Effective local governance, built on transparency, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility, is essential for Pointe-Claire. My vision prioritizes citizen interests, addresses provincially mandated PMAD growth strategically, and demonstrates environmental leadership through initiatives like our canopy investment and tree-replanting program

Unite
City Council

As a team, we will foster integrity, accountability, and respect within the council and administration. Implementing conflict resolution workshops and clear ethical guidelines will ensure transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused policy development.

This unified approach will responsibly navigate complex provincial mandates, such as the PMAD, and address community-wide environmental challenges.

Rebuild Community Conversations

I plan to reinstate accessible opportunities for residents to engage with elected representatives, including "Meet and Greets," digital feedback platforms, and "Open Door" sessions. A "Your Voice Matters" portal will be launched to ensure community input directly informs policy, especially on infrastructure, density, and environmental initiatives, while preserving our community's character.

Advocate for
Financial Fairness

I will advocate for equitable services and funding from the Montréal Agglomeration. A thorough review of our contributions versus services received will be conducted, focusing on the financial implications of increased growth. Through data-driven negotiations and intermunicipal collaboration, we will secure fair value for our tax dollars, ensuring development equitably contributes to our community and allows reinvestment into essential programs and environmental initiatives

Enhance
Public Transparency

I am committed to a new era of open governance. All non-confidential reports, studies, and budget allocations will be readily available and easy to understand on the city's website, including details on major infrastructure projects. We will clearly communicate PMAD obligations, its role in regional planning, and its impact on local development, emphasizing the protection of residential streets and preserving our community's character.

Annual "State of Pointe-Claire" reports will detail progress on our plans, financial health, and planning, empowering residents and balancing growth with Pointe-Claire's unique qualities and environmental efforts.

Modernize Municipal Operations

My vision is to implement innovative technologies and processes to improve efficiency and service delivery, including digitizing permits and optimizing services through smart urban planning around transit areas. Our priority will be traffic-calming measures and integrating provincial growth requirements without compromising Pointe-Claire's character or overwhelming existing infrastructure.

This will result in faster response times, reduced bureaucracy, and a more user-friendly experience for residents and businesses.

Streamline All Permit
Processes

My plan is to overhaul the city's permit application system to reduce waiting times, simplify requirements, and enhance transparency. This will make home renovations, business development, and community projects easier, stimulating local activity and growth.

Establish a Seniors' Advisory Committee

To integrate the voices and needs of our senior population into city planning, we will establish a dedicated advisory committee. It will recommend policies on transportation, infrastructure, social programs, and housing tailored to their evolving needs.

Waive Interest on Seniors' Tax Instalments

Recognizing fixed incomes, we will propose waiving interest on property tax instalments for residents aged 65 and over who need it. This provides crucial financial relief, easing the burden of property ownership.

Negotiate Welcome Tax Relief for First-Time Buyers

To support young families and individuals, we will negotiate with the Montréal Agglomeration for significant welcome tax relief for first-time homebuyers. This makes homeownership more accessible, fostering a new generation of residents.

Offer Free Dog
Licences

To encourage responsible pet ownership and enhance public safety, we will make dog licences free. This aims to increase compliance, facilitate the return of lost pets, and support animal welfare initiatives.

Enhance Traffic Calming & Residential Street Protection

We will implement proactive traffic calming measures and advocate for solutions that protect Pointe-Claire's local streets from excessive traffic. This includes optimizing traffic flow around transit hubs and promoting safe pedestrian/cycling paths, maintaining peaceful neighborhoods.

Invest in Green Spaces and Parks

We will commit to increasing investment in the maintenance and enhancement of our parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities. This includes upgrading playgrounds, improving trails, and ensuring accessibility, fostering outdoor activity and community gathering.

Support Local Businesses and Artisans

To strengthen our local economy, we will launch initiatives to support small businesses and local artisans. This includes promoting "buy local" campaigns, facilitating partnerships, and exploring grant opportunities to ensure a vibrant commercial landscape.

Strategically Implement
PMAD

The PMAD is a provincially mandated density plan. We will ensure its implementation in Pointe-Claire respects our community's unique character and quality of life. Our strategy:

Balance Growth & Identity: Meet density targets through thoughtful transit-oriented development (TOD) that integrates seamlessly.

Preserve and Enhance Green Spaces: Advocate for solutions that allow housing growth without compromising parks and green space.

Negotiate Flexibility: Rigorously analyze PMAD's implications and negotiate for flexibility to protect local identity.

Strategic Area Planning & Neighbourhood Protection

We will implement a comprehensive urban planning strategy for new development areas, focusing on thoughtful transit-oriented development (TOD). This involves careful zoning, infrastructure upgrades, and design guidelines to foster mixed-use developments, preserving neighborhood character and protecting residential streets.

Ensure Accessible Infrastructure & Services for All

We are committed to ensuring all city infrastructure and services are fully accessible to all residents, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. This means advocating for universal design principles, improving pedestrian access, and removing barriers to community participation.

Integrate New Infrastructure into Environmental Planning

We will integrate new infrastructure and development into our long-term environmental and infrastructure planning. This includes assessing their ecological footprint, optimizing stormwater management, and ensuring seamless utility integration to promote sustainable practices.

"Pointe-Claire isn't just a place to live; it's a community where every policy reflects our shared values of support, progress, and compassion. Our changes are a direct response to your feedback, our commitment to navigate provincial mandates responsibly, and our dedication to protecting residential neighborhoods." - John Belvedere

My vision extends beyond policy changes; it's about building a future where Pointe-Claire sets the standard for quality of life in municipal governance. I am dedicated to transparent, responsive leadership that prioritizes resident needs, fostering an inclusive and prosperous environment.

I believe in continuous improvement and will actively solicit feedback to ensure our initiatives reflect community aspirations, while adapting to regional planning frameworks and continuing our impactful environmental programs.

This holistic approach will build a stronger, more resilient Pointe-Claire for generations to come.

Flood Prevention & Climate Resilience

My vision is to advance infrastructure planning to prevent and respond to extreme weather. Our strategy will include investing in resilient drainage systems, green infrastructure, and reinforcing riverbanks to mitigate erosion and water overflow. This approach also accounts for the impacts of new transit infrastructure.

We will aim to secure federal and provincial funding for these critical projects, preparing our community for climate change and protecting homes and businesses.

• Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan that considers urban development.

• Implement immediate measures to protect vulnerable neighbourhoods.

• Promote property-level flood protection initiatives.

• Develop community emergency response protocols for flood events.

Fairview Forest Preservation

I am committed to protecting the invaluable ecological aspects of Fairview Forest through negotiation and transparent communication.

This vital green space serves as both a natural habitat and a recreational area for residents.

My approach includes exploring all avenues for conservation with land owners, such as land acquisition and collaborative agreements, to ensure long-term protection against commercial development.

• Establish a dedicated task force for forest protection.

• Initiate public consultations and hold a referendum if investment is required.

• Seek partnerships with environmental organisations for sustainable management and solutions.

Protecting Residential Streets & Managing Development Impacts

My plan is to effectively manage transportation and development impacts to safeguard our residential neighbourhoods. This includes implementing traffic calming measures, designing well-planned feeder routes, and ensuring seamless integration with public transit to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. We will enhance bus services, cycling paths, and pedestrian access for truly sustainable mobility.

We will commit to strategic station-area planning that fosters transit-oriented development while preserving community character. We will implement intelligent traffic management to prevent residential street congestion caused by new developments, ensuring our quiet areas remain protected. Our goal will be to create an efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly multi-modal network that safeguards neighbourhood quality of life.

• Advocate for optimised transit frequency and expanded operational hours.

• Develop comprehensive station-area plans supporting economic development and smart growth while prioritising neighbourhood protection.

• Invest in smart traffic light technology and localised solutions to mitigate development-related traffic impacts on residential streets.

• Expand safe bike lanes and pedestrian routes, emphasising transit access.

• Ensure transit station accessibility improvements for individuals with reduced mobility.

Waterfront Access &
Conservation

My vision is to improve waterfront access for all residents, transforming it into a vibrant community asset while rigorously protecting its ecological integrity. This includes developing new accessible pathways, adding amenities, and enhancing green spaces.

We will explore how new transit options can facilitate sustainable access without negative environmental or traffic impacts.

All waterfront developments will adhere to strict environmental standards, preserving local biodiversity and habitats. The goal will be to create a sustainable and enjoyable waterfront for future generations, complementing modern transit infrastructure.

• Create new public parks and recreational areas along the waterfront, considering multi-modal access.

• Implement regular cleanup initiatives with community involvement.

• Develop educational programs about local aquatic ecosystems.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

I am committed to reducing municipal greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy-efficient buildings, implementing renewable energy initiatives, supporting sustainable transportation options, and advancing waste reduction programs.

My goals include:

• Continue the transition of the municipal fleet to electric vehicles.

• Continue to improve energy efficiency in municipal buildings.

• Promote renewable energy sources within city operations.

• Develop and expand waste reduction programs.

Safeguarding Heritage Sites

My plan is to reassess existing heritage site and property classifications. Many historical buildings are at risk due to outdated designations or insufficient protection, while other buildings may be protected for unclear reasons. Our proposal includes:

• Implementing a transparent review process with local historians and community members.

• Updating guidelines to prevent demolition where warranted, ensuring proper maintenance and adaptive reuse of historic properties.

• Establishing a dedicated preservation committee for at-risk sites.

This proactive approach will identify, protect, and celebrate the architectural and historical landmarks that define our unique character.