Montreal-Nord Calls on Residents to Report Police Racism

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Montreal Man Caught After Year on the Run

After more than a year in hiding, Jimmy Ylimaki, 36, has been arrested in Nicaragua in connection with a massive grandparent scam that allegedly bilked American seniors out of $30 million. Authorities confirmed Ylimaki’s extradition to the U.S., where he now faces up to 20 years behind bars.

Ylimaki, linked to the alleged scam mastermind Gareth West, is accused of posing as a lawyer to trick victims into sending money. Court documents describe him as an “attorney” who used elaborate tactics to make the scheme seem legitimate.

The Scam That Shook North America

The alleged Montreal-based network reportedly targeted hundreds of elderly Americans. Gareth West, who presented himself as a wealthy real estate mogul, was identified as the head of the operation. A CBC investigation in June 2025 uncovered the group’s lavish lifestyle, funded by the scam.

When charges were first filed in March 2025, two dozen suspects were arrested in the Montreal area. However, both West and Ylimaki evaded authorities. West was later captured at an Airbnb in Saint-Colomban, Quebec, in July 2025, leaving Ylimaki as the only fugitive.

A Trail Across Central America

Sources tracking Ylimaki revealed he initially fled to Costa Rica, sharing glimpses of his life on social media. After West’s arrest, Ylimaki reportedly relocated to Nicaragua, where authorities eventually apprehended him.

Grandparent scams are sophisticated cons in which scammers impersonate grandchildren or officials, claiming the elder is in legal or financial trouble and requesting urgent payments. Ylimaki’s alleged involvement included coordinating calls, sending coded messages, and celebrating “successful deals” with accomplices.

Inside the Investigation

Quebec provincial police raided a Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, home in June 2024, suspected to be the operation’s headquarters. Ylimaki was reportedly placing calls to potential victims just moments before the police entered. Police documents indicate he went by the codename “Coop” and used multiple phones to coordinate the scam.

One text message cited in court filings allegedly shows Ylimaki sharing a New Jersey victim’s address with the note: “$19,000 with toast, home with cash.” Such messages were typical of the coded communications used across the network.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Ylimaki appeared in a Vermont court on Wednesday, pleading not guilty. While he awaits trial, other alleged members of the network are fighting their U.S. extradition, which is still in progress.

The allegations against Ylimaki remain untested in court, but the arrest marks the end of a year-long manhunt and a major step in unraveling what authorities call one of the largest grandparent scams in North American history.

The post Montreal Man Nabbed in $30M Grandparent Scam first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Suspicious Package Sparks Brief Airport Disruption

A tense moment unfolded at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport on Wednesday. A suspicious package triggered a temporary slowdown in flight operations.

At first, officials reduced incoming air traffic. This happened after a “package of interest” was found on a plane that had just landed. Soon after, police stepped in and began their investigation.

Runway Closure Causes Delays

Because of the situation, one of the airport’s two runways shut down. Meanwhile, the second runway stayed open, so flights continued, though at a slower pace.

As a result, several domestic and cross-border flights faced delays. Travellers experienced disruptions; however, airport staff worked quickly to manage the flow.

Flights Resume as Safety Confirmed

By just before 5 p.m., both runways reopened. At that point, officials confirmed there was no danger to passengers. Even though the investigation continued, operations returned to normal.

Importantly, authorities reassured travellers that safety was never compromised.

Confusion Over FAA Alert

Earlier in the afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop. That meant some U.S. flights heading to Montreal could not take off.

Initially, the alert mentioned a possible bomb threat. However, Quebec provincial police quickly clarified that no such threat existed. Instead, they described it as an ongoing investigation into an airport incident.

Later, the FAA eased the restriction to a ground delay. Consequently, flights resumed, although delays of up to an hour remained.

Authorities Stay Tight-Lipped

Meanwhile, Transport Canada confirmed it was aware of the situation involving an Air Canada flight. However, officials shared few details. They noted they were working closely with local authorities and the airline.

Travel Back to Normal

In the end, the disruption proved short-lived. Although travellers faced brief delays, the airport quickly returned to full operation.

So, while the incident caused concern, it ended without harm—and flights are once again moving smoothly through Montreal.

The post Montreal Airport Scare Halts Flights Briefly first appeared on Maple News Wire.

REM Train Collision Leaves One Dead Near Du Quartier Station

Emergency Alert in Early Hours

Longueuil police said they received a call shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday reporting that three young adults had been struck by a REM train on Montreal’s South Shore. The incident occurred during non-operational hours when no scheduled trains were running.

Location and Initial Findings

The collision took place near the Du Quartier station, a key stop on the REM line serving the South Shore. Officials confirmed that one person died at the scene, while two others were rushed to hospital with serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.

Cause Cited as Track Intrusion

According to the REM communications department, the early morning tragedy stemmed from an “intrusion onto the tracks.” Authorities have not yet identified why the group accessed the restricted area, but investigators are working to determine the circumstances.

Service Disruptions as Crews Respond

Emergency response teams shut down REM service between Du Quartier and Brossard stations in both directions to secure the area and support the investigation. A shuttle service was deployed to accommodate passengers affected by the suspension.

Ongoing Provincial Investigation

Quebec’s provincial police have taken over the investigation to examine how the incident unfolded, what safety measures were in place, and whether additional precautions are needed to prevent similar intrusions.

Next Steps and Public Safety Focus

Officials say more information will be released as investigators analyze surveillance footage, train data, and witness accounts. REM has urged the public to stay clear of restricted rail infrastructure while emphasizing the importance of safety around active and inactive rail lines.

The post Late-Night REM Train Collision Kills One, Injures Two first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Montreal Transit Shutdown Averted After STM, Union Reach Deal

A Late Agreement That Keeps Montreal Moving

A planned weekend shutdown of Montreal’s bus and Metro network was called off Friday night after the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and the union representing drivers and Metro operators reached a tentative agreement. The deal was struck around 7 p.m. following seven days of intense negotiations, preventing a second major service disruption in as many weeks.

Stakeholders Confirm Service Will Run Normally

SCFP 1983, representing approximately 4,500 bus drivers, Metro operators and station agents, announced that service will proceed as usual on Saturday and Sunday. The union said its objective was always to secure a negotiated settlement, noting that the agreement will now be presented to members for a vote in accordance with internal procedures.

Officials Cite Compromise and Stability

The STM said the agreement in principle will remain confidential until it is ratified by both its board of directors and the union membership. STM CEO Marie-Claude Léonard acknowledged that the deal includes compromises from all parties while staying within the agency’s financial limits. She added that the resolution avoids another disruptive strike, in line with a request from Montreal’s new mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada.

Political Leaders Welcome the Resolution

Mayor Martinez Ferrada publicly praised the “intensive work” done by both sides to reach a deal, emphasizing that the strongest agreements are achieved through negotiation. Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet also commended the parties, after earlier efforts to fast-track back-to-work legislation failed due to lack of unanimous political support.

Strike Threat Followed Weeks of Labour Tension

The now-cancelled shutdown had been approved Wednesday by Quebec’s labour tribunal, just hours after maintenance workers ended a month-long strike that had already strained Montreal’s transit operations. The drivers’ union had signalled that talks remained possible, while also attributing the labour conflict to what it described as chronic underfunding by the Legault government.

How the Deal Impacts Riders This Weekend

With the agreement in place, Montrealers can expect full, uninterrupted Metro and bus service throughout the weekend. Further details of the agreement are expected only after formal ratification, marking the next step in efforts to stabilize labour relations within the city’s transit network.

The post Montreal Transit Strike Averted After Last-Minute Deal first appeared on Maple News Wire.

It’s flu season, and ER visits in Montreal are already surging. Many people rush to hospitals at the first sign of illness, but not everyone needs emergency care. According to Dr. Mitch Shulman, an emergency medicine specialist at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), unnecessary visits can actually do more harm than good.

“When you’re otherwise healthy and have a cold, staying home is often best,” he explains. “ERs are full of people with serious issues, and being there can expose you to worse infections.”

When You Should Stay Home

For most healthy adults, mild flu or cold symptoms don’t require a hospital visit. If you have a sore throat, cough, mild fever, runny nose, or nausea, rest and fluids will usually do the trick.

Dr. Shulman reminds people that common viral illnesses often resolve on their own. “A cold lasts five to seven days if I treat it, and five to seven days if I don’t,” he says with a laugh.

You should stay home if you have:

• Sore or scratchy throat but can still swallow

• Blocked or runny nose

• Mild cough

• Nausea or vomiting without dehydration

• Diarrhea but can keep fluids down

• Fever that lowers with medication

Instead of rushing to the ER, use rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medicine to manage your symptoms.

When It’s Time to Go to the ER

However, there are moments when a hospital visit is essential. If you’re elderly, immunocompromised, or living with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart problems, a simple cold can quickly turn dangerous.

Dr. Shulman stresses: “If symptoms last beyond seven days or worsen suddenly—like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a high spiking fever—it’s time to see a doctor.”

You should head to the ER if you experience:

• Chest pain, especially crushing or radiating pain

• Sudden, severe headache

• Shortness of breath or fainting

• Fever that won’t go down after four or five days

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Severe abdominal pain or suspected broken bones

• Sudden numbness, paralysis, or confusion (possible stroke symptoms)

For stroke or heart attack warning signs, every second counts. Immediate treatment can save lives and reduce long-term complications.

Special Considerations for Children

When it comes to kids, parents should always err on the side of caution. “A fever in a baby under one year old always needs medical evaluation,” says Shulman.

He emphasizes that persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or an inability to drink fluids should never be ignored. “If you’re unsure, go to the emergency room. We’d rather see a healthy child than miss a serious case.”

Depending on the time of day, many family doctors or pediatricians offer last-minute appointments, so it’s worth calling your clinic first before heading to the hospital.

Alternatives to the ER

For mild symptoms, pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for common conditions like sore throats, coughs, or minor infections. You can also book same-day appointments through Clic Santé or call Info-Santé 811 for guidance.

“Know what’s available in your area,” Dr. Shulman advises. “If your local clinic is open late or on weekends, that can save you a long ER wait.”

Staying Smart and Safe

Ultimately, knowing when to go to the hospital helps both you and the healthcare system. Avoiding unnecessary ER visits allows doctors to focus on patients who truly need emergency care, while keeping you safe from exposure to other illnesses.

So, before heading out, ask yourself: Can this wait? Can I manage this at home? If the answer is yes, rest, stay hydrated, and give your body time to recover.

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The post ER Visits in Montreal: When to Go and When to Stay Home first appeared on Maple News Wire.

In a defining moment for Montreal politics and Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s career, the former federal Liberal minister has been elected as the city’s new mayor. The victory signals a strong desire for renewal among Montrealers, eager to see change after nearly a decade of left-leaning leadership.

By 10 p.m. Sunday, with half the polls reporting, Quebec’s major television networks projected Martinez Ferrada’s win over Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin. Her centrist party, Ensemble Montréal, captured 44% of the vote—putting her nearly 17,000 ballots ahead and positioning the party to dominate city council with 41 of 65 available seats.

A Campaign Built on Renewal

Throughout the campaign, Martinez Ferrada tapped into frustration that had been brewing across the city. After eight years under outgoing Mayor Valérie Plante’s administration, many voters wanted a fresh direction. Plante, who chose not to seek a third term, had become a polarizing figure due to policies that divided drivers, cyclists, and business owners alike.

Martinez Ferrada promised action. Her message was simple yet bold: restore balance, strengthen communities, and listen to the concerns of everyday Montrealers.

Tackling Homelessness Head-On

Homelessness and housing affordability dominated campaign conversations. Martinez Ferrada has vowed to triple the city’s homelessness budget and end street encampments within four years. However, she plans to ensure compassion during the transition—allowing people in tent cities to remain temporarily while she expands access to housing.

Her proactive approach resonated with voters who wanted both empathy and efficiency. As she explained on election night, “We can be both caring and decisive. Montreal deserves that balance.”

Rethinking Bike Paths and City Spending

Another key campaign issue revolved around the city’s extensive bike path network—a major part of Plante’s legacy. While Martinez Ferrada supports cycling infrastructure, she has pledged to audit all bike paths within her first 100 days in office. If some routes no longer serve the public well, she says, they’ll be reconsidered or removed.

In addition, she intends to streamline city operations by cutting 1,000 municipal jobs and improving public transit reliability, including more frequent subway service. Her fiscal focus aims to deliver practical change without sacrificing essential services.

From Refugee to Mayor

Martinez Ferrada’s personal journey continues to inspire many. Born in Chile, she arrived in Canada as a refugee at age eight. Her political career began in Montreal’s city council from 2005 to 2009, later advancing to federal politics in 2019. She joined Justin Trudeau’s cabinet in 2023 before resigning earlier this year to lead Ensemble Montréal.

Her rise from refugee to mayor symbolizes the promise of inclusion and opportunity that Montrealers cherish.

Voter Turnout Reflects Quiet Discontent

Despite the high stakes, voter turnout remained modest. As of 4 p.m. Sunday, only 27% of registered voters had cast their ballots, well below the 38% turnout in 2021 and 42% in 2017. Analysts suggest that while many wanted change, enthusiasm during the campaign lagged.

Quebec’s Municipal Elections at a Glance

Across Quebec’s 1,100 municipalities, Sunday’s elections brought notable results. Radio-Canada projected re-elections for Bruno Marchand in Quebec City and Stéphane Boyer in Laval. In Sherbrooke, another former federal minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, secured victory. And in Saguenay, former Quebec minister Andrée Laforest led comfortably.

Interestingly, more than half of municipal candidates across the province ran unopposed, with over 4,500—including 564 mayors—elected by acclamation.

A City Ready for Change

Montreal now enters a new political era under Martinez Ferrada’s leadership. Her focus on housing, city efficiency, and balanced governance may redefine the city’s direction over the next four years. As she steps into office, expectations are high—but so is optimism.

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The post Soraya Martinez Ferrada Wins Montreal Mayor Race Amid Shift first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Community Pushback Grows in Contrecoeur

Dozens of residents gathered Sunday in Contrecoeur, about 45 kilometres northeast of Montreal, to protest the Port of Montreal’s plan to expand its container terminal. Demonstrators say the project, which would significantly increase freight capacity, poses serious risks to their community and the surrounding environment.

Expansion Plans Move Ahead

The Montreal Port Authority is proceeding with preparatory work on the Contrecoeur site, part of a major expansion expected to handle up to 1.5 million containers annually. The work includes installing fences, building access roads, selective tree cutting, and setting up temporary offices. Dredging the St. Lawrence River—habitat of the endangered copper redhorse fish—remains pending federal approval from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Ottawa’s Rationale and Federal Backing

The project is one of five national infrastructure developments championed by Prime Minister Mark Carney under the Building Canada Act, intended to strengthen trade capacity and supply-chain resilience. Federal officials and port representatives say the expansion meets projected freight demand and supports long-term economic growth.

Residents Challenge National Interest Claim

Opponents argue the Contrecoeur project does not qualify as a matter of national interest under Bill C-5, which prioritizes Canadian autonomy. Critics claim it could instead deepen reliance on foreign trade and circumvent both Quebec and federal environmental regulations.

Hélène Reeves, spokesperson for Vigie citoyenne Port de Contrecoeur, said the premier’s recent remarks calling the St. Lawrence River a “highway” for goods reflect an outdated economic vision. “We can’t keep expanding an economy that destroys ecosystems in the middle of a climate crisis,” Reeves told reporters.

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns

Despite receiving a favourable environmental review, the port project continues to face scrutiny. Environmental advocates warn that dredging the riverbed could endanger fragile aquatic habitats, while increased truck traffic may harm air quality in nearby residential areas.

What Comes Next

With construction preparation already visible on-site, the Port Authority is pressing forward. Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s final decision on river dredging will be critical to determining the project’s pace. Meanwhile, residents vow to continue demonstrations and seek broader provincial support to halt or alter the expansion.

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Rush Expands Reunion Tour Across Canada

Canadian rock legends Rush are adding more hometown love to their highly anticipated “Fifty Something” reunion tour. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced Monday that the band will bring the tour to Montreal on Sept. 2, Edmonton on Dec. 10, and Vancouver on Dec. 15, 2026. The move expands an already sold-out run that begins next June and stretches through the end of the year.

Massive Demand Prompts More Dates

The Toronto-based band said it added 17 cities after the initial announcement sparked overwhelming demand, with all previously released shows — including four nights in Toronto — selling out within hours. Fans across Canada and the U.S. flooded presale queues, prompting the musicians to extend the tour’s reach coast to coast.

Tickets Hit the Market This Month

General public tickets for the new shows go on sale Friday, Oct. 31, following a series of presales beginning Thursday. The band is urging fans to purchase only through official sources such as Ticketmaster or Rush’s website to avoid inflated prices from online scalpers.

Canadian Stops Join Expanded Itinerary

Alongside the three new Canadian cities, additional U.S. stops include Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Seattle, and Tampa, Fla. Montreal will host Rush early in the fall leg, while Edmonton and Vancouver close out the western stretch before the year-end finale.

A Triumphant Return After a Decade

This tour marks Rush’s first time back on the road since the R40 Tour in 2015 and the death of drummer Neil Peart in 2020 from brain cancer. Stepping behind the kit this time is acclaimed German drummer Anika Nilles, bringing a fresh dynamic to the band’s classic sound while honouring Peart’s enduring legacy.

Band Urges Fans to Beware of Resellers

In a YouTube video posted Monday, Lee said he was “blown away by the response” to the initial tour news but warned fans about ticket scalpers “having a field day” online. “Buy through official channels,” he said, underscoring the band’s efforts to make tickets accessible and prevent price gouging.

A Homecoming for Canadian Rock Fans

With the expanded schedule, Rush’s “Fifty Something” tour now offers Canadian fans across the country a rare chance to experience the band’s powerful live show on home soil — marking not just a reunion, but a celebration of one of Canada’s most influential rock acts.

The post Rush Adds Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver Tour Dates first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Bars Face Pressure as Complaints Escalate

In Montreal’s Plateau district, the Champs Sports Bar on Saint-Laurent Boulevard became a community hub — a space known for trivia nights, karaoke, and 2SLGBTQ+ events. But since 2022, that same bar has been at the centre of repeated noise complaints from a neighbouring building that was once a commercial property. The complaints triggered police visits, city inspections, civil court action, and an investigation by Quebec’s liquor board, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux.

After the Régie ruled Champs lacked a dance permit, the bar was fined $3,000, forced to close for five days, and told to install soundproofing. The owners spent over $30,000 in legal fees and another $14,000 on renovations before regaining permission to host dance nights — now limited to weekends.

Costly Crackdown Highlights Broader Pattern

City records show that between January and August 2025, 3,280 noise-related calls were made to Montreal’s 311 service — a sharp increase from prior years. The majority came from the Plateau and Ville-Marie boroughs, where nightlife and new residential developments coexist uneasily.

Other venues have faced similar consequences. La Tulipe, a century-old concert hall, shut down after a neighbour’s lawsuit over noise. Although Montreal created a soundproofing fund for performance venues, bars such as Champs are excluded.

Pamela Bernstein, who helps manage Champs, said the system is “unnecessarily complicated.” She believes the changing character of the neighbourhood — where artists and hospitality workers have been priced out — has made residents less tolerant of nightlife sounds.

Noise Policy Becomes an Election Flashpoint

As Montreal heads toward a municipal election, the handling of nightlife regulation has become a defining issue.

Transition Montréal, led by councillor Craig Sauvé, proposes appointing a “night mayor” and forming a council to mediate disputes. The party also wants to expand the soundproofing fund and restrict police involvement to safety matters.

Projet Montréal, under Luc Rabouin, says it would harmonize noise regulations with the city’s nightlife policy. Ensemble Montréal, led by Soraya Martinez Ferrada, plans to create a specialized unit to handle complaints through mediation before imposing fines.

All parties acknowledge that Montreal’s cultural vitality depends on balancing residents’ peace with the economic and creative value of nightlife.

Venues Warn of Economic and Cultural Loss

Jon Weisz, executive director of Les SMAQ, an association of small music venues, said the issue has become urgent. “We’re part of the economy and part of Montreal’s vibrancy,” he said. “No one in the nightlife space is trying to annoy their neighbours.”

A recent report found Montreal’s nightlife generates 34,000 jobs and $2.3 billion in economic activity. Yet proposed borough bylaws could impose fines of up to $10,000 for a first offence, threatening smaller venues.

Kiva Tanya Stimac, co-founder of Casa del Popolo and the Suoni Per Il Popolo Festival, warned that such fines could “close one of our venues immediately.” She urged the city to protect “spaces where creativity can happen.”

Calls Grow for a Balanced Approach

Urban studies professor Will Straw of McGill University said Montreal lags behind other global nightlife cities such as London, Melbourne, and San Francisco — all of which have adopted “agent of change” rules protecting venues from complaints by new residents.

“Noise complaints are the single biggest factor behind closures,” Straw said. “We haven’t developed strong policies to protect nightlife, and it’s creating a sense of crisis unique to Montreal.”

Bernstein agrees. “If you move into an area known for nightlife, there should be a reasonable tolerance for sound,” she said.

How the Election Could Shape the Future

Montreal’s next city government will decide whether nightlife is treated as a nuisance or as an essential part of urban culture. Proposals on the table include increased funding for soundproofing, clearer decibel limits, and mediation-based enforcement.

For venues like Champs, these reforms could determine survival. The bar’s return to weekend dancing is a small victory — but the larger battle over how Montreal balances sound and silence is just beginning.

The post Montreal Noise Disputes Push Nightlife Into Election Spotlight first appeared on Maple News Wire.