Articles from Radio Canada En continu

A year after the demolition of a century-old bascule bridge in Kingston, a series of lawsuits exceeding $70 million have ensued. The bridge was damaged during repair works in March 2024, leading to its demolition and major disruptions in mobility within the city. Landform Civil Infrastructures and other contractors are fighting in court for compensation against federal authorities, who have also filed a counter-lawsuit. Meanwhile, local businesses like St. Lawrence Cruise Lines report significant financial losses due to interrupted access and demand proper compensation.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a reduction in tolls for the Confederation Bridge and interprovincial ferries in the Atlantic provinces, effective August 1, 2025. The Confederation Bridge toll will decrease from $50.25 to $20, with ferry tariffs cut by half. This move aims to alleviate living costs for Canadians and stimulate local economies, costing the federal government approximately $100 million annually. The reduction addresses long-standing demands and is partly motivated by trade tensions with the United States.

The article details the progress of the new roof construction for Montreal's Olympic Stadium. The project, costing $870 million, involves replacing the original kevlar roof with a new steel and elastomer structure that is expected to be completed in 2027. Currently, workers are removing the old concrete technical ring and will install a more efficient and lighter steel ring. The stadium renovation promises enhanced ventilation, lighting, and sound equipment, leading to a better experience for visitors.

The Council of the Federation is meeting in Huntsville, Ontario, to discuss reducing interprovincial trade barriers and advancing major projects. Key topics include the Canadian Economy Unity Act and tariff disputes with the United States. Indigenous communities have expressed concerns about fast-tracking major infrastructure and resource projects. Canadian PM Mark Carney is set to discuss trade and tariffs with visiting U.S. senators.

Toronto is implementing AI-powered traffic lights to reduce road congestion, adapting signal durations based on real-time traffic conditions, bus presence, pedestrians, and cyclists. These smart signals have shown to be particularly effective in suburban areas, enhancing traffic flow and safety. However, experts warn that AI technology alone will not solve the city's congestion problem, which stems from a structural imbalance between road capacity and vehicle demand. A holistic approach, combining technology, infrastructure development, and behavioral changes, is necessary to address the issue fully.

The Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Quebec is moving forward with its expansion project by beginning preliminary work on a new multi-level parking structure, reducing its cost from $125 million to $40 million. The project aims to build 678 parking spaces and 76 bicycle slots, with work expected to last until spring 2027. The overall hospital expansion, costing over $5 billion, has stirred political discussions and gained support from local politicians, who emphasize the difficulty of postponing the project further.

The construction of Toronto's Ontario Line metro is blamed for rat infestations in nearby neighborhoods. Residents like Janice Lachapelle are dealing with rodents displaced by excavations, incurring costs for extermination services. The City of Toronto is formulating a plan to manage the issue, but there are challenges due to jurisdictional authority resting with Metrolinx, a provincial agency. Metrolinx asserts the problem is typical for major construction projects and is working on solutions, including hiring exterminators.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of tariffs on copper, potentially reaching 50%. These tariffs are a part of Trump's ongoing trade war, with the decision following an investigation into the national security risks of imported copper. Canada, a major copper exporter to the U.S., could be significantly impacted. Additionally, Trump plans to impose high tariffs on medicines and inform 14 countries about new reciprocal tariffs.

The city of Toronto is offering free pre-approved plans for garden and laneway houses to tackle the housing shortage. Mayor Olivia Chow highlights that residents can build these without needing an architect or planner, which simplifies and reduces the cost of the process. However, only a small number of such homes have been constructed recently. The initiative also includes improving online services for faster permit approvals.

A new liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is being proposed in Baie-Comeau by the Norwegian company Marinvest Energy Canada, which aims to build a natural gas liquefaction plant and pipeline. While local officials express cautious interest, environmental groups and political figures, such as Greenpeace and Québec solidaire, voice strong opposition due to concerns about fossil fuel infrastructure. The proposal comes amid recent federal moves to ease restrictions on national projects, potentially bypassing environmental regulations. The project is seen as controversial, especially considering past rejections of similar projects in Canada.

In Sept-Îles, Quebec, rising rental costs and low vacancy rates are putting significant pressure on tenants ahead of July 1st. Local housing offices are offering support services to prevent homelessness. The Quebec Tribunal has recommended a 5.9% rent increase, which some find difficult to afford. This situation has sparked concerns about potential evictions and the financial strain on tenants as housing costs outpace income growth.

Montréal has seen rental prices for two-bedroom apartments increase by 71% since 2019, the highest among Canada's major cities. The average rent in Greater Montréal is now $1930, still less expensive than Vancouver and Toronto but rapidly catching up. Vancouver and Toronto experienced significant rent spikes during the pandemic, but recent trends show decreasing rents in these cities, while less urbanized areas such as Drummondville and Sherbrooke see dramatic rises in rental costs.