Montreal Morning Brief: 5 Stories You Need to Know Today

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Good morning, Montreal. Here are the five stories shaping our city today.

1. STM Announces Orange Line Service Disruptions for March Infrastructure Work

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) confirmed yesterday that the Orange Line will face significant service disruptions throughout the first two weeks of March as crews undertake critical infrastructure repairs between Berri-UQAM and Snowdon stations.

The work, scheduled to begin March 1st, will see weekend service completely suspended on the affected segment, with shuttle buses replacing metro service. During weekdays, commuters can expect trains every 10-12 minutes instead of the usual 3-5 minute frequency during peak hours.

STM spokesperson Marie-Claude Léonard explained that the work is necessary to replace aging electrical systems and track components that have exceeded their expected lifespan. "These repairs cannot be delayed any longer without risking more serious service interruptions," Léonard said at a press conference Friday afternoon.

The transit authority estimates the work will affect approximately 150,000 daily commuters. The STM is adding extra buses on parallel routes and extending service on the Blue and Green lines to accommodate displaced passengers.

Local business associations along the affected corridor have expressed concern about the economic impact, particularly for retailers near Côte-des-Neiges and Outremont stations who rely heavily on foot traffic from metro users.

2. Canadiens Snap Five-Game Losing Streak with Overtime Victory

The Montreal Canadiens finally found their scoring touch Friday night, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime at the Bell Centre before a crowd of 21,105 fans.

Forward Cole Caufield netted the game-winner just 2:47 into the extra period, his 28th goal of the season, ending Montreal's worst losing streak since early January. The victory keeps the Canadiens' playoff hopes alive as they sit four points out of the final Eastern Conference wild card spot with 24 games remaining.

"We needed that," head coach Martin St. Louis said after the game. "The guys never stopped believing in each other, and tonight we got the bounces we've been missing."

Rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler made 34 saves in his third career NHL start, including several spectacular stops in the third period when Tampa Bay pressed for the tying goal. The 21-year-old from Farmington Hills, Michigan, has posted a .921 save percentage in his brief stint with the big club.

The Canadiens face a quick turnaround with a back-to-back game Saturday night in Ottawa before returning home Tuesday to face the Boston Bruins.

3. Quebec Budget Projects $2.5 Billion Deficit Despite Economic Growth

Finance Minister Eric Girard tabled Quebec's 2026-27 budget Friday, projecting a $2.5 billion deficit while increasing spending on healthcare and education.

The budget includes significant investments in Montreal-area infrastructure, with $800 million allocated for REM expansion studies and $450 million for Montreal's aging water and sewer systems. Property tax credits for first-time homebuyers in the Montreal region will also increase from $5,000 to $7,500.

However, business groups have criticized new corporate tax measures expected to generate $1.2 billion in additional revenue. The Quebec Employers Council warned that the changes could discourage investment in the province at a time when economic growth remains fragile.

For Montreal residents, the budget includes mixed news. While public transit users will see a freeze on STM fares for the first time in four years, drivers face a two-cent-per-liter increase in the provincial gas tax starting July 1st.

Healthcare spending jumps 5.2% province-wide, with Montreal's hospital networks receiving additional funding to reduce emergency room wait times and address staffing shortages. The McGill University Health Centre and CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal will share $175 million in new funding over the next two years.

4. Montreal Tech Sector Sees Surge in AI Investment

Montreal's artificial intelligence sector attracted $1.8 billion in venture capital investment during 2025, according to a report released Friday by Montreal International, making it the second-best year on record for the city's tech industry.

The report highlights that Montreal now hosts 47 AI-focused companies employing more than 12,000 people, up from 38 companies and 9,200 employees in 2024. The growth cements Montreal's position as one of North America's leading AI research hubs, alongside San Francisco and Boston.

Notable deals include a $400 million Series C funding round for Mile End-based autonomous vehicle software company Aviato Technologies and a $225 million investment in Old Montreal's BioMind, which develops AI applications for drug discovery.

"Montreal's combination of world-class research institutions, bilingual talent pool, and lower operating costs compared to Silicon Valley continues to attract both startups and established tech giants," said Stéphane Paquet, CEO of Montreal International.

However, the report also notes challenges, including growing competition from Toronto for top AI talent and concerns about the sustainability of current valuation levels in the sector. Several local tech leaders interviewed for the report emphasized the need for continued government support for AI research and development to maintain Montreal's competitive edge.

5. Winter Weather Pattern Shifts: Mild Temperatures Expected Through Weekend

Montreal residents can finally shed some winter layers as Environment Canada forecasts an unseasonably warm weekend with temperatures reaching 8°C Saturday and 10°C Sunday – roughly 15 degrees above seasonal averages for late February.

The mild spell is being driven by a strong southwesterly flow bringing warm air from the Great Lakes region. However, meteorologists warn the thaw will be short-lived, with temperatures expected to plunge back below freezing by Tuesday as an Arctic air mass moves into the region.

The warm weather presents mixed blessings for the city. While residents will enjoy relief from the cold, municipal crews are preparing for potential flooding in low-lying areas as the rapid melt combines with Thursday's 15mm rainfall. The city has issued flood watches for areas near the Rivière des Prairies and certain sections along the Lachine Canal.

Montreal's snow removal operations are also being affected by the mild weather. Several boroughs have suspended snow clearing operations until temperatures drop again, as the wet, heavy snow becomes difficult to handle with current equipment.

For winter sports enthusiasts, ski conditions at Mount Royal and area slopes will deteriorate significantly through the weekend, though major ski resorts in the Laurentians report sufficient base depths to weather the warm spell.

Looking ahead, long-range forecasts suggest March will see a return to more typical winter conditions with several potential snowfall systems likely to affect the region in the first half of the month.

---

Stay informed with MONTREAL BUREAU. Visit our website throughout the day for updates on these stories and breaking news as it happens.