Mayor Smith's farewell speech

^{(The speech was delivered at the opening of the Council meeting on October 1, 2025.)}

Twelve years ago, I began this journey not out of some lifelong ambition to be in municipal politics, but as a way to participate in the community where I was raising my kids. At that time, my youngest was still in a stroller. Today, I stand here with three teenagers who find me embarrassing in all the usual ways. But I know, deep down, they’re proud of the work we’ve done together. 

Throughout my life, I have deeply believed in the value of public service. And I still do. I believe that governments at all levels have an obligation to serve their citizens and move things forward. Because cities that do not adapt to today’s needs don’t stand still, they fall behind. I am also grateful to those that work in the public service, from the blue collar workers to the first responders and the professionals that help deliver services every day. 

When I first arrived in the Mayor’s office, we had an enormous task ahead of us. As just one example City Hall’s roof leaked, the windows had holes, the masonry was being held together by vines. The greenhouse had collapsed, the working greenhouses were condemned, and our roads, sewers, and parks all needed attention. We rolled up our sleeves, put our heads down, and got to work.

We developed a plan and increased the pace of infrastructure renewal. Each year, we struck a careful balance: moving roads, sewers, parks, and buildings forward, knowing that the work was greater than what any single year’s budget could cover. The city has moved forward. But, as anyone who has served here knows, the work is never truly done. City-building is a bit like laundry: just when you think you’ve finished, there’s always more waiting.

During the pandemic, this responsibility took on a new meaning. Like so many parents, I was homeschooling my children and taking care of aging parents. At the same time, I was leading a city through unprecedented uncertainty. Those months were some of the most demanding of my career, but also the most meaningful. I am proud of how we cared for our residents, how we looked out for one another, and how we ensured that, even in crisis, the city continued to move forward.  I am proud of pushing and leading the city to ensure there were skating rinks, tobogann runs and a pool to swim in. That seniors got their groceries and medicine and that the librarians could still do their magic.

Politics can be a rough and tumble sport. Over the years, I’ve read angry letters, I’ve felt the heat in this very council chamber. But then I walk the streets, I talk to people, and I listen. Not just to the loudest or angriest voice, but also to those who are quietly building our community, showing up, contributing, building this country and believing in what’s possible.

There will always be those who try to convince you that everything is broken, that no one can be trusted, that cynicism is the only honest response. Don’t believe them. This is a great community. We are fortunate to enjoy extraordinary benefits, and we should be grateful for them.  But we have lots of work to do.

And as candidates are out in the streets and at your doors in the weeks ahead, I encourage residents to truly engage with them. Ask them what they believe, because complaining is not a policy platform. When they make promises, ask how they will bring them to life. Ask if they understand the complexities of running a city: from infrastructure and security to our role within Montreal. These are serious responsibilities, and they deserve serious answers.  Ask them if they understand the complexities of the state of the infrastructure, if you think the potholes are bad, just wait until you find out about what is underground.  Ask them what role Westmount should play in a housing crisis and an aging population that will need different types of housing. My hope is that residents will tell the candidates what is truly important to them, what their aspirations are for their community.

For those who will continue in public service, or who are stepping forward to run for office, I applaud you. I say this to you as well: commit to making this city even better. Keep moving it forward. Seek out the good, and remember to zoom out, there are incredible examples all over the world of cities that are innovating and thriving. Westmount can and should continue to be one of them.

It has been an honour to serve the citizens of Westmount as your Mayor and a Councillor. Thank you for your trust, your engagement, your challenges, and your support. Together, we have built something meaningful. And the work goes on.

Thank you,

Christina M. Smith
Mayor of Westmount