The mayors of Montreal and Longueuil joined forces on Tuesday for a collaborative press conference to share their infrastructure priorities with Quebec’s political parties in anticipation of the upcoming election on Oct. 5.
During the conference, they expressed deep concern about the deteriorating state of basic infrastructure in the region. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlighted a recent water shortage issue, emphasizing that such situations were unacceptable for a city of Montreal’s stature.
Both mayors pointed out a staggering maintenance backlog of nearly $50 billion specifically for water and road infrastructure. They stressed the urgent need for substantial investments, with Montreal alone requiring billions annually to address infrastructure challenges.
Catherine Fournier, the mayor of Longueuil, underscored the financial strain faced by municipalities, noting that they bear significant infrastructure responsibilities with limited tax revenues to support them.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of attention to Greater Montreal’s issues during the election campaign, the mayors emphasized the region’s vital economic contributions to Quebec. They urged for a more robust discussion on the importance of investing in infrastructure for the region’s future prosperity.
Martinez Ferrada also highlighted the need for increased investments in public transit, addressing homelessness, and improving housing conditions. She emphasized the importance of collaborative decision-making to ensure that essential services like clean water, recreational facilities, and public spaces remain accessible and functional for the community in the years to come.
