the nearby Terry Fox Elementary School and their parents, as well as 30-35 employees from UPS, joined in the cleanup op. Everybody got involved and managed to have a good time while they were at it.

Future outlook bright

“I was very surprised to see the determination and willingness to participate that these youths showed,” said De Cotis. “Their efforts bode well for future generations. I am sure of that. Congratulations are due to these young people for taking part in this cleanup.”

De Cotis pledged this would not be last time for a post-winter cleanup at Lausanne Park

De Cotis gave credit to UPS Canada for allowing its drivers and other employees who live in the Laval region to take part in the cleanup operation.

“UPS wishes to make its contribution towards making a greener world while supporting communities,” said UPS’s Enrica Uva. “Since 2012, we have planted more than 28 million trees on an international scale. Our goal is to plant 50 million by 2030. The employees at UPS are happy to have participated in the cleanup of Lausanne Park.”

A community effort

The SWLSB says it encourages this type of initiative in its schools, as well as within the families of its students. The board maintains that involvement in the community is a value which is considered important in its academic program.

“Our students showed that they are capable of achieving success,” Barrasso said. “I am proud to see what they accomplished and I feel certain that their parents are proud of them too. One youth at a time, one activity at a time, we are building the society of tomorrow.”

Laval Chevaliers de Colomb ‘Spaghetti Day’ raises $15,000

Martin C. Barry
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Laval Chevaliers de Colomb ‘Spaghetti Day’ raises $15,000

Funds going to Maison de la Sérénité de Laval palliative residence

A “Spaghetti Day” fundraiser held on April 30 by the Chevaliers de Colomb’s five councils in Laval at the Embassy Plaza on Curé Labelle Blvd. raised around $15,000 for the Maison de la Sérénité de Laval, a palliative care facility in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.

Reviving a tradition

Until Sunday April 30, it had been three years since the Laval Chevaliers de Colomb last held one of their traditional spaghetti dinner fundraisers.

The dessert table at the Laval Chevaliers de Colomb’s 2023 Spaghetti Day on April 30. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

Local elected officials from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, took turns from 10 am to 7 pm serving up plates of spaghetti topped with sauce, while also waiting on tables. For those who stuck around until the end of the day there were prizes to be raffled off.

A big turnout

Several hundred supporters had turned up to buy tickets and chow down on pasta by early afternoon on Sunday, with more than 800 more expected, according to Chevaliers de Colomb Ste-Dorothée Council Grand Knight Pierre Côté who was leading the operation.

All funds raised are going towards the Maison de la Sérénité de Laval palliative care residence

Most recently, the Laval Chevaliers held annual spaghetti fundraisers at least up to 2018, but were forced to suspend the practice two years later as the Covid pandemic was getting underway.

However, they were also holding spaghetti dinner fundraisers as far back as the 1980s, according to Grand Knight Côté, who said members of the Laval Police Dept. eventually took on the cause as a fundraiser.

A legacy of helping

Founded in the U.S. during the late 19th century, the Chevaliers de Colomb (Knights of Columbus) continue to be very active around the world as a service organization.

Tickets to the Spaghetti Day fundraiser were $15 a plate. (Photo: Martin C. Barry, Laval News)

According to online C of C sources, there are more than 16,000 local Knights of Columbus councils around the world, with an estimated 2 million members globally. Among the causes supported by the Chevaliers/Knights are refugee relief, education, local Catholic churches and dioceses, as well as global social and political causes.

As well, the Chevaliers/Knights are dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Aléo Foundation and CF Montréal award scholarships to young women soccer players

Martin C. Barry
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Aléo Foundation and CF Montréal award scholarships to young women soccer players

Team Canada/Team Quebec bronze and silver medalist Janet Okeke is from Laval

A young woman from Laval who is showing promise in women’s soccer was awarded a $2,000 scholarship earlier this month by CF Montréal and the Aléo Foundation.

In continuing its commitment to the development of women’s soccer, CF Montréal, in partnership with Aléo, awarded four scholarships to young women soccer players from across the province of Quebec, including 17-year-old Janet Okeke from Laval.

The recipients received their bursaries before the CF Montréal match on Saturday May 6 at Saputo Stadium. Each player received a $2,000 scholarship.

Driving their dreams

According to a statement issued by CF Montréal, the initiative was directly in line with the club’s mission to give back to the community by supporting grassroots women’s soccer while contributing to youth development, and also to be a driver of dreams and emotions for young and talented girls who are passionate about the sport.

Janet Okeke of Laval is seen here in action in the sport she loves best.

To present the scholarships to the recipients, the president and CEO of CF Montréal, Gabriel Gervais, the team’s women’s soccer collaborator at CF Montréal, Amy Walsh, and the executive director of the Fondation Aléo, Patricia Demers, were welcomed to the center of the field to do the honors.

A silver medalist

Janet was a silver medalist with Team Quebec at the Canada Games in Niagara in August 2022, while being selected to the All-Star team for the competition. She was also a bronze medalist with Team Canada at the CONCACAF Under-17 Championships in May 2022.

Janet is currently a member of Soccer Quebec’s Women’s EXCEL Program.

She is a Secondary 5 student in the sport-study program at Georges-Vanier School in Laval. Janet’s goal is to make it to the national U20 team and be recruited by a top American university in the NCAA.

She intends to pursue her studies in the field of business or computer science. Janet previously received two scholarships from the foundation in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

Canada, Quebec announce North America’s largest-ever electric bus purchase

Martin C. Barry
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Canada, Quebec announce North America’s largest-ever electric bus purchase

Saint Eustache-based Nova Bus is ecstatic about historic public transit deal

A nearly $1.9 billion funding package announced last week by federal and provincial officials will allow 10 public transit agencies across Quebec to purchase 1,229 electric buses in the largest electric bus acquisition deal undertaken to date in North America.

Canadian Infrastructure Minister Dominic Leblanc, Quebec Minister of Transport Geneviève Guilbault, Quebec Environment Minister Benoit Charette and the Trudeau government’s Quebec lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, issued statements relating to the announcement made at Nova Bus in Saint-Eustache.

A massive conversion

According to a press release from the two governments, the funding – $780 million from Canada and more than $1.1 billion from Quebec – will allow the public transit agencies to begin a massive conversion of their bus fleets to become 100 per cent electric, in line with Quebec’s Plan for a Green Economy (PEV 2030) and Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan.

The LFSe+ is the 40’ long-range battery electric bus model that Nova Bus will be delivering to the ten public transit agencies across Quebec.

The release also points out that the investment delivers on a previous federal government commitment to help purchase 5,000 zero emission buses over the next five years. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is the official representative for the contract on behalf of the nine other transit agencies, including the Société de transport de Laval (STL), and is responsible for purchasing the buses.

Canadian content required

In order to maximize the potential for local economic benefits, the level of Canadian content required in the call for tenders was set at 25 per cent and the final assembly must be done in Canada, in accordance with applicable trade agreements to which Quebec subscribes.

Following a public call for tenders issued in April 2022, Nova Bus was awarded the contract to manufacture the buses. All the buses covered by the contract will be produced and assembled in Nova Bus’s Quebec plant, which the two governments point out will help generate significant economic benefits for Quebec and Canada.

“By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Quebecers and all Canadians,” the federal government said in its portion of the statement.

Future green economy

“By investing to help Quebec transit operators purchase electric buses, we continue to fight climate change and encourage Quebec entrepreneurs who are participating in the development of the green economy of the future,” said Rodriguez. “The federal government is fully committed to supporting the green transition of our economy and we continue to deliver for Quebecers through investments that will make a real difference in their daily lives.”

“Across Quebec, citizens rely on public transit to get where they need to be each day,” said Leblanc. “With today’s $780 million investment, our government is enhancing the electric public transit network across the province. We will continue to partner with the Government of Quebec to deliver modern and reliable infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities today and into the future.”

Achieving low-carbon

“Public transit is one of the key elements in the sustainable mobility of people and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” said Guilbault. “With this investment of more than $1.1 billion, the government is responding in order to help achieve a low-carbon Quebec. Ultimately, the entire population of Quebec will be able to benefit from the advantages of these electric buses.”

“The Quebec government is determined to make the climate transition a success,” said Charette, who is the CAQ MNA for the North Shore riding of Deux-Montagnes. “This transition includes a major project to electrify the economy and transportation, including public transit. The authorization granted by my colleague today is a step in this direction and demonstrates once again our willingness to act responsibly and sustainably to address climate change.”

They’re going electric

The contract for the acquisition of the buses calls for all of them to be delivered by 2027. The buses will be acquired for the following transportation agencies: Société de transport de Montréal, Société de transport de l’Outaouais, Société de transport de Sherbrooke, Société de transport de Trois-Rivières, Société de transport de Lévis, Société de transport du Saguenay, Société de transport de Laval, Réseau de transport de Longueuil, Réseau de transport de la Capitale and exo.

The contract for the buses calls for all of them to be delivered by 2027

Quebec’s Green Economy Plan sets the following targets: Beginning in 2025, all new vehicles acquired by public transit agencies and receiving government subsidies must be electric. Also part of the plan by 2030 is to electrify 55 per cent of city buses, 65 per cent of school buses, 35 per cent of light electric vehicles on Quebec roads, 40 per cent of cabs, 100 per cent of the government’s cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and minivans, and 25 per cent of its trucks.

Sweet deal for Nova Bus

In a separate statement issued by Nova Bus, the company confirmed that the model of electric bus being sold to the STM-led public transit buyers’ group is the LFSe+, a 40′ long-range battery electric Nova Bus model.

“We have delivered more than 6,000 buses in Quebec since 1997,” said Ralph Acs, president of Nova Bus. “We are honored to continue this collaboration by supporting Quebec public transit authorities in their transition to electromobility and to be part of this new chapter we are writing together to collectively contribute to the fight against climate change.”

Delivery over three years

The company said the buses will be delivered over a three-year period starting in 2025. The LFSe+ frames for this order will be built at Saint-François-du-Lac and the buses will be assembled at the Saint-Eustache facility.

“Thanks to its long driving range, its reduced maintenance costs as well as the elimination of all pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), the LFSe+ in a first-choice vehicle for the transition to sustainable transport,” said Nova Bus management.

“The LFSe+ represents a smart mobility solution combining the Nova Bus LFS platform, a durable, proven structure that facilitates access for people with impaired mobility, with the latest innovations in electromobility and security.”

Laval passes by-laws taxing oil furnaces and downtown paved surfaces

Martin C. Barry
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0
Laval passes by-laws taxing oil furnaces and downtown paved surfaces

During their May city council meeting last week, Laval’s city councillors passed two new by-laws aimed at imposing new taxes on situations having a negative environmental impact.

As part of the city’s long-range Horizon 2035 climate plan, the first of the measures will see a new tax imposed on residential furnaces that burn fuel oil, while the second measure will see a tax imposed on all paved surfaces in the centre of Laval that are owned by commercial or industrial interests.

The new by-laws are in addition to an adjustment made by the city in January to the amount paid by commercial, industrial and institutional property owners in Laval for access to municipal water service.

The City of Laval is taking steps to cut down on the effects of “heat islands” caused by vast asphalted areas such as parking lots.

“Beyond public policies, the ecological transition will only be able to take place with a collective movement and the participation of all parties in society,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer. “By adopting these two eco fiscality by-laws, our administration wishes to tax in the most intelligent way possible, and thus doing to lighten the fiscal burden of citizens.

“With the implementation of these concrete incentives, it is our goal to encourage exemplary respectful treatment of the environment. We are proud to take a lead in this kind of matter to make of Laval a city that is even greener and more agreeable to live in.”

According to the city, oil heating currently is the biggest cause of greenhouse gases emitted by residential buildings – up to 100 times more polluting than hydroelectricity. The city estimates that the approximate 13,000 oil heating systems on its territory put out approximately 42 614 tCO2e/an, or the equivalent of 12,175 automobiles annually.

It should be noted that at the same time, the city is offering a subsidy to homeowners wishing to replace their oil heating systems. The amount of that subsidy doubled this year, from $1,000 (as previously) to $2,000 now.

Any homeowner with an oil heating system will be receiving a letter from the City of Laval between now and June. Under terms of the by-law, homeowners will also be obliged to declare when they have an oil furnace.

It should also be noted that homes equipped with dual-energy heating (oil and electricity) will be subject to the new tax, which amounts to $50 per heating unit per year for dual-energy. Those with oil-fired furnaces only will pay $100 per furnace unit.

Regarding the second by-law, the city says it is aimed at encouraging centre-city property owners to green over their spaces, or to redevelop them in such a way as to reduce rainwater waste from flow into sewers, discouraging heat islands and encouraging more environmentally-sound use of downtown space. The tax, which comes into effect during the current year, targets 129 commercial or industrial spaces in downtown Laval.

Action Laval says surtax on paved lots unfairly punishes businesses

Action Laval city councillor for Val des Arbres Archie Cifelli.

The Laval city council Action Laval opposition party reacted unfavourably to the Boyer administration’s plan to implement a new surtax on paved lots downtown, calling the measure environmentally unsound and an additional burden to businesses.

“This new tax, which applies only for the time being downtown, will penalize our businesses which have already been burdened in the last few years by the pandemic, inflation, a lack of employees, rather than reducing heat islands as it is supposed to,” the party said in a statement.

Action Laval points out that, based on what already is known, the tax will be progressive over time, while the wording of the by-law suggests that the door remains open to expanding it elsewhere in the city. The party suggests that the fiscal impact on lot owners will eventually be passed on to the public in the form of higher prices, encouraging consumers to buy from online retailers.

“Rather than punishing businesses, why don’t we work in a positive way by rewarding businesses which reached objectives?” said Action Laval city councillor for Val-des-Arbres Achille Cifelli. “What’s more, there is a risk of a conflict ending up in court if the taxation ends up not being equitable.”

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