Montreal QC ☕ The daily chat
Good morning, Montreal.
A Halloween day caught between tradition and troubling news. We look back at the tragedy that killed a young cyclist, the revelations coming at the SPVM, and the mayor’s first anniversary in office. There’s also reason to celebrate, with a fourth straight win for the Canadiens and a haunted garden in Dorval.
Top Story
Cyclist, 18, killed after police chase
An 18-year-old man died Friday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle that was fleeing a Sûreté du Québec interception. The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) confirmed it has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the intervention.
Preliminary information indicates an unmarked SQ vehicle was in the area around noon when officers spotted a possible violation of the Highway Safety Code. The driver allegedly refused to stop and fled, then hit the cyclist at the intersection of Jeanne-Mance Street and Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Ahuntsic-Cartierville. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Six BEI investigators have been assigned to shed light on the incident. The SPVM was called in to support the independent investigation, and a separate criminal investigation has also been given to Montreal police. The BEI is asking anyone who witnessed the scene to contact them through their website.
Local
SPVM chief warns upcoming revelations will be ‘catastrophic’
SPVM director Fady Dagher promised Friday that light would be shed on allegations of misconduct involving officers at Station 39. “The truth will never be punished,” he said at a press conference at headquarters.
Four officers have been suspended in connection with the allegations. The chief warned that some evidence, including videos and photographs, would be hard to watch. “There are things you will hear that are not pretty. We could decide to hide, but we won’t hide,” he said.
He also mentioned a new action plan, developed with communities, details of which will be unveiled in late November and early December. Results of investigations into officers who “tarnish the uniform” are to be published in November.
One year in office for Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Almost a year to the day after her election as mayor of Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada gives herself a score of seven out of ten. She answered Montrealers’ questions on the hot-button issues of her first year, from police to homelessness to transportation.
Asked about allegations against officers at Stations 21 and 39, the mayor reaffirmed her confidence in Chief Dagher, noting that officers themselves are denouncing what is happening. “It’s a big cultural change,” she said, while acknowledging it takes time.
On homelessness, she praised the Quebec government’s commitment, which released $18 million in emergency aid for Montreal. She hopes the current administration will find a lasting solution to the problem, a legacy she’d like to remember in 50 years.
The mayor also defended her record on bike paths, saying she never talked about dismantling them. She promised to show taxpayers how their money will be spent, as the next budget promises to be difficult.
Fire in Montreal-North sends firefighter to hospital
A firefighter was taken to hospital after a fire ravaged a residential building overnight Thursday into Friday on Joseph-Michaud Place in Montreal-North. At the height of the response, more than 120 firefighters were on site.
Missing Montreal-North senior believed to have fallen into Rivière des Prairies
A 72-year-old woman, missing since October 24, is believed to have fallen into the Rivière des Prairies, according to a social media post. The SPVM says no body has been recovered and the case is still being treated as a disappearance.
Worth Noting
Canada to become first ‘associate member’ of EU
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday at a press conference in Montreal that Canada and the European Union are working toward a partnership “as deep as possible,” which would make Canada the first “associate member” of the EU. That goal could be reached by June 2027.
The announcement concludes a Canada-EU summit marked by more than 20 new measures to strengthen ties between Canadian and European industries, notably in trade, energy, and emerging technologies.
Québec solidaire calls for Jacinthe-Eve Arel’s resignation
The appointment of former political commentator Jacinthe-Eve Arel as chief of staff to the minister delegate for Government Efficiency, Sébastien D’Astous, has sparked a wave of protest. Québec solidaire is demanding her immediate departure, denouncing her past positions, including her admiration for Donald Trump and controversial statements about transgender people.
For his part, Conservative Party of Quebec leader Éric Duhaime thinks Arel is letting herself be used by the PQ. The Liberal Party is asking for explanations about how her positions fit with those of the government.
Canadiens sweep Dallas
The Montreal Canadiens won a fourth straight game, this time in Dallas, with a 5-2 victory. The team continues its run without captain Nick Suzuki, who is drawing attention for his resilience.
Practical Corner
Halloween: Where to get scared
For those who want to extend the thrill, the haunted garden in Dorval on Pine Beach Boulevard will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. A 20-minute walk through creatures and surprises, benefiting two good causes: West Island Citizen Advocacy and Sun Youth.
Time change: Fall back
On the night of October 31 to November 1, you’ll need to turn your clock back one hour. A chance to sleep a little more, even if some regional businesses worry about the impact on their activities.
Coup de Coeur
In Dorval, Ivan Dow has been turning his yard into a haunted garden for nearly five decades. This year again, he welcomes visitors with wire-frame ghosts and decorations that make young and old shiver. But behind the horror lies a beautiful lesson: giving to others might just be the real meaning of life.
Before we go
We wish you a Halloween day full of candy and chills, but above all warm moments. And if you run into a ghost, tell it that even the Canadiens have won four in a row. ☕