Montréal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montréal.
We start with news that shakes public trust in the police, as seven SPVM officers are dismissed. We also look at the long-awaited meeting between the two premiers, the memory of Leonard Cohen, and an important reminder about children’s safety. There is also the matter of transport, and an issue regarding infrastructure that deserves your full attention.
Top Story
Seven SPVM officers dismissed for misconduct
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal has dismissed seven officers from neighbourhood stations 21 and 39, a decision described as “historic” and “unprecedented” by police chief Fady Dagher. At a press conference on Monday, he confirmed the officers have handed in their uniforms and weapons.
“We are reassured that they will no longer wear the uniform or carry the weapon,” said Fady Dagher. This measure follows allegations of misconduct that had already been announced, and the chief had warned that upcoming revelations would be “catastrophic.”
This decision marks a turning point in the management of misconduct cases within the SPVM and sends a strong signal about zero tolerance.
Close to Home
Teen cyclist killed in hit-and-run in Ahuntsic-Cartierville
The Ahuntsic-Cartierville community is in mourning after the death of Isaac Larivée, a Collège Ahuntsic student, struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Jeanne-Mance Street and Henri-Bourassa Boulevard West around noon on Friday. The vehicle was speeding and apparently trying to escape the provincial police, who had attempted to stop it for a traffic violation.
Debate over the future of the Van Horne viaduct
The Van Horne viaduct, which connects the Plateau-Mont-Royal and Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie boroughs, will reach the end of its useful life by 2030. The City wants to demolish it to replace it or build an underpass, but both boroughs reject this proposal, fueling debate over the future of this infrastructure.
South-West residents return to retrieve belongings after fire
Residents of a building that caught fire near Atwater Market on Sunday are returning to the scene to recover what remains of their personal belongings. A difficult situation for the affected families, who must rebuild their daily lives.
Judge refuses to suspend bylaw banning insults toward police
A Quebec Superior Court judge has refused to suspend the City of Montréal’s new bylaw that prohibits insults toward municipal employees, including police officers. This decision keeps the measure in effect for now.
Worth knowing
Carney-PSPP meeting: not possible in Quebec City before December
The first face-to-face between Prime Minister Mark Carney and PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is still pending. Carney responded that the meeting is not possible in Quebec City before December, nearly a month after the PQ leader’s election. The Prime Minister accepted PSPP’s invitation, but on condition that the meeting take place in the capital.
Leonard Cohen: 10 years already, and a family tour
Ten years after Leonard Cohen’s death, his son Adam and grandson Cassius are preparing a tribute concert titled “Everybody Knows Leonard Cohen: The Official 10th Anniversary Concert Celebration.” The production, created and directed by Adam Cohen, combines performances and archival footage, with Feist, Rufus Wainwright, and Serena Ryder among the guests. The concert will take place on November 7 in Toronto, exactly 10 years after the artist’s death, before a European tour.
Man accused of threatening Carney found not criminally responsible
A Quebecer accused of threatening Prime Minister Mark Carney on social media was found not criminally responsible during a hearing Monday morning.
Sûreté du Québec investigates needles in Halloween candy
The Sûreté du Québec is investigating reported cases of contaminated Halloween candy, and advises parents to carefully check their children’s hauls. Several provinces, including Quebec, have reported similar incidents.
Practical Corner
Check your children’s Halloween candy
In light of reports of tampered candy, Canadian police recommend caution. Carefully inspect the treats before letting your children consume them, and report any suspicious items to authorities.
Ferry service resumes at Isle-aux-Coudres
The ferry service connecting Isle-aux-Coudres has resumed after a breakdown on Sunday morning that left more than a thousand residents without a way to leave the island. A local MP notes that this incident highlights gaps in the local emergency plan.
Coup de Coeur
Leonard Cohen’s story continues to resonate, and seeing it carried by his son and grandson, who sing his songs in the family home in Montréal, is a beautiful example of transmission. It’s a way to keep alive the memory of an artist who marked the city, and to show that culture is also passed down from generation to generation.
Before you go
We wish you a day that starts well, with a hot coffee and a little time for yourself. Even when the news is busy, taking a few minutes for yourself can make all the difference. See you tomorrow ☕