Articles from Lapresse actualité

Montréal-Trudeau Airport will undergo major construction to reconfigure its road access and drop-off areas, starting this summer and continuing until 2035. This work is expected to increase traffic congestion around the airport, particularly at peak times. With 6.8 million travelers expected from June to August, Aéroports de Montréal recommends strategies such as using peripheral express drop-offs and arriving early. The airport plans to remain operational throughout the construction process.

The article discusses upcoming road disruptions in Québec due to construction and maintenance work. The Mercier bridge will have partial closures from June 16 to mid-July. The Papineau-Leblanc bridge will undergo significant renovations starting June 20, lasting until the end of 2026, while the Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine bridge-tunnel will have night closures on June 20-21 for maintenance. Motorists are advised to plan their travel accordingly and consult relevant updates.

The upcoming G7 summit in the Canadian Rockies will not result in a joint communiqué, opting instead for a series of individual statements from leaders. The Canadian government wants to focus on action, including initiatives like combating wildfires. Tensions exist with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following allegations about India's involvement in a Sikh activist's assassination in Canada. Various global leaders and organizations will attend, and private meetings will occur among G7 leaders.

The Quebec government has modified its plans for a third highway link between Lévis and Quebec City. Initially conceptualized as a bridge near Île d'Orléans, the project will now involve a bridge that transitions into a tunnel upon reaching Quebec City. Despite challenges like complex infrastructure and urban integration, the government believes this plan will improve regional traffic flow. The final cost and project details are expected to be unveiled in the fall.

The city of Montreal is welcoming taller and denser residential developments as part of a new urban plan. Projects include a 25-story tower near the Langelier metro station and various developments across the city, aiming to address housing shortages and high construction costs. The administration's openness to increased density is viewed favorably by developers, though there are concerns about the implementation speed of new regulations. The city's approach under new municipal powers aims to facilitate significant housing projects while considering the preservation of heritage buildings.

During the Canadian Grand Prix, no new construction will be allowed in a central district of Montreal to facilitate traffic and improve the visitor experience. Existing construction sites will be enhanced with decorations to make the area more inviting. Communication issues that marred last year's event have been addressed, and transport will be optimized with cleared highways. The event is expected to attract approximately 350,000 visitors, with significant economic benefits for the city.

A coroner's report highlights the insufficient suicide prevention measures on Quebec's Samuel-De Champlain bridge. The coroner recommends the federal Ministry of Infrastructure and the bridge management to urgently enhance prevention barriers. Despite the alarming situation with nine deaths since its opening in 2019, the bridge operators are reluctant to implement some changes suggested due to maintenance challenges. Experts are urged to prioritize the review of effective measures to avoid future incidents.

The City of Montreal is demanding $3.8 million in compensation from the designers of its new Insectarium due to significant building issues that risk damaging its insect collections. Problems include overheating in summer and condensation in winter, leading to unsafe conditions. The building was awarded for its architecture and environmental certifications but is unsuitable for Montreal's climate, resulting in costly corrective works. The litigation involves multiple architecture and engineering firms, with the City seeking to recover costs incurred due to design flaws.

Canadian Minister Steven Guilbeault, known for his environmental advocacy, has refrained from declaring his stance on a proposed pipeline project that would cross Quebec. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his provincial counterparts have shown interest in boosting Canada's status as an energy superpower, which might involve new pipeline projects. Guilbeault noted that social acceptability is crucial for such projects, but previously expressed skepticism about the need for new pipelines given global oil demand forecasts. Various provincial leaders have different views on potential pipeline routes, including a suggested path connecting British Columbia to Manitoba.

Quebec Premier François Legault has stated that he will not make special efforts to attract a private promoter for a potential pipeline project. The discussion arose during a meeting of Canadian premiers in Saskatoon, where most except Quebec and British Columbia showed support for a national interest pipeline proposal. Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith favors a route from British Columbia to Hudson Bay. This proposed path would sideline New Brunswick, which seeks to host an oil export port.

The reconstruction of the Pont de l’Île-aux-Tourtes in Montreal is well underway, with the construction manager confident of meeting the deadline despite common delays in infrastructure projects across Quebec. Two new bridges are being built, one to Vaudreuil-Dorion by 2026 and another to Montreal by 2027, with pedestrian and cycling paths to be added by 2028. The project, initially estimated at $1.4 billion, now stands at $2.3 billion, potentially rising. Current challenges include managing boat traffic around the construction site to ensure worker safety.

Québec solidaire, led by spokesperson Ruba Ghazal, is advocating for a reform of the carbon pricing system to ensure better revenue distribution and transparency in investments. The proposal includes a carbon credit for low-income households and increased charges for major polluters in the industrial sector. The party also highlights inefficiencies in the current Green Fund, questioning unused funds and lack of performance indicators for emissions reduction projects. They suggest reinvesting revenues in sustainable mobility and municipal infrastructure projects.