Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
We start with an arrest that closes a disturbing case, while families in the West Island challenge care fee hikes at a seniors’ residence. There’s also work on the Honoré-Mercier Bridge, a demolition in the Sud-Ouest, and a bit of sport with the Canadiens.
Main Story
Man arrested for murder of woman during video call
Montreal police (SPVM) have arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with the murder of Leïla Ben Salem, a 45-year-old woman killed in her downtown home last month while on a video call with a colleague.
Yousef Moussaoui was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in Ville-Marie. He is scheduled to appear Friday at the Montreal courthouse on a charge of first-degree murder.
Police say the case is not linked to domestic violence. Evidence gathered during the investigation, including the alleged motive, will be revealed during court proceedings.
Leïla Ben Salem was found lifeless in an apartment on René-Lévesque Boulevard, near Saint-Christophe Street, on September 22. Authorities were called around 3:25 p.m. for a wellness check. This is the 19th homicide on SPVM territory this year.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or their local station. Anonymous and confidential tips can also be passed to Info-Crime Montreal.
Close to Home
Families challenge fee hikes at West Island seniors’ residence
Families of residents at Château Pierrefonds, a private seniors’ residence, are contesting monthly care fee increases that can reach $1,500, saying assessments were done without their consent and that the services in question are already covered by the leases.
Mario Di Carlo, whose mother Maria Borsellino has lived there for four years, says he has spoken to more than 30 families with similar concerns. Marie Petrossian, whose mother Takouhi Madjarian has been a resident for three years, cites a $4,500 jump—a 150% rise in care fees.
The increases stem from assessments based on the SMAF (functional autonomy measurement system). After challenges, some amounts were reduced, such as Di Carlo’s mother’s, which went from $1,500 to $1,000 per month. A second assessment requested by Petrossian brought the score down by five points.
Families say these assessments did not lead to extra services, as help with dressing, showering, and housekeeping is already included in the leases. Ahmed Chetioui, director of Château Pierrefonds, says families don’t always gauge the real needs of their loved ones and that adding staff costs money. The owners, Gestion BBT, say they’ve hired three day attendants and one evening attendant, and that some residents could see their fees drop if their assessment justifies it.
Lawyer Manuel Johnson notes that an SMAF assessment alone cannot justify extra fees. Quebec regulations require written consent for each autonomy assessment, and services cannot be billed without the resident’s or their representative’s agreement. Santé Québec Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal – Universitaire confirms the tool cannot be used to force a resident to accept additional services.
Families have filed complaints with the Tribunal administratif du logement, the ombudsman, and local CLSCs. Some are considering legal action to secure affordable rent.
Partial demolition of Canada Malting plant begins Monday
The Canada Malting plant in the Sud-Ouest will be partially demolished due to a risk of collapse. Work on the nine-storey building and its facade will begin October 19. Owners are asking the public to avoid the area during the operation.
SQ investigates 60+ cases of pellet gun vandalism
The Sûreté du Québec is investigating more than 60 cases of pellet gun vandalism reported in at least seven Vaudreuil-Soulanges municipalities, including Rigaud, Saint-Lazare, Coteau-du-Lac, Les Cèdres, Saint-Zotique, Les Coteaux, and Saint-Polycarpe.
To Remember
Repair work on Honoré-Mercier Bridge this weekend
Quebec’s Transport Ministry plans to repair the cracked beam under the Honoré-Mercier Bridge this weekend. Only one lane will be open in each direction during the work.
City invests $15.8M to modernize winter road maintenance
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced the City’s winter maintenance plan, which includes $13.3M for new equipment purchases.
Canadiens fall 5-4 in Washington
The Canadiens played well, but Jakub Dobes had another tough night in goal, and the team lost 5-4 to the Capitals.
Montreal man fights charges after saving baby raccoon
Louka Berman, a Montrealer, found a seven-month-old baby raccoon named Pepper, injured by a crossbow arrow at a construction site in May. He nursed it back to health and now faces charges.
Céline Dion becomes a Barbie doll
Singer Céline Dion is now a collectible Barbie doll, but some fans question the resemblance.
Practical Corner
Rain gives way to sun, but cold settles in
Rain will stop late Friday afternoon after leaving 15 to 25 millimetres. The mercury will hit 12°C, but wind gusts will make the day unstable. The night will be cold, with a freeze risk and a low of 1°C.
Saturday, sunshine returns, but it will be cooler, with a high of 7°C and northwest winds at 40 km/h. Sunday will be sunny and milder, at 14°C. Monday will be the warmest day of the period, reaching 17°C, and sun is expected to last through Thursday.
Honoré-Mercier Bridge repair: expect single lanes
If you’re using the Honoré-Mercier Bridge this weekend, expect delays. One lane will be open in each direction during the repair of the cracked beam.
Coup de Coeur
The story of Louka Berman and Pepper reminds us that compassion can arise in the most unexpected places. An act of kindness toward an injured animal, even if it brings complications, shows a humanity that does good.
To Close
Wishing you a Friday that warms up, despite the cold ahead. Take care of yourself, and if you cross paths with a raccoon, maybe it’s best to admire from a distance. ☕