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The stakes are high in Town of Mount-Royal. Heading into the municipal election, your local newspaper challenged the two aspiring mayors to answer four questions in 150 words each, while thinking about fundamental issues for our society of tomorrow, such as the environment, transparency, diversity and inclusion.
PHOTO STATION MONT-ROYAL ARCHIVES In three words, Michelle Setlakwe describes her city as “Green, diverse, safe”. Peter Malouf describes the town as an "Oasis of tranquility, dynamic, looking to the future".
Here is what they told us.
Question #1
After 19 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021, we have entered an era where it is essential to step up the pace to adapt to climate change. What effective actions will you take quickly, if you are elected?
Response from the outgoing counselor, Michelle Setlakwe, leader of party United for TMR - Team Setlakwe.
I am very sensitive to this fundamental issue as a mother of 3 children, knowing that my actions will profoundly impact future generations. We are noticing it more and more: incidents related to climate change are increasingly severe and frequent, and there is an urgent need for the Town, its citizens and businesses to take decisive action.
TMR Town Council - which I am a part of since 2016 - recently adopted the 2021-2025 sustainable development plan. I am proud to have participated in, and supported this new plan which sets forth an ambitious list of environmental orientations, objectives and actions.
My team and I commit as follows:
- implement this plan and promote additional urban green initiatives;
- review and better manage air, noise and light pollution (e.g. reducing fine particle pollution);
- inform our population and raise awareness regarding the benefits of environmental responsibility.
Response from Peter Malouf, leader of the party Équipe Peter Malouf.
Climate change requires both personal and municipal commitments. Our 20 Year Urban Plan will include environmental policies for renewable energy in cars and heating systems and promote geothermal energy, green roofs, and LEED certifications in municipal buildings.
The transition to renewable energy can be expensive. We will negotiate for municipal discounts and recommend conversions be done during home renovations or when replacing current systems. We will secure natural gas options throughout the town, prior to requiring that residents convert from oil.
We will encourage local commerce and promote active mobility (bike lanes, Bixi, communauto) to discourage car usage and make climate solutions ‘cool’. To reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we will improve town-wide traffic flow to minimize idling cars and work with local schools to promote bike transportation.
Our Sports Centre project plan will defend our precious green space and parks and also renew the value of existing resources.
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