Montreal QC ☕ Your morning briefing
Good morning, Montreal.
We start with news that hits close to home for sports fans: the Saputo family is putting CF Montreal up for sale. There are also safety concerns to address, both in Ormstown and in the city, plus a hopeful note with a baby whale spotted off Quebec’s coast. We’ll also tell you about an upcoming documentary, a rink that won’t reopen, and an important reminder for your metro commute.
Top Story
Saputo family begins sale process for CF Montreal
After three decades at the helm of CF Montreal, the Saputo family is starting a structured sale process for the Major League Soccer club. The announcement came at a press conference in Montreal.
Joey Saputo said he hopes the team stays under Montreal ownership, but he also made clear he won’t sell at a discount and won’t require a buyer to keep the club in the city. That nuance leaves some suspense over the team’s future.
This decision marks a turning point for Montreal soccer. The Saputo family has been in charge for three decades, and the announcement raises questions about what’s next, both for fans and for the sport in Quebec.
Close to Home
Montreal to install nearly 100 new surveillance cameras
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) plans to install nearly 100 new surveillance cameras on city streets. A call for tenders is underway for 66 traditional cameras and 30 fixed license-plate readers, which will join the 76 cameras already active on streets and in patrol cars.
Civil liberties groups are worried about this mass surveillance and the lack of transparency in rolling out the technology. The automatic plate readers used in Montreal are similar to Flock cameras, which are AI-powered and controversial in the U.S., where at least 50 police officers and employees have been accused, fired, or arrested for misusing those systems.
The SPVM says its readers can identify a vehicle’s plate, make, model, colour, and direction. Last year, the service also invested $1.8 million in software that can analyze video feeds for biometric and behavioural data, though facial recognition is said to be disabled for live tracking.
Plateau-Mont-Royal won’t reopen temporary rink near Van Horne camp
The Plateau-Mont-Royal borough has no plans to reopen the outdoor rink near the Van Horne viaduct. That rink, at 77 Bernard Street East, was set up temporarily to keep skating available during work at the Aréna des Patineuses, formerly Aréna Saint-Louis.
With the arena reopening and the De Gaspé rink set to open soon, the borough figures the temporary rink is no longer needed. The area near the old rink, however, remains occupied by a homeless encampment, and an injunction is preventing the borough from regaining access to some facilities, like the skatepark and basketball court.
Cyclist hospitalized after being hit by car in Rosemont
A 65-year-old man was taken to hospital Monday afternoon after being struck by a car while cycling in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough. The incident happened around 3:30 p.m., near Saint-Zotique Street East and 16th Avenue.
The cyclist, who was in critical condition with serious upper-body injuries, has since improved and is no longer considered in danger. Investigators believe the 29-year-old driver was trying to park when the vehicle crossed a bike lane and hit the cyclist. The investigation is ongoing.
New charges against teen accused in Ahuntsic-Cartierville cyclist death
Two new charges have been laid against a teenage driver accused in the hit-and-run that killed a cyclist in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough last month. The 17-year-old will remain in custody until the next court appearance.
Worth knowing
Bobby Sheehan, former Canadiens Stanley Cup champion, dies
The Montreal Canadiens have announced the death of Bobby (Robert Richard) Sheehan, which occurred over the weekend at his home in Weymouth, Massachusetts. He was 77.
In his eight-year NHL career, he played 310 games with six different teams, starting with the Canadiens from 1969 to 1971, where he won the Stanley Cup. He later wore the colours of the Blackhawks, Red Wings, Colorado Rockies, and Kings. After retiring, he returned to Weymouth and became a minor hockey instructor. He leaves behind five children.
Baby North Atlantic right whale spotted near Quebec, a hopeful surprise
Scientists were surprised and delighted to find an unlisted baby North Atlantic right whale swimming alongside its mother off Quebec’s coast. The unexpected discovery brings “a lot of hope” for the species’ survival.
Ormstown mayor demands more police after string of fires
The mayor of Ormstown, a small municipality southwest of Montreal, is asking for more police officers and concrete action from the province after a series of fires targeting restaurants. Philippe Besombes met with Public Security Minister Guy Jr. Lapointe and senior Sûreté du Québec officers Monday morning, a day after a fire destroyed a pizzeria.
Four fires have hit Ormstown restaurants in recent months, two causing significant damage. A fifth suspicious fire was reported elsewhere in the region. The mayor notes that only four provincial officers in two patrol cars cover the 13 communities of the Haut-Saint-Laurent region at night.
“People are in shock,” said Mr. Besombes. He sent a clear message to government officials: “Stop talking, act.” He said he left the meeting encouraged but still worried. Authorities have promised a concrete plan, including prevention measures and a strengthened investigation.
Télé-Québec documentary explores ‘great replacement’ theory
“De Souche” is a new Télé-Québec documentary exploring the “great replacement” conspiracy theory. Journalist and filmmaker Simon Coutu, who directed the film, discusses the reactions it’s provoking across the province, as belief in the theory has been gaining ground in Quebec in recent years.
Quebec prepares to weigh in on Francophonie leadership race
The new Parti Québécois government in Quebec City will soon have a chance to help choose the next head of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Quebec is getting ready to make its voice heard in that process.
Practical Corner
Blue line metro will open late Saturday due to work
Hydro-Québec needs to do preventive maintenance on an electrical line for the metro Saturday morning. As a result, the blue line will open later than usual. If you plan to take the metro Saturday morning, check the opening times before heading out.
Temporary shelters for Notre-Dame camp this winter
The City of Montreal hopes people living in the homeless camp along Notre-Dame Street East will agree to leave their tents for a new transition shelter opening in the area. The initiative aims to give camp residents a roof during the cold season.
Coup de Coeur
The story of Aminatou Ali Taiga, a Quebec mom of Cameroonian origin who launched her skincare brand inspired by moringa, reminds us that roots can become a strength. Starting from a need to care for her child, she built a business that became a legacy for her four children. A beautiful proof that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.
Before you go
We wish you a day that starts with good news, even if the sky is grey. Whether by the water or in the city streets, there’s always something to discover. See you tomorrow morning, over a good coffee. ☕