Montreal’s New Mayor Shifts Stance on Cycling Safety Audit

Montréal, Canada — Newly elected mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has backed away from her campaign promise to conduct a complete audit of Montreal’s cycling paths to ensure their safety. Instead, she stated that she will consult existing studies on the issue during a press conference at City Hall on Monday.

Martinez Ferrada made the initial pledge to conduct an audit just weeks before her election, committing to do so within her first 100 days in office. She had spoken about potentially removing unsafe cycling paths, recognizing the financial implications of dismantling such infrastructure. During an October 20 debate, her rival Craig Sauvé highlighted that an audit already exists.

On Monday, the mayor-elect referenced Sauvé’s comments, revealing that she had asked City Manager Benoit Dagenais for the existing report. “If it exists, we won’t do another one. Let’s trust the administration,” she said to reporters.

This represents a notable shift for the leader of Ensemble Montréal, who had previously insisted last week that a security audit was essential. At a Radio-Canada debate, she expressed the importance of ensuring the right cycling projects are carried out with public input.

Martinez Ferrada also indicated that tackling homelessness will be her primary focus, especially with winter approaching. She emphasized the need for urgent action and requested a report from the City Manager on how the municipal administration can assist the increasing number of homeless individuals.

“I want to know how we can quickly implement emergency measures for this winter and the next few winters,” she explained, underscoring the need for a long-term plan.

The new mayor announced her intention to cut at least 1,000 positions within the city bureaucracy that do not provide direct services to citizens, starting with eliminating one of the six vacant deputy city manager positions. She aims to reduce bureaucratic burdens efficiently while noting that a better management of city expenses will enhance credibility with government relations.

Martinez Ferrada won the election with over 43% of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Luc Rabouin of Projet Montréal, who received 35%. She is now the second woman to lead the city, after Valérie Plante, and is the first woman from an immigrant background in this role.

During her victory speech, she remarked, “Tonight, Montréal chose courage and ambition. We will work together without political barriers.” In her campaign, she emphasized a commitment to building trust among residents and addressing concerns about issues such as affordable housing and public safety.

As she integrates into her new role, Martinez Ferrada noted, “I will be the mayor for all Montrealers.”