Mot des conseillères Caroline et Julie du Conseil municipal du 20 août 2024

At yesterday's municipal council, contrary to the usual process, the mayor made the decision to remove “le mot des élus”.  However, the United for TMR councilors had many things to share.

So, to all of you residents, here is what Caroline Decaluwe and Julie Halde had prepared and what they would have said to you yesterday: 

Two words come to mind when we think about the last few weeks. 

 “Despair”, while many feel stressed and discouraged by the recent floods which have affected residents.  

And “Frustration”.  

We share your frustration.   We are frustrated that there is not more transparency and better communication with residents.  We are frustrated that the city's action plan – which was presented to councilors, and which is currently being implemented – has not been presented nor explained to residents.  We are frustrated that several questions still remain unanswered.

As councilors, our role is to represent residents, our power is to ask questions, and ultimately make decisions for the good of the community.  Ah!  Asking questions: Ironically, we were kicked out of the Mayor's caucus back in January because we asked too many questions.  Since the beginning of our mandate, we have been lectured not to get involved in operations and to focus solely on setting direction.

But what do we do when the problem faced by residents is so important that we must understand the details of the operations to better decide and act?  

It is true that we have had meetings with the Town in recent weeks and that certain questions have been answered, but we still have many questions.  

So, Mr. Mayor, you who manages this city, we are asking you.

1. Do we have an emergency plan for the next flood?  Do we have a plan to support our residents in need and minimize the impact on the elderly for example?

2. When will the Town share and communicate with residents, an overview of the situation and the city’s action plan? 

3. We understand that some measures may take time to implement, but what are the short-term actions that the city will put in place to better support its residents?  

4. Can we modify the city's rules so that they better meet climate change challenges, more demanding regulations for new developments, for the layout of backyards, etc.?  Can we review our practices to build more resilient parks and infrastructure?

5. What steps have you taken with government entities to obtain support to help our municipality and flooded residents?   Where are you in your discussions with Montreal and the surrounding boroughs to elaborate a joint strategy?

In short, we still have several questions.  Like you.

NOW, that being said, we are not giving up.  We will continue our representations to the mayor and the Town to get answers to your questions and to ensure that measures are put in place and communicated to you.  We are happy to learn that a meeting with Council and the administration has just been planned for tomorrow.