In a resolute stance, the mayors of the Association of Suburban Municipalities (ASM) stood firm against proposals they deemed unfair to demerged municipalities during the recent Montreal Agglomeration Council meeting on March 21st.
For the third consecutive meeting, the ASM mayors voted unanimously against three proposals totaling $152 million, including investments in a new bicycle network and infrastructure upgrades along the Jean-Talon corridor. Mayors Christina Smith of Westmount, Marc Doret of Dorval, and Deputy Mayor Dida Berku of Côte-Saint-Luc emphasized the need for equitable distribution of resources between Montreal, its boroughs, and demerged cities.
ASM President and Montreal West Mayor, Beny Masella, underscored the necessity of their stance, citing the persistent lack of willingness from Montreal to address the issue of expense sharing. Masella emphasized that ASM's firm position aims to safeguard the interests of all citizens and urged both Montreal and the Quebec government to prioritize equitable solutions.
Highlighting their ongoing struggle, ASM pointed out discrepancies in expense distribution, with demerged cities bearing a disproportionate burden despite representing a smaller portion of the population and fiscal capacity.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the Metropolitan Land Use and Development Plan, with Dollard-des-Ormeaux Mayor, Alex Bottausci, criticizing Montreal's exclusion of demerged cities from crucial discussions. Mayor Bottausci also denounced the oversight of crucial transit routes, crucial for efficient access to vital facilities.
The ASM, comprising fifteen demerged cities, continues to advocate for fair treatment and representation for its 250,000 citizens, emphasizing the importance of equitable governance and resource allocation across the Montreal agglomeration. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
