Montreal QC ☕ The weekend chat

Hello Montréal.

As the provincial election approaches, language issues are surfacing inside voting stations, while a new environmental regulation is raising concerns within the traditional taxi industry. The city was also shaken by a last‑minute rescue in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie, new details about the health of belugas relocated to Chicago, and a major emergency‑response operation surrounding the World Cycling Championships. Here’s what you need to know this Saturday.

Main Story

New environmental regulation worries the traditional taxi industry

A new regulation introduced by the Quebec government in the name of environmental protection is drawing strong reactions from the traditional taxi sector. Many owners and drivers say the measures could further weaken an industry already under strain.

The directive requires companies to ensure that 18% of all calls are handled by electric vehicles, a major challenge for smaller fleets due to added management complexity, higher costs, and the risk of significant penalties for non‑compliance.

An industry member developing a new dispatch app says the rule fails to consider the extra kilometres it will generate. Under the current model, the closest vehicle takes the call, reducing empty travel and emissions. With the new quota, companies may need to send a farther‑away electric vehicle just to meet the 18% threshold — meaning more unnecessary kilometres, more time, more cost, and ironically, a potentially higher environmental impact.

Industry players say they support environmental goals but argue the measures must be realistic, fair, and adapted to the economic reality of small businesses. They note that the directive doesn’t account for financial constraints, EV availability, or maintenance and charging challenges.

Across several regions, taxi owners fear the accelerated decline of the traditional model, already weakened by technological competition and regulatory changes. Some are calling for mobilization to push for adjustments and protect the industry’s long‑term viability.

For them, the issue goes beyond compliance: it’s about preserving a community‑based service and ensuring the industry can continue to evolve without being pushed to the brink.

Local Stories

Unhoused man rescued from a building slated for demolition

An unhoused man was rescued Friday morning after taking refuge inside a building that was about to be demolished in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie.

Authorities were called to a construction site at the corner of Masson and Lafond around 10:30 a.m. A 44‑year‑old man had broken into the former Bingo Masson building and refused to leave. Workers spotted him on the ground floor just before excavators were set to begin operating.

Officials used a drone to pinpoint his exact location. Montréal’s fire department was also called in to secure the perimeter and evacuate the man. The operation ended around 1:30 p.m., when he was escorted out of the damaged building. No injuries were reported, though he was taken to hospital as a precaution. No arrests were made.

Paramedics highlight their work during the World Cycling Championships

It took two years of planning to organize emergency‑services logistics around the UCI Road World Cycling Championships in Montréal, which wrap up on Sunday. So far, Urgences‑santé considers the operation a success.

As of Friday, paramedics had responded to 125 incidents related to the event, involving both athletes and spectators. The most common calls were trauma from bike crashes, injuries, and illnesses. According to Pierre‑Luc Lefrançois‑Tanguay, operations chief assigned to the event, there have been no major medical incidents involving cyclists …mostly trauma calls, nothing serious.

Between four and six additional ambulances are stationed within the event perimeter. Lefrançois‑Tanguay notes that there is never zero risk of longer transport times, but everything has gone smoothly so far. Emergency coverage for the rest of the population outside the Championships remains within usual timeframes, though it requires significant logistical planning to navigate closed streets.

“We’re fortunate in Montréal and Laval to host many large‑scale events. This is the biggest sporting event since the 1976 Montréal Olympics. It’s huge, let’s be honest, but there’s been solid operational planning behind it,” Lefrançois‑Tanguay said.

To Note

Language‑directive concerns for anglophone voters

Anglophones who are not considered “historic” in Quebec may face obstacles at voting stations during the provincial election. A new directive instructs poll workers to verify whether an elector is eligible for English‑language education in Quebec or belongs to a First Nation or Inuit community before offering service in English. If neither applies, the interaction must continue in French.

The complainant behind a legal challenge seeking to add English to voter cards says his group has sent a formal notice to Elections Québec, the attorney general, and the premier, arguing that the directive is unconstitutional and could disrupt the electoral process.

Elections Québec maintains that it must apply the Charter of the French Language while remaining neutral during the election period.

Representatives of the anglophone community fear the measure could discourage some voters from going to the polls, seeing it as an unnecessary barrier that could reduce turnout.

Advance voting takes place Sunday and Monday, and electors can also vote at the returning officer’s office until October 1.

Allegations of U.S. interference in the Quebec campaign

A U.S. think tank has called on the United States to provide financial support to the Parti Québécois, rattling political parties across Quebec. Outgoing premier Christine Fréchette said there is “no reason to fear for the integrity of Quebec’s electoral process,” while also expressing that she is “deeply concerned” about possible U.S. interference.

Federal intelligence services have been contacted as allegations of American involvement continue to multiply during the Quebec election campaign.

Québec man arrested for threats against PM Mark Carney

The RCMP announced Friday that Ousmane Bah, 45, of Québec City, has been charged with making death threats against Prime Minister Mark Carney. He is also charged with encouraging hatred toward an identifiable group.

The investigation began on July 6 following reports of death threats against Carney posted on Facebook. Bah appeared in court on Thursday.

Nine Islamic schools on alert after threatening email

The Muslim Association of Canada says that nine schools it runs across the country are on high alert after receiving a threatening email this week targeting Muslims. Regional police forces in Ontario have launched an investigation. Schools in Montreal are also affected.

Marineland belugas that died in Chicago suffered chronic illness

Two beluga whales from Marineland that died a few weeks after being relocated to an aquarium in Chicago were suffering from pre‑existing chronic illnesses, the Shedd Aquarium said Friday.

The U.S. aquarium has not confirmed that these conditions caused the deaths of Peekachu, a 23‑year‑old female beluga, and Rain, a 20‑year‑old female beluga. Shedd added that there is no evidence of infectious disease.

Necropsies revealed that the Marineland whales had a “chronic inflammatory disease in their gastrointestinal system.” The aquarium also found “bird feathers, sticks and large porous rocks” in Peekachu’s stomach, and “small fragments of material that may have been paint” in Rain’s. Shedd does not believe these foreign objects contributed to their deaths.

Four belugas and one dolphin have died since the relocation. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson called the deaths “incredibly sad.”

Practical Corner

Advance voting begins Sunday

Advance voting for the provincial election takes place Sunday and Monday. Voters can also cast their ballot at the returning officer’s office until October 1.

Reminder cards have not yet been sent out by mail. “At this stage, no mailing has been done for the reminder card. That will happen next week, after the advance polls. But people can check with Elections Québec right now to find the address of their polling station for election day or for advance voting,” said Julie St‑Arnaud‑Drolet.

Free event to learn about ETFs in Montréal

Fidelity Investments Canada is hosting a pop‑up “Dare to Dream” event in Montréal on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. The free event, held at WIP Works (3487 Saint‑Laurent Boulevard), will give both newcomers and experienced investors the chance to learn how ETFs work, what sets Fidelity’s apart, and how to get started. Snacks, drinks, and free promotional items will be available.

Coup de Cœur

The story of the unhoused man rescued in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie is a reminder that solidarity often shows itself in the most concrete actions. Workers stopping excavators, first responders deploying a drone to locate a vulnerable person, firefighters securing the scene …it was a chain of vigilance that helped prevent the worst. In a city where the housing crisis and homelessness are daily realities, every life protected is a small collective victory.

In Closing

As the election campaign intensifies and the World Cycling Championships wrap up, let’s take a moment to appreciate what brings Montréalers together: solidarity, pride in hosting the world, and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. Enjoy your Saturday and don’t forget to vote early if you can. ☕