MTLQC – Montreal QC

Montréal QC ☕ Morning Chat

Good morning, Montréal.

Today, we’re looking at municipal services shifting into a different rhythm, an incident on the REM that raises some very real practical questions, and a handful of stories rooted in everyday life across the city’s neighbourhoods, culture, schools, and sports.

Nothing too heavy, but enough to give you a clear picture of what’s moving around you before you head into the rest of your day.

Main Story

REM emergency button failure: pregnant passenger faints, riders forced to call 911

A pregnant woman lost consciousness Tuesday morning on a REM train near Gare Centrale — and the help passengers tried to summon never came. Around 8:30 a.m., riders attempted to activate the emergency button in the car to get assistance, but no response came from the control centre, as shown in a video obtained by TVA Nouvelles.

A passenger eventually dialled 911, allowing paramedics to intervene. The operator, Pulsar, says this was an “isolated case” and confirmed that the faulty train was removed from service. “Situations like this morning — we don’t want them happening again. We’re correcting it and we will improve,” said spokesperson Maxime Laliberté.

The incident raises concrete questions about the reliability of emergency systems on an automated network that relies heavily on fast communication between passengers and the control centre. Pulsar says it has carried out additional checks on all trains in service.

For riders, it’s a reminder that even in an ultramodern network, the basics — noticing, stepping in, calling for help — sometimes remain the most effective tools.

Local Stories

Five vehicles set on fire in Saint‑Laurent

Five vehicles were set ablaze early Wednesday morning on Gold, Brunet, and Noël streets in Saint‑Laurent. Firefighters were already on scene when police arrived.

Two cars and three SUVs were destroyed. No injuries were reported. The SPVM’s arson squad is now handling the investigation.

Pro‑Palestinian protesters contest arrests in court

Pro‑Palestinian demonstrators appeared in municipal court to challenge their arrests during an April 2024 sit‑in at a Scotiabank branch in Montréal.

Fourteen people still face mischief charges, after accusations were dropped against about thirty others. The group had called on the bank to divest from Elbit Systems, and regulatory documents show that Scotiabank’s 1832 Asset Management has since sold its remaining holdings in the company.

Noteworthy

653‑unit housing project in Old Montréal blocked

A 653‑unit housing project by Broccolini and Pur Immobilia, planned next to Gare Viger, has been officially halted following a citizen‑initiated request for a referendum. The proposed building would have reached 18 storeys, far above the six‑storey maximum allowed in this heritage sector.

At the Ville‑Marie borough council meeting, elected officials confirmed they would not proceed with a referendum, as the requested zoning exemptions did not have citizen support. About 425 residents signed the registry to oppose the project, citing concerns about sunlight, traffic, parking, and compatibility with the historic built environment of Old Montréal.

The developers say they “remain committed” and are considering a revised version, while the borough notes that part of the project could still move forward as‑of‑right. The file once again shows how sensitive densification becomes when it directly affects neighbourhood life.

Just for Laughs unveils first names for its 2026 edition

Just for Laughs has announced the first wave of performers for its 2026 Montréal festival. Jerry Seinfeld is set to appear at Salle Wilfrid‑Pelletier, while “Weird Al” Yankovic will give a free outdoor show at Place des Festivals.

The festival runs from July 15 to 26, 2026. It’s another programming announcement, yes — but in Montréal, these lists always spark plenty of conversation.

Donald K. Donald, major Montréal music promoter, has died

Donald Tarlton, better known as Donald K. Donald, has died at age 82.

His career as a music promoter brought major acts to Montréal, including Queen, Frank Zappa, and Tina Turner. A significant part of the city’s live‑music history runs through his work.

Holocaust remembrance ceremony with students in Pointe‑Claire

A ceremony in Pointe‑Claire brought together veterans, students, and community leaders to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The event honoured the victims of the Holocaust as well as soldiers who fought against the regime. It was the kind of moment where intergenerational transmission takes centre stage, simply and clearly.

EMSB students take the stage for storytelling festival

Elementary students from the English Montreal School Board presented their stories on stage as part of the annual storytelling festival.

Each participating school was represented by two students, one in French and one in English. The activity took them from exploring stories to performing them in front of an audience, with just enough nerves to make the experience memorable.

Rachel Homan meets families at the Royal Montreal Curling Club

Rachel Homan visited the Royal Montreal Curling Club to meet families and sign copies of her children’s book Curling ABCs: Slide, Sweep, and Find.

The book pairs each letter of the alphabet with a curling term and includes items to spot on each page. The Montréal club also appears in the book.

LCCHS Wolves win first provincial title

The cadet girls’ basketball team from LaSalle Community Comprehensive High School won the RSEQ provincial championship in Drummondville.

Ranked ninth out of sixteen teams, the Wolves won four games in 48 hours, including the final against LSL‑Altitude. It’s the first provincial basketball title in the school’s history.

Across Québec

One‑third of Quebecers exposed to cannabis advertising

A survey by the Institut de la statistique du Québec shows that 34% of Quebecers aged 15 and older say they’ve seen or heard cannabis advertising or commercial promotions in the past year.

Exposure is higher among 15‑ to 17‑year‑olds and 18‑ to 20‑year‑olds. Social media is the most frequently cited source.

Québec delays and reduces some recycling targets

The Québec government is pushing certain recycling targets to the 2027–2030 period and lowering goals related to plastic, glass, and aluminum.

Éco Entreprises Québec, responsible for collection, sorting, and recycling since January 2025, says it determined the original targets were not achievable. It’s not the kind of story that livens up breakfast, but it directly affects how the province manages its waste.

Christine Fréchette seeks proposals to ease financial pressure on Quebecers

Christine Fréchette has asked Finance Minister Eric Girard to submit proposals to reduce financial pressure on Quebecers.

Ideas mentioned include removing the QST from some everyday consumer products, measures related to fuel costs, and a possible refund of the welcome tax for first‑time homebuyers.

National

Federal government to present economic update on April 28

Federal Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne announced that an economic update will be tabled on April 28.

It will outline how the fiscal situation has evolved since the fall and account for new commitments, including an enhanced GST credit and a temporary suspension of the excise tax on gasoline.

Indigenous “walking out” ceremony held on Parliament Hill

A six‑month‑old Cree child took her first steps during a traditional “walking out” ceremony on Parliament Hill.

The ceremony presented her as a new member of the community, with an identity, a role, and a sense of belonging. An Algonquin elder noted it was the first time such a ceremony had taken place at this site.

Coup de cœur

There’s something reassuring about a city that continues to make space for young voices, children’s books, remembrance ceremonies, and neighbourhood school victories. Between the big files and the everyday irritants, these are the moments that remind us that collective life isn’t held together only by systems — but by the connections between people.

Practical Corner

Municipal services: check before heading out

With the blue‑collar workers’ strike underway until Saturday at 6 a.m., many facilities are operating on modified schedules. Depending on the borough, this may affect:

• certain waste, recycling, or compost collections
• pools, arenas, libraries, and park chalets
• temporary closures or reduced services

Street‑cleaning parking restrictions are suspended during the strike, but all other rules remain in effect. A quick look at local notices can save you an unnecessary detour.

REM: caution and updates

Following the emergency‑button incident, Pulsar says it has inspected all trains and removed the affected car from service. For regular riders, this is a good moment to:

• check service alerts before leaving
• note bus alternatives in case of prolonged interruptions
• remember that emergency systems can sometimes fail

Meanwhile, the Anse‑à‑l’Orme branch is set to open in May, with new stations in Pointe‑Claire, Kirkland, and Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Bellevue… welcome news for West Island commuters, even as reliability remains a talking point.

In closing

Thanks for starting your morning with us. Wishing you a smooth day, a few pleasant surprises along the way, and just enough breathing room between obligations.