The Quebec government is considering a significant change in the governance structure of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) by proposing to reserve a seat specifically for rural municipalities within the region. This move has garnered mixed reactions, with small town mayors expressing support while officials in Montreal are more reserved.
During a recent parliamentary committee meeting on Bill 104, Municipal Affairs Minister Geneviève Guilbault presented an amendment to allocate a dedicated seat for rural municipalities with fewer than 25,000 residents in the Greater Montreal area. Minister Guilbault highlighted that this change aims to better represent the unique needs and perspectives of these smaller communities.
Julie Boivin, the mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, praised the decision, emphasizing the importance of recognizing rural municipalities within the CMM. She noted that having a designated seat would ensure that the voices of these communities are heard and considered in regional decisions.
One of the key concerns raised by Mayor Boivin was the disparity in policies affecting smaller municipalities, such as the recent increase in vehicle registration tax to fund public transportation. She highlighted the lack of public transportation services in some rural areas, making the tax hike seem unjust and out of touch with the local reality.
With the proposed amendment, the total number of seats on the CMM would remain at 28, rather than being reduced to 26 as initially suggested. This adjustment would also reduce the voting weight of the City of Montreal within the CMM from 50% to 46%, aiming to create a more balanced representation among member municipalities.
Christian Ouellette, the mayor of Delson, welcomed the potential reduction in Montreal’s influence within the CMM, emphasizing the need for a fair distribution of decision-making power among all municipalities. Ouellette highlighted that unpopular decisions affecting smaller towns could still have been passed under the previous system, indicating a desire for more equitable governance.
However, the proposed changes have faced opposition from some quarters, including outgoing Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante’s office, which criticized the government’s approach and raised concerns about the impact on municipal democracy. Opposition parties have also voiced dissent, attributing the potential loss of Montreal’s influence to the current administration.
As discussions continue on reshaping the governance structure of the CMM, the decision-making process remains a topic of debate among stakeholders, with questions raised about the timing and consultation methods employed in introducing these changes.
