MTLQC – Montréal QC
Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat
Good morning, Montréal.
We hope your coffee is nice and hot this morning, because we’ve prepared an especially packed edition for you.
Between the weather surprises, important local news, and stories that touch our community, there’s plenty to fuel your morning.
Take a big sip and let’s get started.
🔦 Main Story
Osheaga Unveils 2026 Lineup with an Exciting Roster
The Osheaga Festival has just revealed its full lineup for 2026, and it’s shaping up to be a memorable summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Headliners include Twenty One Pilots, Tate McRae, and Lorde.
Other artists taking the stage from July 31 to August 2 include Georgia rapper Gunna, UK electronic trio The xx, Scottish indie-rock legends Franz Ferdinand, global EDM act Major Lazer, Montreal favourites Wolf Parade, Stranger Things actor-turned-musician Finn Wolfhard, pop star Kehlani, UK indie rock band Wet Leg, American rappers Clipse, Australian electronic duo Empire of the Sun, UK rock band Wolf Alice, and many more.
Three-day passes go on sale Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m., priced at $425 for the regular pass, $640 for the Party Deck, $810 for Gold, and $1,730 for Platinum. Amex cardholders have access to the presale now until February 26 at noon.
For those already planning their summer, it’s time to mark your calendars.
⚡ Of Note
Spring Will Be Long and Winding in Quebec
MétéoMédia forecasts a snowy or rainy spring for much of eastern Canada.
Meteorologist André Monette says winter won’t end early, with chances of snow in March and April. Quebec will see above-normal precipitation except for the north and east, which will be near normal.
A few snowstorms are still possible in the first half of spring.
With a strong possibility of heavy rain, the flood season will be one to watch. If the snow melts quickly, it could cause flooding—the risk is currently moderate.
Temperatures will be near normal in the coming weeks except for the western part of the province, which will be below normal, and the north, which will be above.
Carney Close to Majority
Prime Minister Mark Carney has gained a third defector from the Conservatives, bringing the Liberal seat count to 169 out of the 172 needed for a majority government.
Three by-elections are expected in seats the Liberals won just a year ago, meaning Carney is on the verge of achieving Canada’s first majority in a decade.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre received an 87% approval rating from his party.
Doctors Call for Action on Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is both the fastest-growing cancer in Canada and one of the most preventable.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, the Women’s Health Coalition, and 19 other groups are holding a press conference Wednesday to urge lawmakers to act.
Canada aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. The current rate is more than double the elimination target of fewer than four cases per 100,000 people, and it is rising.
Over 90% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus. A highly effective vaccine has been widely available for years and has been shown to prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by the virus.
Canada’s elimination goal depends on vaccinating 90% of children under 18 by 2025, but only about 64% of eligible children receive the vaccine on average.
The vaccine costs about $215 per dose, with two doses usually needed for adults.
Quebec Wants to Expand Alcohol Sales in Grocery Stores
Economy Minister Samuel Poulin is opening the door to the sale of ready-to-drink spirits-based beverages in grocery stores.
This is one of the amendments tabled Tuesday in Bill 11 on regulatory easing. The aim is to allow spirits-based products to enter the grocery market like malt-based beverages, wine, and cider.
The proposal would end the SAQ’s monopoly in this sector. Grocers would still have to buy ready-to-drink beverages made with distilled alcohol through the state corporation.
The Quebec Union of Microdistilleries and the Retail Council of Canada welcomed the announcement.
PQ Leader Says Referendum Could Wait Until Trump’s Term Ends
Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon repeated Tuesday that his party remains committed to holding a referendum on independence during a first mandate if it wins the general election in October.
However, St-Pierre Plamondon says he’s heard many concerns from voters that it’s not the right time for a referendum, some fearing the economic impact of Trump administration policies.
Quebec Eliminates Annual Fee for Sawmills
The Quebec government says it will carry out a “mini-reform” of the province’s forestry regime to provide relief to sawmills and other businesses affected by US tariffs.
Quebec Father Who Drowned His Children Finishes Testimony
A Quebec man who admitted to drowning two of his children in 2022 finished his testimony at his first-degree murder trial.
Sixth Complainant Expected in Stronach Trial
The sixth of seven complainants in Frank Stronach’s sexual assault trial was expected to testify Tuesday in Toronto. Stronach has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges related to alleged incidents spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Tuesday, Stronach’s lawyer questioned the fifth complainant about details she hadn’t previously told police or prosecutors. Leora Shemesh suggested the woman had a “tendency to lie” and would “make up another story” if she testified long enough.
The woman said she was telling the truth and revealed details as she remembered them.
Half-Brother of Alleged Tumbler Ridge Shooter Identified
A person arrested in Alberta, previously described as linked to the Tumbler Ridge shooter, has been identified as the suspect’s older half-brother.
Jacob Jan Van Rootselaar was arrested last Thursday in Sylvan Lake on a Canada-wide warrant related to an attempted murder investigation in Fort McMurray in 2024. He was charged with two weapons offences and five counts of breaching release conditions.
Alberta RCMP said Jacob is the older brother of Jesse Van Rootselaar, but a close family contact said Jacob is actually Jesse’s older half-brother.
Canadians Returning from Mexico After Violence
Canadians arriving at Toronto’s Pearson Airport Tuesday showed visible relief after days of uncertainty in Puerto Vallarta, where sudden cartel-related violence forced tourists and residents into lockdown.
The unrest erupted after a notorious cartel leader was killed during a government operation. Between 100,000 and 200,000 Canadians may be in Mexico during peak winter months. Global Affairs Canada said about 16,600 people are registered in Jalisco state.
All major Canadian airlines resumed flights Tuesday. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said conditions are improving, though the government continues to urge travellers to exercise caution.
🏙️ Local Stories
Food Bank Loses Space After Church Fire
The director of a Montreal food bank saw the church housing his organization burn completely in the early hours of Monday.
The loss of this space puts the organization’s operations, which help the community, at risk.
Power Outage in Ville-Marie After Hydro-Québec Access Shaft Fire
A fire in a Hydro-Québec access shaft Tuesday afternoon caused power outages in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal.
Montreal Restaurant Owner Worried About Family in Mexico
Enrique Chan, owner of Tacos Frida on Notre-Dame Street, says he tries to talk to his parents in Mexico every day.
Chan grew up in Oaxaca in a small town called Salina Cruz and says the sense of security he once felt has disappeared as criminal organizations have moved into the area over the years. His parents only leave home to buy essentials.
He sends money to his father in smaller amounts and advises him to go to the bank between 1 and 2 p.m., when there are more people. Chan also has friends in Mexico who have closed their businesses because they don’t feel safe and their staff no longer wants to leave home.
Empress Theatre in NDG Will Be Demolished and Redeveloped
The historic Empress Theatre in NDG could finally be getting a new life. The borough mayor says it starts with the wrecking ball and the site will be redeveloped as a cultural space.
Community Centre Project for Former Mile End School
About 60 representatives from various community organizations, co-ops, and non-profits gathered Monday night at the former Luke Callaghan Memorial School at 5611 Clark Street to discuss a community centre project that would give new life to the old Mile End school.
Young People in the East Feel Isolated by Transit Options
Alexandre Fabien Gagné and most other young people in east Montreal feel isolated by the city’s public transit options.
💛 Spotlight
About 60 representatives from community organizations gathered to give new life to the former Luke Callaghan Memorial School in Mile End.
It’s a great example of citizen mobilization to preserve and transform a space for the community.
🚗 Practical Corner
Work on the Charles-De Gaulle Bridge This Weekend
Transport Quebec says roadwork will continue on Highway 40 at the Charles-De Gaulle Bridge this coming weekend.
One of the three lanes in both directions on Highway 40 will be closed between Gouin East Boulevard in Montreal and Route 344 from 9:30 p.m. Friday, February 27 to 4 a.m. Monday, March 2.
Some lanes may be reduced to 3.3 metres in the construction zone and the speed limit will be reduced to 50 km/h.
Prepare for a Moody Spring
With above-normal precipitation and the possibility of snowstorms until April, it’s a good time to keep your winter coat handy a little longer.
The flood season will also be one to watch if the snow melts quickly.
👋 Before We Go
That’s it for this Wednesday morning.
Between Osheaga’s lineup giving us something to look forward to this summer, the challenges our neighbours are facing, and the projects taking shape in our neighbourhoods, there’s plenty to talk about today.
Take care, stay connected to your community, and have a great day, Montréal. 🍁