The Most Important Stories of 2024 in Montreal w/ Dru Oja Jay

Metropolis Wraps Up 2024: A Year in Review

As December arrives, Metropolis closes the year with its final episode for 2024. Host Kalden Dhatsenpa revisits the biggest stories shaping Montréal over the past year, joined by regular contributor Dru Oja Jay, publisher at The Breach and executive director of CUTV. Together, they reflect on pivotal events that defined the city’s landscape.

Tragedy at the Old Port: A Housing Crisis Exposed

The episode begins with one of the most heartbreaking stories of the year: the devastating fire at the Old Port that claimed the lives of 43-year-old Léonor Geraudie and her seven-year-old daughter, Vérane Reynaud-Geraudie. This was the second fatal fire in two years at a building owned by Emile Benamour.

The previous incident, in March 2023, engulfed a building used as an illegal ghost hotel with rooms lacking windows and fire safety measures, resulting in seven deaths. These tragedies underscore systemic issues within Montréal’s housing crisis, highlighting how negligent landlords profit while skirting safety regulations. “These aren’t isolated incidents—they expose a deeper failure of enforcement and accountability at both the provincial and city levels,” Dru remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.

Anti-NATO Protests and Political Fallout

Another major story of 2024 was the Anti-NATO protest that gained international attention. While such demonstrations are a hallmark of Montréal’s activist culture, this event stood out. Dru noted the broader context of growing skepticism toward NATO amidst the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The protest also became a political flashpoint when Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre falsely labelled it a “Hamas takeover” of Montréal streets, a claim designed to inflame right-wing rhetoric and discredit Prime Minister Trudeau. Kalden and Dru condemned such misrepresentation, highlighting the dangerous polarization it fosters.

A Political Bellwether: By-Election Shifts

The defeat of the Liberals in the federal by-election for Lasalle–Émard–Verdun was another headline event. The Bloc Québécois emerged victorious in a tight three-way race against the Liberals and the NDP. This result may signal shifting dynamics ahead of the federal election slated for October 2025.

Missing from the by-election narrative, however, was the Conservative Party of Canada’s growing traction in Montréal’s English-speaking ridings. The CPC’s strategic campaigning and increased turnout in these areas suggest they are positioning themselves for further gains.

A New Chapter for Montréal: Mayor Plante Steps Down

The announcement that Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante will not seek re-election in the November 2025 municipal race was another defining moment. Kalden and Dru reflected on her tenure, from her focus on sustainable urban development to her challenges in addressing housing and public transit issues.

Attention now shifts to the emerging frontrunners poised to lead Projet Montréal. As the city prepares for a new era, questions linger about the direction its leadership will take.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the year ends, Montréal stands at a crossroads. With significant political shifts, ongoing social challenges, and the anticipation of federal and municipal elections, 2025 promises to be transformative.

Stay tuned to Metropolis for in-depth coverage and analysis as Montréal continues to evolve. What stories will define the year ahead? Only time will tell.