Vote November 2nd, 2025

Advance Polls: Oct 24 at City Hall and October 26 at polling stations | Mobile Voting at Senior Residences: Oct 27-28

John Belvedere

Leadership Rooted in
Unity, Openness & Forward Momentum

One Community. One Future. Together.

About My Public Service: As former Mayor of Pointe-Claire (2017-2021), I bring extensive experience in public service and strategic leadership. My hands-on, solution-driven approach, combined with a dedication to fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and visionary planning, fostered a vibrant and prosperous Pointe-Claire. Together, we faced the COVID-19 pandemic with resolve and compassion, establishing the West Island's first vaccination centre and ensuring our residents had access to critical services when they needed them most.

My leadership philosophy is built on three core pillars:

Unity: I am committed to fostering a cohesive council and community where every voice is heard. New platforms for resident feedback will ensure policy decisions reflect our community's diverse needs.

Openness: I believe in championing transparency and accountability. Open-door policies and published financial reports will make city operations more accessible to all.

Forward Momentum: I am dedicated to driving progress through innovation and strategic planning. We will invest in sustainable infrastructure and programs that prepare our city for future challenges.

I believe that real progress comes from collaboration and shared purpose. During my first term, we focused on delivering tangible improvements that made life better for residents across every district.

As a united team, we achieved significant milestones together :

- Accomplishments

Fiscal
Responsibility

We reduced operating expenses by $8 million annually and secured over $15 million in provincial/federal grants for infrastructure (e.g., wastewater, park upgrades), minimizing the taxpayer burden. We delivered record-breaking budget surpluses, driven in part by industrial park revitalization.

Environmental
Stewardship

We launched a landmark, multi-phase tree replanting program following the ash borer infestation, planting thousands of diverse trees and expanding the urban canopy. We also implemented curbside organic waste collection, diverting 30% more waste from landfills.

 

Economic
Revitalization

We collaborated with local businesses, resulting in a 10% increase in new business registrations that boosted local employment. We streamlined permitting to encourage investment with a focus on strengthening our tax base.

 

Community
Well-being

We modernized the library system, expanded recreational programs, and invested in public safety initiatives, leading to a 5% reduction in non-violent crime. Traffic calming measures were also actively implemented.

 


Looking ahead, my vision centres on sustainable growth, quality of life, and community spirit for Pointe-Claire.

This includes protecting our urban forest and embracing the transformative opportunity of the REM. I will advocate for responsible development that respects heritage while embracing innovation, integrating planning to minimize negative impacts on neighbourhoods and infrastructure.

My strategy includes proactive engagement with PMAD requirements, balancing density with community character, and implementing smart growth while protecting the environment. Transparent governance and fiscal health remain paramount, ensuring every dollar benefits residents and maximizes long-term regional planning benefits.

 

“John Belvedere’s leadership brought a new level of engagement to Pointe-Claire. He truly listened to the community and delivered on his promises, making a tangible difference in our daily lives.”

- Susan Weaver, Long-time Resident and Community Volunteer

A Proven Track Record
with a United Council

Backed by concrete actions and measurable results, as a united council, we consistently delivered on promises, fostering growth, protecting the environment, and ensuring fiscal prudence for a stronger Pointe-Claire.

Investing in Our Community

Enhanced Public Services: We introduced weekly summer trash collection, significantly improving hygiene and resident satisfaction, and addressing a long-standing community request.

Recreational Opportunities: We purchased the iconic YMCA building, transforming it into a vibrant public recreation hub for all ages, thereby preserving a vital community space.

Youth Empowerment: We created the Pointe-Claire Youth Council, empowering young people to participate in local governance and contribute ideas for the city's future.

Modernized Infrastructure: We built the West Island's first artificial ice rinks, extending the skating season and providing state-of-the-art facilities. Our strategic planning also managed transit impacts on local streets and neighborhood character.

Local Business Support: We launched a "Shop Local" campaign and streamlined permit processes for small businesses, fostering economic growth while managing development impacts.

Accessible Green Spaces: We initiated a program to protect, upgrade, and maintain neighborhood parks, ensuring safe, clean, and accessible green spaces, including the purchase and transformation of the corner of Cartier and Lakeshore, which has become a central community hub. 

Managed Development: We developed comprehensive planning for areas impacted by increased density, ensuring thoughtful, sustainable development that benefits residents and integrates seamlessly. This planning prioritizes the protection of quiet residential areas, the establishment of more green space around development projects, and the expansion of existing infrastructure.

 

Environmental Leadership

Sustainable Operations: We earned the prestigious BOMA award for outstanding building energy management, reflecting our commitment to reducing the city's carbon footprint and promoting energy efficiency.

Citizen Engagement: We established the Citizens' Environment and Sustainable Development Committee, providing a direct platform for residents to contribute to environmental policies and sustainability initiatives.

Green Space Preservation: We protected all local green spaces through robust zoning updates, safeguarding our natural heritage and ensuring ecological balance. Our proactive response to the emerald ash borer crisis saw thousands of new trees planted, enhancing our urban canopy's resilience.

Water Quality Initiatives: We implemented advanced wastewater treatment protocols and initiated a campaign to reduce single-use plastics, contributing to cleaner local waterways.

Climate Resilience: We developed a comprehensive climate adaptation plan, focusing on measures like enhanced stormwater management, urban tree planting, and sustainable transportation strategies to reduce car reliance.

Waste Diversion Success: We achieved a 60% waste diversion rate through expanded recycling and composting programs, positioning Pointe-Claire as a leader in sustainable waste management.

 

Fiscal Responsibility & Good Governance

Tax Stability: We maintained one of the lowest property tax rates on the West Island while investing in essential services, demonstrating effective budget management.

Operational Efficiency: We implemented rigorous cost-control measures, resulting in an audited $8 million in annual operating expense reductions without compromising service quality.

Transparent Procurement: We introduced stricter procurement policies and public tender processes, ensuring fairness, transparency, and best value for taxpayer money.

Debt Reduction: We successfully reduced the city's long-term debt by 15% through strategic financial planning, strengthening our financial health.

Community Consultation: We held regular town hall meetings and public consultations on major projects, including the REM's impact and density objectives, ensuring resident voices were heard and traffic overflow protected.

Accountability Frameworks: We established clear performance metrics for municipal services and published annual reports, fostering accountability and trust.

 

This is the kind of leadership I bring: Rooted in unity, guided by openness, and always moving forward. Let's continue building a Pointe-Claire that reflects our shared values, celebrates our heritage, and embraces the future with confidence.

 

"Mayor Belvedere and the Council truly listened to the community. The new YMCA is a fantastic addition, and I noticed a significant improvement in our public services under his leadership."

- Aldo Di Raddo, Pointe-Claire Resident

Preserving Our Heritage

My administration prioritized our community's rich history and cultural landmarks, ensuring their preservation for future generations. During my first term, we made significant progress, including:

The funding and construction of the Valois Bay Nautical Centre.

This facility serves as a hub for water activities, honoring the area's maritime history and Indigenous heritage, while providing public waterfront access and supporting ecological education.

The historical preservation and restoration of Stewart Hall.

Facing significant deterioration, we initiated vital structural repairs, including roof replacement, foundation reinforcement, and facade upgrades, ensuring its architectural integrity and extending its lifespan as a beloved cultural and community center.

We established The Solidarity Garden on historically significant public land.

This initiative transformed underutilized space into a thriving community garden, managed by local volunteers. The garden now produces over 1,500 kilograms of fresh produce annually, supporting local food banks and contributing to food security.

We also launched the Pointe-Claire Historical Digital Archive, a landmark project to digitize thousands of historical documents, photographs, and oral histories. This ensures our community's past is preserved and accessible to residents, students, and researchers worldwide, fostering a deeper appreciation of our collective heritage.

John Belvedere:
Experience and Dedication

John Belvedere's extensive background and lifelong commitment to community service provide him with a comprehensive understanding of Pointe-Claire's needs. His practical experience as mayor from 2017 to 2021, coupled with proven leadership, has consistently prepared him to tackle our city's challenges and opportunities.

Real-World Experience & Qualifications

Experience 

Financial Planning & Management

  • Owner of a floral company and an independent real estate agent.
  • Active on Home & School Committees and School Governing Boards.
  • Experienced in long-term planning and fiscal responsibility.

Human Resources

  • Managed staff in commercial landscaping and municipal contracts.
  • Led teams at PVPC and various community initiatives.
  • Skilled in team building and conflict resolution.

Infrastructure Acumen

  • Real estate agent with a focus on land development.
  • Collaborated with City Public Works on snow removal.
  • Home renovator with firsthand construction knowledge.

A Life of Service & Volunteerism

Volunteering 

Children First

  • Led fundraising efforts at Marguerite-Bourgeoys School.
  • Supported science lab upgrades and playground renovations.
  • Coached hockey for underprivileged youth.

A Helping Hand

  • Organized donations during the 2017 West Island floods.
  • Served as a volunteer firefighter for 10 years.
  • Supports neighbors in need.

Nourish & Support

  • Hosted holiday food drives and tree-lighting events.
  • Cooked for Bowling for Kids, AMCAL golf events, and parish BBQs.
  • Successfully brought the community together.

Governance with Purpose

Community 

Educational Leadership

  • President of multiple Home & School Committees.
  • Founder of Félix-Leclerc High School's Home & School Committee.
  • A consistent advocate for quality education.

Community Stewardship

  • President of Pointe-Claire Village Pool for 12 years.
  • Committee member for school boards and a hospital foundation.
  • Member of Pointe-Claire's Centennial Planning Committee.

Business Leadership

  • President of the BNI Westmount Chapter.
  • Brought valuable business expertise to community development.
  • Focused on economic growth initiatives.

Personal Background

  • Pointe-Claire resident for over 31 years.
  • Lives with his wife, Sandra, and daughter, Calista.
  • Consistently turns ideas into action.