Intermarché, a key player in the local grocery market, is now evaluating the possibility of a partial reopening within one to two weeks. This timeline is crucial for the store’s operations, especially as it competes with emerging grocery services in the region. The owners are working diligently to assess the damage and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of their customers and staff.

Meanwhile, Liquidation Marie, a grocery store chain founded in 2012 in Saint-Zotique, is making headlines for its ambitious expansion plans. As of early 2026, the chain had more than doubled its presence from five stores in May 2025, positioning itself as a low-cost alternative in the grocery sector. The store claims to offer savings of up to 80% on food purchases, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

In a strategic move, Liquidation Marie is set to launch a delivery service for its grocery products, aiming to enhance customer convenience and accessibility. However, industry experts like Sylvain Charlebois have raised questions about the feasibility of this service, suggesting that it may be challenging for Liquidation Marie to absorb the transportation costs associated with delivery. “Je serais surpris que Liquidation Marie absorbe les coûts de transport,” Charlebois remarked, highlighting the financial implications of such a service.

The backdrop of these developments is significant, as Liquidation Marie not only focuses on affordability but also addresses food waste by selling near-expiry products. This dual approach could resonate well with environmentally conscious consumers, potentially giving the chain an edge over competitors like Intermarché.

As the community rallies to support the owners of Intermarché, with local figures like Pier-Luc Gilbert noting the immediate solidarity shown, the future of grocery services in Saint-Ambroise hangs in the balance. The roof collapse has not only disrupted a vital service but has also created a ripple effect in the local economy, where grocery stores play a crucial role in daily life.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the cause of the roof collapse at Intermarché, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation. As the store navigates repairs and potential reopening, Liquidation Marie’s delivery service launch remains on the horizon, promising to reshape the grocery shopping experience in the region.

The post Épicerie: Roof Collapse at Intermarché: A Setback for Grocery Services in Saint-Ambroise appeared first on News Canada.

“On va avoir des conditions météo qui vont être changeantes,” warned Sarah Bensadoun, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the current weather system affecting Quebec. As the snowstorm unfolds, residents in the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and Côte-Nord are bracing for significant snowfall and deteriorating road conditions.

Recent reports indicate that snow has already begun to impact road conditions in Bas-Saint-Laurent, with visibility reduced on several roadways in Lac-Saint-Jean. Environment Canada has forecasted an additional accumulation of 5 to 10 cm of snow by Saturday morning in Bas-Saint-Laurent, while Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is expected to receive between 15 to 25 cm of snow.

The situation has been exacerbated by a series of winter storms that have plagued northern Quebec throughout March 2026, characterized by intense cold and significant snowfall. Up to 50 cm of snow fell in northern regions during that month, with temperatures well below normal, creating a challenging environment for residents and travelers alike.

As the storm progresses, a yellow weather warning is currently in effect for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. This warning indicates that visibility may be suddenly reduced to nearly zero at times due to blowing snow, making travel hazardous. Conditions are expected to remain difficult on roads and sidewalks due to snow and ice accumulation.

In addition to the snowfall, there is a possibility of 5 mm of freezing rain in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, further complicating the situation. A second weather system is anticipated to bring even more snow to the region on Sunday, which could add another 15 to 20 cm of snow to the already significant totals.

As March 2026 has shown, the northern regions of Quebec have been particularly hard hit by severe winter weather. The month was marked by extreme cold, with the lowest temperature recorded at 29.6 °C in Mingan. The cumulative effect of these weather patterns has left communities grappling with the aftermath of heavy snowfall, with some areas recording as much as 45 cm of snow in a single day.

Looking ahead, a gradual improvement in weather conditions is expected by mid-April, but for now, residents are urged to stay informed and exercise caution as they navigate the ongoing snowstorm. The impact of this weather event is likely to be felt for days to come, as communities work to clear roads and restore normalcy amidst the winter chaos.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the storm’s impact, but authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.

The post Tempête neige: Snowstorm Hits Quebec: Deteriorating Conditions and Heavy Accumulation Expected appeared first on News Canada.