MTLQC – Montreal QC
Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat
Good morning, Montréal.
Hope your coffee’s nice and hot this Tuesday morning, because today’s edition deserves your full attention. With a major ice storm on the way, a few local tragedies weighing on us, and several developments shaping our daily lives, there’s a lot to take in. Take a good sip, and let’s dive into the news.
🔦 Top Story
Update: The young woman injured in the Montréal‑Nord collision has died
The tragedy that unfolded Saturday evening in Montréal‑Nord has taken an even darker turn. The 25‑year‑old woman who was in critical condition after an SUV crashed into the back of an STM bus has died from her injuries.
The collision happened around 5:50 p.m. near Henri‑Bourassa Boulevard and Salk Avenue. According to the SPVM, the bus was stopped at an STM stop when it was violently struck from behind. The SUV passenger had been rushed to hospital in critical condition, but her death was confirmed later that evening. The 29‑year‑old driver suffered minor injuries. No passengers on the bus were hurt.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the crash. They are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to understand what led to this fatal collision.
This update is a stark reminder of how a single moment of inattention can have irreversible consequences. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.
⚡ Of Note
Pilot project for extended store hours begins Wednesday
Starting Wednesday, a one‑year pilot project will allow retailers to stay open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, instead of the current 5 p.m. closing time set by rules dating back to the 1990s.
Jane Ding, CEO of Signé Local — a Quebec retailer specializing in locally designed and made products — says their Eaton Centre store is eager to participate. The shop will add two extra hours on Saturdays and one on Sundays.
The 1990s rules were originally meant to protect workers’ work‑life balance and help small businesses compete with big chains. Quebec remains the only province in Canada that regulates retail hours year‑round.
The pilot will run for one year while the province evaluates whether the extended hours should become permanent.
Mark Carney’s approval climbs to 66%
A new Spark Insights study shows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approval rating at 66%, up two points from the previous measure. Meanwhile, 34% of Canadians say they disapprove of his government.
The Liberals (46%) now lead the Conservatives (31%) by 15 points in voting intentions. Satisfaction with the Carney government also sits at 66%, up six points since November.
Satisfaction levels are 58% in Alberta and 56% in Saskatchewan.
TikTok allowed to continue operating in Canada under conditions
TikTok can continue operating in Canada after the federal government completed a national security review. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the decision comes with key conditions, including stronger protections for minors and for Canadians’ personal information.
She also says the decision will help preserve jobs by ensuring TikTok maintains a physical presence in Canada.
This reverses a 2024 order that required TikTok to shut down its Canadian offices over national security concerns.
Family of Tumbler Ridge shooting victim sues OpenAI
The family of Maya Gebala, the 12‑year‑old victim of the Tumbler Ridge shooting who is fighting for her life at BC Children’s Hospital, has filed a civil claim against OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
OpenAI faced criticism after it was revealed that the shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, had a ChatGPT account flagged internally in 2025 for “promoting violent activities,” months before she was charged with killing eight people in February. The account was banned, but OpenAI says she bypassed the ban by creating a second account.
The lawsuit accuses the company not only of failing to raise alarms but also of what it calls the “negligent design” of ChatGPT itself. The family is seeking compensation for losses and punitive damages on behalf of Maya, her sister, and her mother.
Daycare educator who killed toddler gets life sentence with no parole for 14 years
On Tuesday, Quebec Superior Court Justice Marc‑André Blanchard handed Carranza Ladry the mandatory life sentence and ruled he will be ineligible for parole for 14 years. Blanchard cited the victim’s age, 18 months, as an aggravating factor. He also criticized Ladry for lying about the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
Natalie Wilkie wins bronze, earns her third medal at the Milan‑Cortina Games
Natalie Wilkie won bronze in the sprint event, securing her third medal of the Milan‑Cortina Games. Mark Arendz finished sixth in his para‑cross‑country final.
STL temporarily cancels dozens of daily bus routes
The Société de transport de Laval is temporarily suspending several daily bus routes starting Tuesday due to mechanical and supply‑chain issues. The agency is urging riders to double‑check their routes, citing an “exceptional situation” caused by internal parts shortages and equipment management challenges.
$500M aerospace investment includes Bombardier research jet and drone innovation hub in Mirabel
The National Research Council of Canada is investing $500 million in aerospace technologies, including a Bombardier Global 6500 defence research jet and the creation of a drone innovation hub in the Mirabel and Ottawa regions.
CF Montréal shuts out the Red Bulls for first win of the season
After failing to score in their first two matches and conceding eight goals, CF Montréal earned its first win of the 2026 season with a shutout against the Red Bulls.
Cardinal Ouellet’s lawyer says accuser’s testimony lacks credibility
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet returned to the witness stand Monday, denying ever acting inappropriately with women. His lawyer argued that the accuser at the centre of his defamation case lacked credibility.
More witnesses testify in Frank Stronach sexual assault trial
Defence lawyers called additional witnesses Monday in the sexual assault trial of Canadian auto magnate Frank Stronach, including his former chauffeur.
Glenn Anderson told the court he drove Stronach to work events, meetings, and other engagements for about a decade in the 1980s. He testified that Stronach was not a “car guy” and owned no European or sports cars — only Cadillacs.
The last of seven complainants testified last week that Stronach picked her up in a low, two‑door foreign car she believed was a Porsche.
Stronach has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges. Since the trial began last month, prosecutors have reduced the number of charges and now seek convictions on seven counts involving four complainants.
🏙️ Chez Nous
A 6‑year‑old girl injured after being struck by a vehicle in Anjou
A 6‑year‑old girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries Monday evening after being hit by a vehicle in Montréal’s Anjou borough. Montréal police received a 911 call around 5:40 p.m. reporting a collision involving a car and a pedestrian near the intersection of Châteauneuf Boulevard and Guy Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found the young victim with a lower‑body injury. She was conscious when transported to hospital, and police say her life is not believed to be in danger.
A section of Châteauneuf Boulevard was temporarily closed while police worked at the scene, but the roadway has since reopened. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.
Police say the girl is expected to survive her serious injuries.
Woman found dead in the St. Lawrence River in Lachine
Montréal police have launched an investigation after the body of a woman was pulled from the St. Lawrence River Monday afternoon. Authorities received a 911 call shortly before 2 p.m. reporting a body in the water near 44th Avenue and Saint‑Joseph Boulevard in Lachine.
Firefighters were already on scene when police arrived and were working to recover the woman from the river. The victim, believed to be about 36 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A security perimeter was set up to allow investigators to examine the circumstances. Police say the cause of death has not yet been determined and the investigation is ongoing.
Montréal real estate agent surprised to receive a letter from the OQLF
The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) has sent a complaint letter to a Montréal real estate agent regarding the language he uses on social media.
CDN–NDG to install new parking meters on Sherbrooke West before summer
The Côte‑des‑Neiges–Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce (CDN‑NDG) borough is adding new parking meters along Sherbrooke Street West starting in spring 2026, aiming to improve parking availability, support local businesses, and encourage better turnover.
The project will cover the stretch of Sherbrooke West between Grand Boulevard and Hampton Avenue, as well as from Wilson Avenue to the borough’s eastern boundary — about 200 parking spaces.
To prevent spillover into nearby residential streets, the borough will also install 247 additional meters at the start of cross streets in the affected area.
Interim borough mayor Sonny Moroz says the new revenue will help fund further revitalization of the commercial strip. The new meters will be installed before the start of summer.
A portion of the revenue will support community projects to revitalize Sherbrooke West in collaboration with the Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce Business Association (BIZ NDG).
Île‑aux‑Tourtes Bridge closed overnight this week
The Île‑aux‑Tourtes Bridge, connecting Montréal to Vaudreuil‑Dorion, will be closed from midnight to 5 a.m. for three nights this week for lane‑painting and preparatory work for the installation of supports under the bridge.
Ellerdale Street in Hampstead to be fully repaved
The Town of Hampstead has clearly lost the battle against the deteriorating asphalt on Ellerdale Street. The crumbling roadway will now be completely repaved.
Montréal’s International Festival of Films on Art runs March 12–29
The 44th edition of Montréal’s International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) features 178 films. Screenings run in local cinemas from March 12 to 22, with an online component from March 22 to 29.
Highlights include Mon amour, c’est pour le restant de mes jours (Monument‑National, March 12), Jean Cocteau (Cinéma du Musée, March 15), and Mes fantômes arméniens (Cinémathèque Québécoise, March 19).
Many other films will showcase documentaries on art, culture, music, and cinema from around the world.
💛 Coup de Cœur
Hampstead’s decision to fully repave Ellerdale Street after losing the fight against crumbling asphalt — a reminder that sometimes it’s better to admit defeat and start fresh for the good of the community.
⚠️ Practical Corner
Final preparations before tomorrow’s ice storm
Today is your last chance to get properly prepared before the ice storm hits tomorrow evening. Take advantage of the mix of sun and clouds to run your errands and make sure you have everything you need at home.
Conditions are expected to worsen after midnight as freezing rain begins, with temperatures dropping to around –2°C. Wednesday will bring prolonged freezing rain and strong northeast winds of 30 km/h, with gusts up to 50 km/h.
Remember: 20 to 30 millimetres of ice is a lot. Avoid non‑essential travel Wednesday and Thursday.
Check your bus routes in Laval
If you’re travelling in Laval, make sure to double‑check your bus routes starting today. Due to supply‑chain issues affecting parts, the STL doesn’t have enough buses to offer full service and is temporarily suspending several daily routes.
Île‑aux‑Tourtes Bridge closed overnight
If you need to travel between Montréal and Vaudreuil‑Dorion, note that the Île‑aux‑Tourtes Bridge will be closed from midnight to 5 a.m. for three nights this week. Plan accordingly.
Weekend shopping until 9 p.m. starting Wednesday
Beginning Wednesday, Quebec retailers will be allowed to stay open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays — giving you more flexibility for weekend shopping.
👋 Before we wrap up
That’s it for this Tuesday morning. Between the tragedy in Montréal‑Nord, the final preparations ahead of tomorrow’s ice storm, and a few developments affecting daily life, there’s plenty to start your day with.
Stay safe, get ready for tomorrow, and take care of yourselves and your loved ones, Montréal. ☕