Police Misconduct Probe, Hit‑and‑Run Death & Water Infrastructure — Montreal Friday

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

1. Firefighter hospitalised after blaze in Montréal‑Nord. A firefighter was taken to hospital following a fire in Montréal‑Nord, emergency crews responded on Friday; authorities have not released the firefighter's name or condition.
2. Seniors’ centre in Châteauguay evacuated without warning. Staff closed and evacuated a Châteauguay seniors’ centre abruptly, forcing relocation of residents on Thursday while officials investigate the cause.

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

1. Mayor Ferrada backs Police Chief as misconduct probe widens. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada publicly supported Chief Fady Dagher as he prepared a news conference about multiple misconduct allegations, including an officer who may face charges for allegedly concealing evidence in a 2025 domestic‑violence probe. Dagher will also update suspensions involving officers accused of urinating on homeless people and racist misconduct in Montreal‑Nord.
2. 18‑year‑old cyclist killed in Montreal hit‑and‑run, police investigating. Montreal police are investigating after an 18‑year‑old cyclist was killed in a hit‑and‑run collision; officers have appealed for witnesses and any dashcam footage.
3. Man dies after fight in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie. A man died following an altercation in Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie; police have opened an investigation into the incident.

💼 Economy & Business

1. Aging water infrastructure stalls housing projects across Quebec. Municipalities and builders say deteriorating water systems are delaying housing construction across Quebec, with officials citing permit and hookup backlogs that push project timelines.
2. Hydro‑Québec defends higher electricity rates for data centres. Hydro‑Québec says it will not reverse proposed rate increases for data centres, arguing the pricing changes are necessary as it negotiates contracts with large commercial consumers.
3. Montreal's blue‑collar workers ratify a new six‑year city contract. City blue‑collar employees ratified a six‑year collective agreement with Montreal, approving new terms that will govern wages and work conditions over the next six years.

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Repentigny farmers oppose Quebec‑Toronto high‑speed rail route. Farmers and elected officials in Repentigny urged cancelling a proposed Quebec City–Toronto high‑speed rail route, saying the plan maps the line across more than 260 hectares of Guillaume Alary’s farmland and could divide properties.
2. Canada‑EU summit in Montreal to conclude with digital‑trade announcements. The Canada‑EU summit hosted in Montreal is expected to finalize a digital‑trade agreement and announce scientific‑research and student‑exchange programs, with European leaders attending meetings on Friday.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Canadiens complete perfect four‑for‑four road trip with 5–2 win in Dallas. The Montreal Canadiens beat the Dallas Stars 5–2 to finish a four‑game road trip with four wins, with Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield noted in the game coverage.
2. Montreal witches explore tarot, spells and the craft publicly. Local practitioners in Montreal are offering tarot readings and public workshops as part of a broader interest in witchcraft and occult practices across the city.

📰 Also Today

• Quebec City mayor helps raise $100,000 for shelter.
• Investigation at Station 39 examines alleged misconduct in domestic‑violence case.
• Some Canadian police keep promoting Crime Stoppers after Navigate360 breach.
• Groups decry Quebec proposed ban on school religious symbols, including critics and unions.
• Montreal Alouettes finish regular season with league‑best record.