Montreal
Montreal rents have jumped 70 per cent over the past decade
The average rent in Montreal has risen 70 per cent over the last 10 years, according to figures released May 20. The increase outpaces wage growth and has intensified pressure on renters across the city.
Marconi name returns as Montreal military tech firm under Canadian ownership
The historic Marconi name has been revived for a Montreal-based military technology company now under Canadian ownership. The announcement was made May 20, marking a return for a brand long associated with communications and defence innovation.
Police release new photos as Rochefort case may draw more accusers
Montreal lawyer Daniel Rochefort, charged with child sex crimes, may be facing additional accusers after police released new photographs on May 20. Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Green Line disruption snarls STM commuters
A partial interruption on the STM métro Green Line caused widespread commuter delays on May 20. The STM has not provided a timeline for full service restoration.
More than 170,000 riders board REM in first West Island weekend
The new West Island branch of the REM drew more than 170,000 riders during its first weekend of service. The figure signals strong early demand for the light-rail extension connecting the West Island to downtown Montreal.
Protesters rally against Bill 20 housing overhaul threatening co-ops
Demonstrators gathered in Montreal on May 18 to oppose Quebec’s Bill 20, a housing overhaul they say endangers housing co-operatives across the province. Opponents argue the legislation would strip tenant protections and destabilize community-based housing models.
Man rescued — then arrested — after 10 hours stuck in theatre wall
Emergency responders in Montreal rescued a man on May 20 after he became trapped inside a void in the wall of a movie theatre for roughly 10 hours. He was taken to safety and subsequently arrested by police.
Canada
FBI director says drug traffickers have shifted operations to Canada
FBI Director Kash Patel said on May 20 that drug trafficking networks have moved parts of their operations into Canada. The remarks add pressure on Canadian law enforcement agencies already dealing with cross-border smuggling concerns.
Quebec tightens ticket resale rules but prices remain uncapped
Quebec announced tighter regulations around the resale of event tickets on May 20, but the changes stop short of capping the prices scalpers can charge. Consumer advocates say the measures are insufficient to protect fans from inflated costs.
Carney navigates budget and energy talks as federal priorities converge
Prime Minister Mark Carney is at the centre of ongoing discussions linking the federal budget to a broader energy agreement, according to information released May 20. Carney has not yet announced a timeline for either file.
Martinez Ferrada takes affordability message to Liberal convention
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada addressed the federal Liberal convention on May 20, focusing her remarks on housing affordability. Martinez Ferrada called for greater collaboration between federal and municipal governments on the file.
Snowbirds aerobatic team grounded
Canada’s Snowbirds aerobatic demonstration team has been grounded, federal officials confirmed May 20. No cause or timeline for the stand-down has been publicly disclosed.
Sports
Canadiens beat Sabres 3-2 in overtime to reach Eastern Conference final
The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in overtime on May 18, advancing to the Eastern Conference final. The win caps a playoff series for the Canadiens, who now await their next opponent.
Victoire host Ottawa Charge in PWHL Game 4
The Montréal Victoire face the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of their PWHL playoff series on May 20. The series result was not available at time of publication.
Weather
Tonight, expect mainly cloudy skies with a 40 per cent chance of showers early, clearing later. The low will be 9 C with westerly winds at 30 km/h gusting to 50.
Thursday brings clearing skies and a high of 25 C with a humidex of 28. Westerly winds continue at 30 km/h gusting to 50, with an overnight low of 11 C.
