My Election Platform
I’m running for district 2 City Councillor because I believe in being proactive as a city and contributing to the communities we are a part of. With my background in Urban Planning I believe I have a lot to contribute to Westmount’s amazing status as a city and hope to move the conversation forward in an engaging way for everyone who calls Westmount their home.
Building for ALL Generations of Westmount
Westmount’s esteemed reputation among Montreal is becoming more and more inaccessible for every generation. Property taxes grow alongside property values and the opportunity to keep your family within the neighbourhood is becoming increasingly difficult. It will be my goal on Westmount city council to build where it makes sense and reduce the effects of our housing crisis, for seniors and youth alike, which includes South-East Revitalization.
Communication and Transparency
Communication is such a vital part of a functioning society. In today’s day and age, information is more accessible than ever and yet it can simultaneously be incredibly difficult to know what goes on. The city needs to ensure we are communicating with everyone without hiding behind mazes.
Enhancing Public Security
Public safety is one of the most important aspects of our community. With today’s rise in hate crimes, I hope to make Westmount a safe place for everyone. Even outside of this election period I have gone to Montreal Agglomeration Council meetings to question the accountability of police and how certain communities are treated. Westmount as a city should never have its safety concerns neglected, I can assure you I will defend all communities from identity based persecution.
Environmental Responsibility
As a member of the Environmental and Sustainable Development Advisory Committee, my environmental policy is already out there on the city website! We need to be environmentally responsible as a city which means Westmount’s built & natural landscapes deserve proper preservation with proper actions by the city.
A Focus on Community Infrastructure
Westmount has many infrastructure challenges. Underground water infrastructure over a century old needs to be replaced and our roads are in awful states of repair. Park amenities, such as the splash pad in King George Park, have been neglected beyond my memory without a clear path forward. If elected to city council, I would focus on city spending to repair and replace infrastructure we can all use, with the continuation of East-West major road repairs (The Boulevard, Cote Saint Antoine, etc.) alongside other community based projects.
City Services
Westmount provides many wonderful services within the city but we can do more. The city shuttle, a material depot, and additional community gardens should be at the top of this list for anyone looking to take up personal projects and my goal is to have at least 2 community gardens within District 2 by the end of my mandate. Current services will also become more accessible through establishing new communication standards.
Financial Responsibility
I believe that tax payer money should never be spent frivolously. A city needs to have tangible benefits from the money we spend, which includes retaining expertise, to prevent our budget from ballooning. Westmounters deserve a city whose money works for them, while enhancing our quality of life.
Timeliness
It’s not secret that the city can move incredibly slowly at times. Within my mandate I would hope to establish clear guidelines for reasonable response times within the city to avoid lengths of uncertainty, and for the city to act rapidly with decisive action when needed.
This would include standards for elected officials! I believe if one can’t do their job in a timely manner, it should go to someone who can. If I don’t upload my promises, don’t re-elect me!
Want to take a more specific look at what I have planned for my position on Westmount City Council?
Jessica Winton 