Articles from Courrier Laval

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced a new phase of repair work on the Papineau-Leblanc bridge starting June 20. The work involves replacing guard rails, wheel guards, road surface asphalt, and the bridge membrane, causing a complete closure of Highway 19 southbound between June 20 and June 23. Two lanes will remain open in each direction on the bridge until the end of 2026, with potential intermittent closures. The closures are subject to change due to weather or operational constraints.

The costs for upgrading the city hall have escalated to a minimum of $80 million from an initial estimate of $23 million. The budget increase is due to structural issues discovered during demolition and rising labor costs, and the project has experienced significant delays. The municipality has renewed its lease at an alternative location through the end of 2028 while preparing a public tender for the renovation work. The project faced setbacks, including severed ties with the initial architectural firm, but the city claims its current planning processes are more focused and timely.

The Laval Police Service has deployed mobile radar units at construction sites across Laval to increase driver awareness of speed and protect road workers. Located at the entrance and exit of construction zones, these signs display vehicle speed and cautionary messages. This initiative has led to a 10% to 20% reduction in driving speed, enhancing the safety of workers. Successful partnerships among the Laval City Public Works and the Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation supported this safety effort.

A $40 million industrial project is underway in Fabreville, near the highway 13 in Laval. The construction, handled by Guimond Construction on behalf of Groupe XM, will include a 190,000 square foot warehouse expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. The project embraces sustainable practices, dedicating a portion of the land to preserved wetland. Randmar has already purchased an 80,000-square-foot unit in the building.

The Bank of Canada announced that it will maintain its overnight rate target at 2.75% as international trade negotiations remain uncertain. Despite a robust start, the Canadian economy faces a slowdown in GDP growth, largely attributed to a decrease in housing market activity and weakened consumer confidence. Inflation and unemployment rates have seen notable fluctuations, with inflation dropping but underlying pressures persisting. Upcoming rate changes will be considered on July 30.

Laval's administration is dedicating $21 million to boost the construction of social and affordable housing. This includes a $16 million program to incentivize developers with property tax credits if they include affordable housing in developments. Two additional funds will help acquire existing rental properties and support nonprofit and cooperative housing projects. The aim is to build 1,500 new units over three years, with a significant portion being affordable housing.

Aldo Construction faced eight violations before finally receiving a construction permit from the Urban Planning Service on May 1. The company started an unauthorized residential project at the corner of Chomedey Boulevard and Châteaux Street in Laval, aiming for a 670-unit complex. Due to legal challenges and revised plans, the project now includes 670 units instead of 723, and the construction of townhouses has been removed. The city's authorities only approved the project after a modified architectural integration plan was accepted.

A house fire in Sainte-Rose, caused by the overheating of an air exchanger, forced two residents to find temporary housing. The fire service responded promptly after the incident was reported in the residential area. Though the fire was controlled swiftly, it caused approximately $30,000 in structural damage and an additional $5,000 to the contents. Fortunately, a functioning smoke detector alerted the occupants, preventing injuries.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has expressed concern over the looming threat of a residential construction strike in Quebec, which could disrupt numerous projects and adversely affect SMEs and the economy. According to CFIB's survey, 69% of SME leaders are worried about a potential work stoppage, and 86% call for government intervention to prevent it. There are rising operational costs including insurance, wages, and fuel impacting SMEs, and CFIB indicates that confidence in the construction sector is at its lowest point in 15 years.

The city of Laval in Quebec has adopted special powers granted by the Legault government to accelerate the construction of housing projects. These powers allow the city to approve housing projects that do not adhere to current urban planning regulations. Although the initiative aims to address housing shortages, it has sparked debate about its democratic implications. The rules include conditions for social and affordable housing, but critics argue that the power could lead to arbitrary decision-making without public input.

Laval's social housing sector has experienced a 20% increase, reaching 5,000 units, as reported in the 2020-2024 housing action plan. Despite economic challenges, 710 units were completed and six more projects are underway to deliver almost 1,078 new homes by 2025. The city has also streamlined its processes, cutting permit issuance times by up to 70%. Mayor Stéphane Boyer has committed to delivering an additional 1,000 units in the next five years.

The Quebec government plans to invest $87.5 million in Laval's road network between 2025 and 2027. This funding will enable key projects like the westbound service road asphalting of Highway 440 and the construction of Highway 19 between Laval and Bois-des-Filion. These projects aim to enhance safe and efficient travel, boost the region's socioeconomic vitality, and create jobs. The investment breaks down into $46.4 million for structure improvements, $35.1 million for network safety, and $6.1 million for road paving.