Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

During the construction holiday in Quebec, there was a significant increase in road fatalities, with 38 deaths reported in 30 collisions, more than double from the previous year. Factors such as human error, speeding, and distracted driving contributed to these accidents. The Sûreté du Québec has noted a high number of single-vehicle crashes and infractions for safety belt violations. Additionally, motorcyclists were heavily impacted, with 14 fatalities involving motorcycles.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MRNF) will temporarily close the R0253-01 bridge over the Boiteuse River in Saguenay for repair work starting August 11, 2025. Traffic will be prohibited for a few days, and alternative routes are available via designated pathways. Signage will be in place to guide and ensure the safety of travelers. Residents are advised to plan their routes accordingly and drive cautiously.

The City of Montreal owns 78 vacant and deteriorating buildings, and it would be cheaper to rebuild them than renovate due to their poor conditions. Some notably decrepit structures, like the former Dickson incinerator, are so worn down that repair costs surpass their replacement value. Criticism arises as these buildings remain unused amidst a housing and homelessness crisis, with suggestions to incentivize affordable housing developments. The city's plan involves selling some buildings at favorable terms to organizations for residential use.

The article highlights ten abandoned buildings owned by the City of Montreal, illustrating their deterioration and the city's efforts or lack thereof in repurposing these structures. Buildings such as the former Dickson incinerator and meat inspection clinic show significant historical and cultural value but remain unused. The city is exploring various options for redevelopment, including housing projects and potential economic revitalization efforts. Despite ongoing evaluations, many properties face challenges such as vandalism and structural decay.

A serious road accident in Cowansville, Quebec, involves three vehicles and results in one fatality and several injuries. The accident occurred during Quebec's construction holidays, a period known for increased road fatalities. A collision reconstruction expert is investigating, with speed potentially being a contributing factor. The construction holidays in Quebec frequently see higher traffic incidents, with a notable rise in fatalities this year compared to last.

The future of several plots in East Montreal, acquired by the city for affordable housing, remains uncertain due to funding challenges. The city intends to sell these plots to non-profit organizations and housing cooperatives at favorable prices. Despite investments and land acquisition, stakeholders stress the lack of sufficient funding and proper programs needed to advance affordable housing projects. Government support varies, with some programs irregularly issuing funding calls, further complicating project planning.

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility announces that evening and night asphalt works on Highway 20 westbound at Coteau-du-Lac and Les Coteaux will begin on August 11 and extend until October. The project involves complete closures of the westbound road, with detours marked for motorists. The works aim to improve the road surface and may be adjusted due to weather or operational constraints. Motorists are advised to stay updated via the Quebec 511 website.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has provided a $24 million loan to support the Atikamekw of Opitciwan in developing a renewable energy facility in northern Quebec. The Onimiskiw Opitciwan Limited Partnership will undertake the construction and operation of the 4.8-megawatt Centrale de cogénération d’Opitciwan. This facility aims to generate electricity for the remote First Nation community of 2,500 residents.

The Quebec Ministry of Transportation has announced night closures on Highway 25 towards the South Shore during the weekend of August 1st for construction work on a safety barrier under the Souligny interchange. Additional closures are scheduled mid-week for repairs of impact attenuators and safety barriers at the interchange of Highways 20 and 25 as well as Route 132. The Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel will remain open. In case of adverse weather or operational constraints, these interventions may be postponed.

Residents near the site of a planned multi-level parking structure at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital in Montreal are concerned about the impact on the local environment and community. Issues cited include the loss of green space, increased pollution, and noise. A community mobilization is in place to protest the decision, questioning the necessity of the parking lot amidst proposed public transportation improvements. Despite the opposition, the healthcare authorities defend their choice citing thorough impact assessments.

The village of Saint-Simon-les-Mines, Quebec, has been cited by the Ministry of the Environment for unauthorized construction work in the Cumberland Natural Reserve. The municipality extended the Cumberland Road into the protected area without the proper permits, violating conservation laws. The Ministry has ordered the town to submit a corrective plan by July 31st or face fines. This is not the first environmental infraction by the village, which had previously been cited for environmental damages.

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.