Articles from Courrier Laval

The Bank of Canada has lowered its key overnight financing rate to 2.25%, with an official discount rate at 2.50%. Global economies show signs of slowing due to trade tensions, although the American economy has gained from investments in artificial intelligence. In Canada, the economy contracted in the second quarter, and the labor market remains weak with a 7.1% unemployment rate.

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) will become operational in Laval starting November 17, as confirmed by CDPQ Infra. All stations on the Deux-Montagnes branch, including Sainte-Dorothée and Île Bigras, will be accessible. The Société de transport de Laval (STL) is also preparing a revised network to support this opening.

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced the closure of two lanes on Route 335 on the Athanase-David Bridge on October 23 and 24. This is part of the ongoing extension work for Highway 19 between Laval and Bois-des-Filion. The closures are scheduled overnight, with no alternative detours offered, and could be postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

Stéphane Boyer, mayor of Laval, and Catherine Fournier, mayor of Longueuil, announced a collaboration to cut infrastructure costs by issuing joint bids. They plan to include sharing and reuse clauses to reduce engineering and architecture expenses. This initiative aims to innovate municipal practices amid rising costs, potentially serving as a model for other municipalities in Quebec.

Claude Larochelle, mayoral candidate in Laval, pledges to invest at least $800 million in modernizing sewer and rainwater systems to prevent flooding. He plans to establish sponge parks, a Laval Blue Fund, and plant 100,000 trees to improve water absorption and enhance ecological resilience. The focus is on public safety and updating aging infrastructure in response to climate challenges.

Frédéric Mayer, mayoral candidate for Action Laval, outlined his commitments to municipal infrastructure, housing, and mobility. He proposes addressing Laval’s outdated sewage system to spur urban development and alleviate the housing crisis. Mayer also aims to streamline urban planning codes and improve public transport, including fiscal incentives for affordable housing and a revamp of urban mobility.

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced a new phase of repair work on the overpass at Highway 25 and Route 344. Temporary road closures will occur from September 29 to October 6, with detours in place. Road users are advised of nighttime closures and potential extensions due to weather conditions.

In Laval's Pont-Viau district, 26 new affordable housing units are being introduced for individuals over 50 who have experienced homelessness. The Habitation Bousquet project provides both community spaces and support for social reintegration, funded partially by government programs. Residents will benefit from the Rent Supplement Program, capping rent at 25% of their income. Funding comes from multiple sources, including the federal government and the City of Laval.

Laval has set a new record with 3249 housing units started by August 2025, surpassing the previous record of 3234 units in 2008. Over 90% of these constructions are for the rental market, highlighting the city's booming real estate sector. Laval now accounts for 19.4% of the Greater Montreal market. Ambitious new projects are expected, with plans for 140 residential towers over the next decade.

During the summer, 22 renovation projects were undertaken in Laval's schools, with 13 completed and 9 ongoing. Most projects involve secondary schools, though several primary and vocational schools are also impacted. Budget constraints have slowed the pace of some projects, but ongoing works during the school year are managed to minimize disruption to educational activities.

Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer prioritizes infrastructure upgrades in his re-election campaign, promising a $440M investment in roads, underground networks, and parks. This comes amid a positive first-term record, including reduced service request times and lower violent crime rates. Despite a rise in municipal debt, Boyer highlights sound financial management, noting historically low debt levels are being addressed. Notable achievements include social housing development and major cultural projects.

The City of Laval has opened a community center integrated into a residential building with 359 social housing units in Val-Martin. Launched in 2016, this urban revitalization project was completed in two construction phases, providing new housing and community spaces. The initiative aims to enhance quality of life and community integration through an inclusive and sustainable approach. The center is named in honor of Simonne-Monet-Chartrand, a prominent feminist activist in Quebec.