Articles from Courrier Laval

A section of Quebec's Autoroute 19 was closed due to a dangerous situation involving a burning hydro pole that threatened to break and fall. The incident, attributed to strong winds, required the intervention of 14 firefighters and officers to secure the area. The road remained closed until the threat was managed, ensuring public safety. Authorities are working to restore traffic flow in the affected Laval area.

Une partie de l'Autoroute 19 au Québec a été fermée à cause d'un pylône électrique en feu menaçant de tomber. Des vents violents ont été la cause de cet incident, et 14 pompiers ont été mobilisés pour sécuriser la zone. La route est restée fermée jusqu'à ce que la situation soit sous contrôle pour assurer la sécurité publique. Les autorités s'efforcent maintenant de rétablir la circulation dans le secteur touché de Laval.

The developer John Garabedian is involved in a legal dispute with the city of Laval over a construction permit for the third tower of the Aquablu condominium complex. The city has denied the permit citing interim control measures that limit the number of residential units on the site, leading the developer to accuse the city of abusing its power. The case involves allegations of spot zoning and expropriation disguised as regulatory controls, and a possible lawsuit for damages if the tribunal decision is unfavorable to the developer. The outcome of this case will have implications for city planning and the future of the Aquablu project.

Two unions at Hydro-Québec, the Syndicat des technologues d’Hydro-Québec and the Syndicat des employé-es de métiers d’Hydro-Québec, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of taking strike action, with votes of 98.9% and 99.3% respectively. This decision comes after protracted negotiations lasting over 14 months. The unions emphasize that the strike mandate primarily aims to advance negotiations and secure fair working conditions. Additionally, members approved a temporary increase in union dues to be implemented at the discretion of their executive committee.

In March, Laval's residential construction industry saw minimal activity with just 23 housing units started, a stark contrast to the 1,930 new units formed across the Montreal Metropolitan Area. Laval did, however, achieve a significant increase in activity for the first quarter of 2025, with 888 housing units underway, primarily rental. The market for condos continues to struggle, sustaining a 17-month streak without new projects. Despite these mixed results, overall construction in Laval appears to be gaining momentum compared to the previous year.

The planned closures on the Papineau-Leblanc Bridge connecting Highway 19 between Laval and Montreal have been canceled this weekend due to operational constraints. Initially scheduled from April 25 to April 28, the closures would have affected both directions, necessitating alternative routes for commuters. However, traffic barriers are expected to persist until the project concludes in 2026, including ongoing evening and night closures as part of the infrastructure's rehabilitation work. The rehabilitation aims to replace guardrails, barriers, and the asphalt pavement, and enhance the bridge's membrane.