Montreal QC ☕ The daily chat

Good morning, Montreal.

We start with news that hits close to home for merchants on Jean-Talon, as the Blue line extension work makes its presence felt. We also look at the key interest rate hike, the possible end of the time change, and a few initiatives making Halloween sweeter for everyone. There’s even a bit of sport and a raccoon story that paid off big.

Main Story

‘A nightmare’: Jean-Talon merchants fear they won’t survive Blue line construction

Merchants on Jean-Talon Street East are raising the alarm. Years of construction tied to the Blue line metro extension, slated for completion in 2031, are putting their businesses through the wringer, and they’re asking for more support to hang on.

Kamer Bensalem, owner of Boulangerie Castel for 18 years, describes the situation as a ‘dream turning into a nightmare.’ The loss of foot traffic has forced him to hunt for customers elsewhere and offer deliveries to keep his business afloat. He says sales have dropped 20 to 25 percent despite these adjustments, and without them, he might have to close. ‘I have more than 20 employees,’ he reminds, noting the bakery’s revenue topped $2 million.

The Jean-Talon East Business Development Corporation (SDC), which brought together merchants and community partners on Wednesday, reports pedestrian traffic has plunged more than 90 percent, from over 1,000 passersby a day before 2024 to fewer than 100. The rerouting of bus line 141 is singled out as a major factor in this decline. The STM, for its part, says bringing back line 141 isn’t an option, as it would add more than 20 minutes to travel times. Instead, it proposes shuttle 814 to maintain access to the area.

SDC president Paul Micheletti is asking for regular meetings with decision-makers, changes to transit service, and measures to draw people back to Jean-Talon East. He also laments the complexity of financial aid programs available to merchants hit by the work. The borough mayor of Saint-Léonard, Dominic Perri, assures the situation is being closely monitored and mentions measures already in place, like funding for the SDC and temporary development projects.

For Kamer Bensalem, the stakes are clear: he hopes his sons will one day take over the business, but he doubts the future. ‘Help us,’ he urges. ‘Better days are coming. Let us be there to enjoy them.’

Around Here

End of time change in Quebec moves closer

The Quebec government has promised to table a bill to abolish the time change. Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced on social media that ‘Saturday is very likely the last time we’ll turn the clocks back in Quebec.’ Specialists will be consulted to decide whether the province opts for daylight time or standard time year-round.

According to a public consultation of more than 214,000 Quebecers in 2025, 91 percent of respondents want the time change abolished, and 72 percent would prefer to stay on daylight time all year. The time change is already not observed in several parts of Canada, including the Prairies, British Columbia, and Yukon.

A turquoise pumpkin for an allergy-free Halloween

As Halloween approaches, Allergies Québec is inviting the public to join the #MaCitrouilleTurquoise initiative, which aims to let the 100,000 children living with food allergies enjoy trick-or-treating safely. The concept is simple: place a pumpkin painted turquoise at your door, or display a sign indicating that non-edible treats are available.

Dominique Seigneur, communications director at Allergies Québec, stresses that Halloween is about more than just collecting candy. She encourages handing out stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles, or small toys. The organization even offers an interactive map to locate participating homes and businesses. The movement, born in the United States in 2014, was adopted by the provincial group ten years ago.

Montreal’s ‘raccoon guy’ rakes in over $110K in crypto fees

The ‘Pepper’ coin, launched October 10 by an online trader using the name ‘Hiruzen,’ has generated more than $110,000 in cryptocurrency fees. The trader said he named the coin after Louka Berman’s raccoon, the Montrealer known for his videos with his raccoons.

To Remember

Bank of Canada hikes key rate by quarter point to 2.5%

The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, bringing it to 2.5 percent. This is the first hike in over three years, a decision attributed to inflation. The increase will affect variable-rate mortgages, lines of credit, and variable-rate car loans, while savers could benefit from higher interest rates on their savings accounts and investments.

Owners of variable-rate mortgages will receive hike notices in the coming days. For those with fixed payments, a larger portion of their monthly payment will go toward interest. Potential buyers will need to revisit their budgets to see if higher rates suit their financial situation. Experts recommend reviewing all your debts and not making impulsive decisions based on a single rate announcement.

Stelco owner hopes to rehire laid-off workers before Christmas

Stelco’s owner hopes to rehire laid-off employees before the holidays. The company says it now counts on increased purchases of Canadian-made steel.

Canada no longer ‘associate member’ of European Union

The term ‘associate member’ has been struck from the draft joint declaration to be published at the end of the Canada-EU summit, held in Montreal Thursday and Friday. Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has officially withdrawn his personal participation in the summit and will delegate Quebec’s chief diplomat, Pascal Paradis. Mark Carney had proposed that the Quebec premier attend the summit without giving a speech.

Two investigations launched after deaths of children under English-speaking DPJ protection

Two investigations are underway following the deaths of at least two children who were under the care of the English-speaking DPJ.

Canadian Joshua Kutryk makes first spacewalk

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk became the fifth Canadian to step outside the International Space Station, during a spacewalk carried out Thursday morning.

Brewers win World Series

The Milwaukee Brewers won the World Series for the first time in their history, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5. Young pitcher Jacob Misiorowski threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and rookie Cooper Pratt had two hits and two RBIs.

Practical Corner

Time change: one last time this weekend?

If the bill passes, this weekend could be the last time Quebecers turn their clocks back. The time change happens on the night from Saturday to Sunday. It’s advised to take the opportunity to adjust your clocks and maybe catch an extra hour of sleep.

Halloween: think of kids with allergies

Besides the turquoise pumpkin, it’s recommended to have non-edible treats on hand for children with allergies. A small gesture can make a big difference so all kids can enjoy the holiday.

Favourite Pick

The story of Sofranie Trencia, a Montrealer who survived a 30-foot fall and burnout, reminds us that sometimes stopping is the best way to move forward. Her journey, from taekwondo champion to circus artist, through a year in bed, is a lesson in resilience and self-rediscovery. She’ll speak at SpeakerSlam in Toronto on November 21, a competition that transformed her. A beautiful proof that the darkest moments can lead to rebirth.

To Close

We wish you a day like a good coffee: warm, comforting, and without too many hiccups. Whether you’re preparing your pumpkins or following the news, take a moment to breathe. See you tomorrow for another chat. ☕