Montreal
Council restricts short-term rentals starting August 1
Montreal City Council approved a by-law Wednesday banning short-term rentals in residential areas, with the rules taking effect August 1. The move is part of a broader push to ease pressure on the city’s tight housing market.
Water main break floods streets in the Plateau
A major water main break in Plateau-Mont-Royal caused significant flooding and road closures Wednesday. The STM and city crews were on scene managing disruptions to traffic and transit routes in the affected area.
Mayor announces affordable housing push in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada unveiled an initiative to add affordable housing units in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. No timeline or unit targets were immediately released.
STM ridership up 5 per cent in second quarter
The STM reported a 5 per cent increase in ridership for the second quarter of 2026. The transit authority did not specify which lines or modes drove the growth.
Montreal tech startup raises $10 million for AI urban planning tools
A Montreal-based startup secured $10 million in Series A funding to build artificial-intelligence tools aimed at urban planning. The company did not disclose the identity of its investors.
Police probe string of arsons in Saint-Laurent
Montreal police are investigating a series of arsons targeting commercial businesses in the Saint-Laurent borough. No arrests have been announced.
Public consultation opens on Peel Basin redevelopment
Residents and stakeholders began weighing in Wednesday on a proposed redevelopment of the Peel Basin area. The consultation is open to the public and will shape plans for the waterfront site.
Canada
Unemployment ticks up in June, Statistics Canada says
Statistics Canada reported a slight increase in the national unemployment rate for June 2026. The agency did not release specific figures in early reporting.
Parliamentary budget officer warns of late-2026 economic slowdown
A new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer cautioned that Canada could face an economic slowdown in the latter part of 2026. The office did not specify which sectors are most at risk.
Ottawa introduces online privacy legislation
The federal government tabled legislation to strengthen online privacy protections for Canadians. Details of the bill, including enforcement mechanisms, were not immediately available.
Canadian Space Agency outlines new lunar research mission
The Canadian Space Agency announced plans for a new lunar research mission, adding to Canada’s growing role in international space exploration. A launch timeline was not released.
World
UN Security Council votes for Middle East ceasefire
The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It was not immediately clear whether parties to the conflict had indicated they would comply.
Scientists report fusion energy breakthrough in Geneva
Researchers announced a significant advance in fusion energy at a conference in Geneva. The scientists said the findings could accelerate the path toward commercially viable clean energy, though no timetable was given.
Sports
Canadiens edge Maple Leafs 4-3 in pre-season play
The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in a pre-season NHL game Wednesday. Nick Suzuki led the way for Montreal while Auston Matthews was notable for Toronto.
CF Montréal draws 1-1 with New York City FC
CF Montréal and New York City FC split the points in a 1-1 draw in MLS regular-season action Wednesday. Romell Quioto was active for Montreal and Talles Magno featured for NYCFC.
Weather
Tonight will be mainly cloudy with a low of 14°C. Moderate westerly winds gusting strongly will ease to light overnight, with a 30 per cent chance of showers.
Tomorrow brings a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 25°C and a humidex of 27. Moderate westerly winds will develop and gust strongly in the morning. The UV index is expected to be high.
