Montréal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montréal.
We start with an evening that brought together decades of football, while the election campaign intensifies just days before the vote. There’s also news on housing, safety, and health, plus a few practical reminders to start the day right.
Lead Story
Alouettes celebrate 80 years of football and memories
For one evening, the biggest gain wasn’t measured in yards but in years. Eight decades of Montréal Alouettes football came together Thursday night as former players, coaches, and executives joined current players and fans for a dinner marking the franchise’s 80th anniversary.
Founded in 1946, the team has won eight Grey Cups, the most recent in 2023. Among the evening’s guests were Étienne Boulay, Wally Buono, Ben Cahoon, Pierre Desjardins, Jim Popp, Mike Pringle, Jamel Richardson, Johnny Rodgers, Larry Smith, and Marc Trestman.
For Étienne Boulay, a former defensive back who was part of the 2009 and 2010 championships, the scoreboard was never the most meaningful part. “Those were my best years of football in terms of fun, camaraderie, and performance,” he said. He added that the relationships built during those championship seasons lasted long after the games ended.
Mike Pringle, a former running back who became one of the franchise’s most recognizable players, said Montréal remains tied to his career and family life. “It’s like coming home,” he shared.
Marc Trestman, who coached the Alouettes for five seasons, highlighted the relationships built with his players and their families. He described Montréal as his “second home.”
The evening also raised funds for the Alouettes Foundation’s Ensemble à l’école program, which provides educational support and mentoring to youth. Current quarterback Davis Alexander said the season’s goal is clear: another Grey Cup. “We’re all on the same page,” he said.
Around Town
Housing activists occupy vacant building in the Sud-Ouest
A vacant building in the Sud-Ouest borough became a site of occupation for housing activists on Monday. With the provincial election days away, their message to political parties is clear: the housing crisis needs more than promises.
Between 10 and 12 people were staying in the building, which contains three three-bedroom apartments and has reportedly been vacant for several years. Signs were placed outside, including “Empty apartments, expensive apartments, we occupy” and “We are the ones threatened with death.”
“There are almost 100,000 of these buildings that are free and vacant, where no one lives,” said Noémie Beauvais, community organizer with RCLALQ. “At the same time, we have thousands of people on the street or struggling to find a place to stay.”
Shortly before noon, the building’s owner arrived with SPVM officers, and activists were told an eviction notice was being filed. Regardless of the outcome, they hope their message was heard. “Even if we leave this building today, that’s not the end of our demands,” said Francis Dolan, community organizer.
Woman records racist attack in Montréal metro
Members of a Mohawk family from Kahnawà:ke were victims of a racist attack by a woman in the Montréal metro on Wednesday, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Lawyers challenge Montréal bylaw banning insults toward municipal employees
A group of lawyers has filed a legal challenge to Montréal’s new bylaw banning insults toward city employees, including police officers.
Noteworthy
Ebola scare: patient’s isolation lifted at CHUM
In the afternoon, a protocol had been set up to prevent contamination. The isolation of a patient showing Ebola symptoms at CHUM was ultimately lifted, the alert having turned out to be a false alarm.
Hydro-Québec wants to double costs for data centres
Hydro-Québec is proposing to double the electricity rate for data centres so that other customers don’t have to foot their bill. The industry, including Google, is preparing its response at a public hearing.
Trucker responsible for deadly 2022 pileup sentenced to six years in prison
The trucker who caused the deaths of two people on Montréal’s South Shore in July 2022, because he was playing a video game on his cellphone while driving, has been sentenced to six years in prison. The sentence reflects the recommendations of both the prosecution and the defence.
Driscoll’s faces class action in Quebec
Lawyers are asking a Quebec Superior Court judge to authorize a class action against American fruit giant Driscoll’s. The company allegedly sent millions of pounds of berries to Canada with non-compliant chemical residue levels between 2022 and 2024.
Practical Corner
Why your Canadiens tickets cost more than any other NHL team’s
Canadiens fans wanting to see their team play at home this season will have to pay a higher price, with average prices at the Bell Centre higher than anywhere else in the NHL.
Quebec rules exclude people without fixed address from voting
Quebec’s rules for voters without a fixed address are more restrictive than federal rules. Advocates say this gap deprives part of the population of their right to vote.
Editor’s Pick
The walk for seniors’ well-being, which gathered about 1,500 people at Lafontaine Park, reminds us that aging isn’t a negative topic. As François Grisé, founder of Un et un font mille, said, it’s an opportunity for older people to show what they can bring to their community. A great way to change perceptions.
To Close
We wish you a day that suits you, with a moment to breathe between the news. The election campaign is heating up, but a few calm minutes can help you stay on course. ☕