Mayor Smith Announces Decision Not to Seek Re-Election

Dear Westmount residents,

Serving on City Council has been an immense honour and privilege. The opportunity to directly impact the daily lives of our residents has been deeply fulfilling. I am immensely proud of the collective achievements we have made together. However, after 12 years on Council, including eight as Mayor, and following thoughtful discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek another mandate in the upcoming municipal election this November.

Municipal government lies at the very heart of our democracy, serving as the closest point of contact with the people.  We will welcome a spirited debate on our fiscal, physical, architectural, environmental, and social challenges as we strive to ensure Westmount remains a livable city.  The challenges facing all levels of government today are significant, and overcoming them will necessitate a spirit of cooperation across all jurisdictions.

When I first embarked on this journey, my primary motivation was to foster civic engagement, contribute meaningfully to our community, and shape a promising future for Westmount. Throughout my tenure, I have consistently endeavoured to prioritize the needs and well-being of our residents, ensuring that our programs and services reflect their priorities.

While much remains to be accomplished, and we have a robust agenda to address in the coming months, I am immensely grateful to have served alongside a dedicated Council comprised of individuals driven by a genuine desire to serve our community. From the outset, a key priority has been the maintenance and enhancement of our City's infrastructure. We have relentlessly pursued this goal, maximizing our resources to improve roads, parks, and public buildings. Notably, many of these key infrastructure projects have been thoughtfully designed with the active participation of our residents.

However, we must acknowledge the significant infrastructure debt we face. Securing new funding sources will be crucial to adequately maintain and improve our aging infrastructure. The next administration will need to carefully consider the future of Hydro Westmount and finalize plans to redevelop the southeast sector. Moreover, we cannot ignore the pressing housing crisis facing our nation.

Reflecting on my time on Council, our collective response to the pandemic stands as a testament to the resilience and compassion of our community. From one day to the next, like so many of you, I was homeschooling three children and caring for aging parents while being Mayor. The programmes we put in place and the support that we gave to residents were always centred around breaking isolation and supporting our most vulnerable residents. During this challenging period, the true spirit of our community shone through.

I have been deeply honoured to collaborate with our provincial MNA, Jennifer Maccarone, and our federal MP, Anna Gainey. Advocating for our community alongside these remarkable women has been a privilege. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to their predecessors, Jacques Chagnon and Marc Garneau. We owe a debt of gratitude to former Mayors, Peter Trent and Karin Marks, and the Councils that preceded them. Their dedication and hard work ensured that Westmount remained an independent and thriving city.

To Director General Julie Mandeville, the Directors, and the dedicated employees of the City, I sincerely hope that all residents recognize the exceptional talent and dedication of our City's public servants. Your commitment to our community, its progress, and the preservation of its rich history is truly remarkable. I want to offer a special thank you to Bruce St. Louis and Duncan Campbell, who graciously returned to assist the City during times of leadership transition, providing invaluable wisdom and guidance.

To the citizens of this community, I know that you will have a dedicated council to represent you in the years to come. This City is rich with talent, and I hope it continues to be full of engaged residents.

Finally, to my children, Mary, Robert, and Isabel, and my husband, Josh, you have graciously shared me with the City and have grown alongside my journey in City Hall. You are, and always will be, my greatest source of pride, joy, and love.

Now, back to work, we have an ambitious year ahead!

Christina M. Smith
Mayor of Westmount