Montréal QC ☕ Morning Briefing

Good morning, Montréal.

This morning brings movement on several fronts, with Quebec politics, a bit of weather to keep an eye on, very local news, and a few stories that touch daily life across the region.

We’re also looking at transportation, temporary housing, education, sports, and initiatives that make the city a little more livable.

In short, everything you need to start the day with a useful and well‑organized snapshot.

Top Story

Christine Fréchette to be sworn in on Wednesday

Christine Fréchette, MNA for Sanguinet, is set to officially become Quebec’s premier on Wednesday. Her Cabinet is expected to be formed the following week.

Her victory at the helm of the Coalition Avenir Québec also marks a significant shift for the party. She won the leadership race with 57.9% of the vote against Bernard Drainville’s 42.1%, in a contest that drew 15,833 members during the party’s convention in Drummondville.

Several elected officials and leaders reacted to her win in recent hours, highlighting the major challenges ahead for the government and offering their collaboration.

Local Stories

This morning, several stories hit close to home for Montréal, from municipal rules to education, weather, and some persistent traces of the past beneath our streets.

Short‑term rental rules remain in place for the Grand Prix

Montréal’s seasonal ban on short‑term rentals will remain in effect during the Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for May 22 to 24. The current rules limit Airbnb‑ and VRBO‑style rentals to the period between June 10 and September 10.

Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada plans to replace this seasonal ban with a new bylaw in the fall, one that would target primary residences and impose tighter restrictions on commercial use.

Saint‑Laurent CEGEP francization program to end

The francization program at Cégep Saint‑Laurent is set to end in the coming days, prompting strong reaction from the CSN. According to the union, about 15 positions will be lost, including teaching and professional roles.

The closure is tied to an aging pavilion deemed too deteriorated and a lack of infrastructure investment. The union sees it as a setback for immigrant integration.

Tramway rails keep resurfacing in Montréal

More than 65 years after the last tramways were removed in 1959, rails continue to reappear in Montréal’s pavement during the spring thaw. Transport historians note that the city often chose to cover the rails rather than remove them, largely due to cost and the scale of the work.

These sightings are a reminder of how deeply Montréal’s tramway era is embedded in the city’s history. Even the asphalt seems to have a long memory.

Free clothing swap for trans and non‑binary people

In Montréal, a free clothing swap organized by the social club T’es mon genre allows participants to pick up clothing at no cost. The initiative also aims to offer a safe space for trans and non‑binary people.

Organizers say events like this can help people rebuild their wardrobe after coming out; a simple, concrete gesture rooted in everyday life.

New McGill greenhouse for climate‑resilient agriculture

McGill University’s Macdonald campus has opened a new greenhouse featuring seven bays, a classroom, and demonstration rooms. Staff say the facilities will support research into agriculture that can better withstand climate change.

It’s the kind of quiet project that touches something much bigger: what we grow, how we adapt, and what we prepare for the future.

What to Watch

Voters return to the polls in Terrebonne

Voters head to the polls today in three federal by‑elections, including Terrebonne. The vote follows the annulment of the previous result due to an Elections Canada error.

The stakes go well beyond the riding. A Liberal win could bring the party to a majority in the House of Commons.

Many Canadians say they’re feeling a financial squeeze

According to MNP’s quarterly index conducted by Ipsos, 61% of Canadians say they’re experiencing a “financial setback” in a shifting economic climate. The study also shows that 74% feel rising food and gas prices are weighing on their finances.

Another striking figure: 43% say they’re within $200 of being unable to meet their monthly obligations. Not exactly the kind of buffer that helps you sleep soundly.

CF Montréal fires head coach

CF Montréal has dismissed head coach Marco Donadel after a rough start to the season with six losses in seven games. Philippe Eullaffroy will serve as interim coach.

The club also announced the departure of assistants Jacopo Falanga and Lorenzo Pinzauti. The message is clear: the organization wants a quick jolt.

Noah Dobson to miss at least the start of the playoffs

Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson will be re‑evaluated in two weeks after suffering an upper‑body injury on Saturday. He’ll miss at least the start of the playoffs.

For Montréal, it’s a tough blow on the blue line at a very bad moment in the schedule.

Nick Suzuki hits 100 points

Nick Suzuki reached the 100‑point mark in the Canadiens’ 4–1 win over the New York Islanders. He’s the first Habs player to hit that milestone since Mats Näslund in 1985–86.

One of those numbers that makes you raise your eyebrows, and, smile a little. It’s not every day a milestone like that shows up in Montréal.

Coup de cœur

There’s something deeply encouraging about projects that don’t seek the spotlight but quietly prepare for the future. McGill’s new greenhouse at the Macdonald campus is one of them. Seven bays, teaching spaces, demonstration rooms, and above all, a clear commitment to developing agriculture that can withstand climate change.

It’s not a grand symbolic gesture, but patient, scientific work rooted in reality. The kind of initiative that doesn’t make much noise but shifts a community’s trajectory, one piece of research at a time.

Practical Corner

A week of unstable weather ahead

Montréal is heading into a stretch of unstable weather with showers and strong winds. Gusts up to 70 km/h are expected Monday, and rain is set to move in Tuesday afternoon, with unsettled conditions lasting through Thursday.

A partial break is expected Friday. Not the ideal week for ambitious hairstyles.

Short‑term rental rules unchanged for now

For visitors, hosts, and anyone following the temporary housing file, the current framework remains in place for the Grand Prix. Short‑term rentals are still limited to June 10 to September 10, pending a new bylaw expected this fall.

Before we go

We’re wishing you a solid Monday, a quiet one if we’re lucky, and organized enough to avoid chasing lost time before noon. It’s not always guaranteed, but at least we can start with the right notes in hand. Enjoy your morning cup ☕