Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat

Good morning, Montreal.

This morning, we’re looking at an issue that continues to grow across the province, with Montreal still at the centre of the homelessness reality.

We’re also keeping an eye on what’s happening right here at home… grey weather, slightly cheaper gas, safety concerns in Verdun, and a few cultural and municipal changes on the horizon.

In short, an edition firmly rooted in the everyday.

Top Story

Homelessness has risen by more than 20% in Quebec

A provincial count recorded 12,077 visibly homeless people in Quebec in 2025, an increase of more than 20 percent compared to 2022.

Montreal remains the region with the highest number of people experiencing homelessness, with more than 5,000 individuals. The city also has the largest number of people sleeping outdoors, over 800, representing 44 percent of all those who spent the night outside in Quebec at the time of the count.

The data also shows that homelessness is growing particularly quickly in several regions outside major urban centres. But in Montreal, the sheer scale of the situation remains striking, a reminder of how present this issue is in daily urban life, far beyond the numbers.

Local Stories

Investigation underway after suspicious vehicle fire in Verdun

Montreal police are investigating a vehicle fire that broke out around 1:15 a.m. near Godin and Bannantyne streets in Verdun.

According to initial information, the fire started on one car before spreading to another vehicle or nearby vehicle parts. Residents of a neighbouring building were evacuated as a precaution and later allowed to return home after firefighters assessed the scene. No injuries were reported.

Police say an incendiary substance may have been thrown at one of the vehicles. Both cars were towed for analysis, and no arrests had been made at the time of publication. Not exactly the kind of wake‑up call a neighbourhood hopes for.

Plateau may take over noise complaints involving performance venues

The City of Montreal is set to introduce a new bylaw that would transfer responsibility for handling noise complaints targeting performance venues to the Plateau–Mont‑Royal borough, instead of leaving that role to the SPVM.

The proposal also includes a new sound‑measurement system, mediation resources, and an updated process for managing and resolving complaints. For cultural venues in the neighbourhood, this could mark a significant shift in how noise‑related conflicts are handled.

Montreal company chosen to build AI servers in Canada

Nvidia has selected Ciara Technologies, a division of Montreal‑based Hypertec, to manufacture Nvidia‑certified artificial intelligence servers in Canada. Ciara becomes the company’s first Canadian manufacturing partner for this type of system.

Through Ciara, Hypertec will produce servers for businesses, researchers, and public institutions seeking access to domestically built infrastructure. The company says the initiative is meant to support a secure, local supply for AI‑related tools.

According to both companies, the agreement could help create specialized jobs and generate significant economic benefits across sectors including health care, finance, agriculture, energy, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Liberal convention continues in Montreal

The Liberal Party is continuing its national convention in Montreal in a visibly optimistic atmosphere, just days before by‑elections that could give the party a parliamentary majority without triggering a general election.

Mark Carney received a warm welcome at Thursday’s opening. In recent months, he has attracted several opposition MPs to the Liberals, including a fifth new recruit earlier this week — former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu.

Party leaders framed her arrival as proof that the Liberals aim to bring together a range of viewpoints. Justin Trudeau also addressed the convention via video message, telling participants they could be proud of the Canada they’ve built together.

Montreal Clown Festival kicks off today across the city

The Montreal Clown Festival launches its 9th edition from April 10 to 18.

The program includes more than 18 shows, free performances at Maison de la culture Claude‑Léveillée, family‑friendly events across the city, an opening night at the Gesù today, and a discussion day on April 12. Yet another reminder that Montreal knows how to embrace art forms that don’t take themselves too seriously — which can be a very good thing.

Across Quebec

Quebec wants to expand the end of the “double welcome tax”

Municipal Affairs Minister Geneviève Guilbault wants to expand Bill 22 to also eliminate transfer duties on inherited properties in certain bereavement situations.

The bill, introduced March 25, already aims to abolish the “double welcome tax” for common‑law partners. The minister says the proposed expansion responds to cases where heirs, such as siblings, must pay transfer duties after receiving a property.

Digital Health Record Rollout Expected to Face Early Glitches

Santé Québec warns that minor technical issues should be expected in the first weeks after the rollout of the Digital Health Record on May 9.

The initial launch will take place in two pilot regions: northern Montreal Island and Mauricie–Centre‑du‑Québec. The organization anticipates a spike in support requests at first, followed by gradual stabilization.

First measles case detected in the Quebec City region

Public health officials have reported the first measles case in the Quebec City area in several years.

Possible exposure sites listed Thursday include the Médic Axion Clinic, CHUL hospital, and an office building.

Of Note

Unemployment rate held steady in March

Statistics Canada reports that the national unemployment rate remained at 6.7 percent in March.

The Canadian economy added 14,000 jobs during the month, following declines in January and February. Not a dramatic surge, but at least movement in the right direction. We’ll take the small wins when they come.

Recall affects nearly 100,000 steam‑cleaner accessories in Canada

Bissell has recalled accessories for several steam‑cleaner models sold in Canada between October 2024 and March 2026.

The notice says some parts may detach during use and spray hot water or steam. The recall affects 95,788 units in Canada. Consumers should stop using the affected accessories and contact the company for free replacement parts.

Jeremy Hansen set to return to Earth after Artemis II mission

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and the Artemis II crew are expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego after a 10‑day mission.

NASA says the crew completed a six‑hour lunar flyby and travelled farther into space than any human before. Just another quiet day at the office, relatively speaking.

Practical Corner

A grey weekend ahead

Rain is expected in Montreal from mid‑morning through the evening on Friday, with a high of 8 and a low of 1.

Saturday should start sunny before shifting to a mix of sun and clouds, with winds up to 40 km/h, a high of 9 and a low of –1. Sunday looks cloudy with a high of 11 and rain in the evening.

Gas dips back below $2 in Montreal

Gas prices in Montreal fell below $2 per litre Friday morning, with readings around $1.88.

This drop comes amid a fragile ceasefire linked to tensions in the Middle East. Still, the situation could shift quickly. In short, it’s not quite time to write a love song to the pump.

Coup de Cœur

Even when the news feels heavy, some stories remind us that Montreal is still a city trying to live better together.

Rethinking noise‑management rules to protect performance venues, welcoming a festival as delightfully odd as the Clown Festival, continuing to make space for culture and neighbourly dialogue… all of it says something meaningful.

A living city isn’t just one that moves. It’s one that looks for ways to move well, together.

Before we go

Thanks for starting your morning with us.

Wishing you a solid day, a perfectly warm coffee, and just enough good surprises to balance out the clouds. ☕