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In this issue’s introduction, the importance of voting was mentioned, but what about the platforms of the candidates? As mentioned in our March edition, councillors themselves have very little power compared to the city’s mayor. When choosing a councillor who will represent you, it is not so much about the platform they have, but their beliefs, ideas, and accessibility.
When you vote for a city councillor, you’re voting for a person who will share your vision for what you want for your district, your community, and the city as a whole. You want someone who will help you solve a problem, who will be your voice on council, and who will be available to talk when you have concerns. Your councillor is your representative on council, and hopefully, you can vote confidently knowing that they will support you.
The mayor has much more power and many more responsibilities. The candidates for mayor will have real platforms with objectives for the city as a whole, projects to push forward, and benchmarks to reach.
So what is it that you want to see for our city, moving forward? What is important for you to hear from the candidates running for mayor?
For some people, their vote comes down to a single issue. For others, they’re looking for someone who addresses what will happen in the city in the years to come.
And we want to hear from candidates running for councillor and mayor about their vision for the city for the next four years – and beyond. We want to hear from our readers to learn what is most important to them because this will be reflected in the campaigns of the candidates.
No matter if it affects your own district or not, what are some issues that will get you out to vote?
What is the future of our sports facilities?
What is the plan for the villages in Pointe-Claire?
Can we have a beach on our shoreline?
Do we need better dog parks?
How do you feel about the city zoning a project like “Le Sanctuaire”?
Should the city add an interpretation centre to Terra Cotta Park?
How would you like to see the preservation of our greenspaces handled?
How do you feel about waste collection?
And of course, last election’s major issues – those of development and densification.
In response to the concerns of residents, Pointe-Claire instituted a development freeze and held public consultations on an urban plan for the city. We’re still waiting for our final urban plan to be ready, but we also still need to know what the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) requires of us in the new PMAD (Plan métropolitain d’aménagement et de développement). We do know that we will be required to densify around our five Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones located in our city. Building around transit hubs means the need for cars will be reduced for certain households, and some projects include car-sharing services in their plans.
What are we missing that is important to you? We at the Pointe-Claire Record, our readers, and our prospective candidates all want to know your concerns, so please send in your top three priorities for Pointe-Claire this election.
So folks, what do you care about? Email us at editor@pcrecord.ca.