Montreal QC ☕ The Morning Chat
Good morning, Montreal.
Today, we take you into a century-old building in Old Montreal that is about to become home to a museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí, while the city prepares to host an international summit. We also talk hockey, safety, roadwork, and a few decisions that hit close to home.
Top Story
A Salvador Dalí Museum Is Coming to Old Montreal
The Salvador Dalí Archives Museum (MASD) unveiled its vision Tuesday at a press conference in the former harbour commissioners’ building, a historic Old Montreal structure built in 1875. The building, which has never opened its doors to the public, will house the museum starting in 2027.
Founded by historian Félix Bélanger and led by Lorraine Pintal, the museum aims to showcase lesser-known facets of the surrealist artist, whose work goes far beyond his famous paintings. Expect engraving, illustration, fashion, theatre, and design.
The idea grew out of Bélanger’s research, which began in 2017 and led him to Frank Hunter in New York, a documentarian of Dalí’s work since 1969. The collection will include authenticated works and archives, with a mission of preservation and research.
The experience promises to be immersive, with music, projections, lighting, and sometimes live performances. Bélanger compares it to a theatrical production and promises a local touch: “We’ll show them the Montreal Touch, the Quebec Touch, the way we do things in Quebec.”
Work is already underway, and the opening is slated for 2027. Bélanger hopes visitors will leave with one desire: to come back, and bring their friends and family.
Around Town
Makeshift Shelters Multiply as Winter Approaches
More and more unhoused Montrealers are assembling makeshift shelters from pallets, tarps, ropes, and scraps of insulation. The city is watching this trend more closely as winter nears, with safety concerns mounting.
SPVM Under Scrutiny Over Recruit Supervision
Allegations of racism are raising questions about how new SPVM recruits are being supervised. The police service says it has added 1,000 recruits in three years to cover retirements, but doubts persist about the training and follow-up these new officers receive.
Olympic Stadium Gets Emergency Waterproofing Contract
A $254,000 contract has been awarded to Aquabloc to waterproof 35 concrete structures outside the Olympic Stadium. Urgent work, as the building continues to show signs of aging.
Keep in Mind
Canada-EU Summit Lands in Montreal
Montreal will host a major summit between Canada and the European Union on October 29 and 30. Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa to discuss trade, energy, critical minerals, defence, and emerging technologies.
The event is meant to advance a new “Alliance for the Future,” in Carney’s words, who insists on building an alliance “strong enough that no one can dictate our choices.” A recent poll shows nearly 75% of Canadians support this pivot toward Europe.
PSPP Boycotts Summit, Carney Fires Back
Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has announced he will not attend the Canada-EU summit, denouncing Ottawa’s refusal to let him speak. Mark Carney shot back that it’s “his decision to leave an empty chair, again.”
CAQ Wants a Seat in the National Assembly
The Coalition Avenir Québec is asking for access to Quebec’s National Assembly, as well as permission to take part in the upcoming summit on homelessness. The request adds to current political tensions.
Eurovision: Two Quebecers in the Running
William Cloutier and Rêve are among five finalists to represent Canada at the Eurovision Song Contest, a first for the country. The public can vote until November 5 on Radio-Canada’s website, and the winner will be announced by the end of November.
Canadiens Shut Out Blues in St. Louis
Jacob Fowler made 46 saves, a career high, for his second shutout of the season. Zachary Bolduc and Florian Xhekaj scored, as the Canadiens won 2-0 in St. Louis. Montreal, now 7-3-2, will continue its road trip Thursday in Dallas.
Bank of Canada Could Raise Key Rate
The Bank of Canada is expected to announce a quarter-point hike to its key rate on Wednesday, the first since July 2023. Financial markets and a Reuters poll anticipate the move, as the bank worries about inflation tied to Middle East conflicts.
Privacy Commissioner Probes Crime Stoppers Data Breach
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has opened an investigation into a security breach at Navigate360, the provider of the platform used by Crime Stoppers. Approximately 1.5 million tips submitted over the past 25 years may have been exposed in a March hack. Several police forces have temporarily stopped accepting tips through the platform.
Practical Corner
Highway 40 Closures This Weekend
Eastbound drivers on Highway 40 will face complete overnight closures from Friday to Monday. The transport ministry recommends checking the Québec 511 website before heading out, and warns of possible congestion.
Drop-off Zone at YUL Closing at Night
Travelers heading to Montreal-Trudeau airport should expect detours in the coming weeks. The arrivals drop-off zone will be closed overnight until December 19, due to REM construction.
Suspicious Barrel Near St. Lawrence Island
The Sûreté du Québec is treating an old barrel spotted near an island in the St. Lawrence River under a hazardous materials protocol. A safety perimeter and a no-fly zone have been set up around the island.
Coup de Coeur
The story of this Dalí museum taking root in a 150-year-old building in Old Montreal reminds us that the city knows how to blend heritage and boldness. When a passionate historian and a theatre director join forces to bring surrealist imagination into a place steeped in history, you can’t help but think Montreal still has lovely surprises to offer.
In Closing
Wishing you a day that lives up to your expectations, with a touch of surrealist magic and plenty of hot coffee. Even when the news feels hectic, take a moment to look up: there’s always something unexpected to discover. ☕