Vision and priorities

My priorities for sustainable land use planning, environmental protection, and the fight against climate change are as follows:

Manage the development of our territory while preserving our quality of life

Ensure that the development of our territory within the urban boundary is measured and well thought out, respecting the real needs of our community, our legal obligations, and our capacity to accommodate growth. The goal is to preserve Saint-Lazare’s unique identity while allowing for harmonious growth that respects our resources, our living environment, and is well integrated into our natural and local surroundings.

Modernize our regulations

Review urban planning regulations to make them simpler and more accessible to all, with the goal of streamlining procedures and improving territorial management. The objective is to better respond to the needs of our community by providing clear, understandable rules that make the process easier to navigate, without compromising residents’ quality of life.

Defend Saint-Lazare’s interests with regional and governmental authorities

Ensure that decisions made by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), the MRC, and other levels of government take into account our territorial reality, limitations, and the specific needs of our community, by advocating for an approach that is both tailored and balanced.

Plan for the long-term maintenance and adaptation of our infrastructure

Implement rigorous planning to maintain existing infrastructure and identify future investments based on evolving needs, ensuring the long-term sustainability and quality of municipal services.

Implement the 2025–2030 Action Plan of the Conservation Master Plan

Continue the planned actions to protect and enhance our natural areas, ensure their ecological connectivity, and safeguard ecosystems for current and future generations.

Update our Sustainable Development Plan

Ensure proper follow-up on the 2021–2026 Sustainable Development Plan and initiate its update to reflect evolving priorities in environmental protection, quality of life, and responsible development.

Manage our water resources for our long-term needs

Continue updating data and ensure the sustainable management of groundwater and drinking water consumption to properly plan for the population’s long-term needs and protect this essential resource. This also includes actively seeking new sources of supply to strengthen the resilience of our network in the face of growth and climate change.

Actively promote access to affordable and adapted housing

I am committed to facilitating the process for the construction of affordable housing, including homes adapted to the needs of seniors. As president of the organization Toit d’Abord habitations abordables and a member of the MRC’s housing subcommittee during my first term as mayor, I actively contributed to the search for concrete solutions at both the local and regional levels. My goal is clear: to reduce barriers, engage the right partners, and accelerate projects that meet the real needs of our community, while ensuring they are thoughtfully and harmoniously integrated into the territory.

Create spaces that bring people together, to be active, connect, and express themselves

I want to continue investing in parks, public spaces, and quality facilities that meet the needs of our population, whether for sports, culture, leisure, or simply spending time with neighbours. Thanks to the recently adopted Parks Master Plan, we now have a clear and structured vision to guide our actions. I intend to implement it with both seriousness and ambition. These spaces must be accessible, well-designed, and thoughtfully planned to promote health, community life, and the vibrancy of our town at every stage of life.

Promote culture as a driver of social connection and local vitality

Culture plays a vital role in strengthening our sense of belonging, building connections within the community, and supporting the local economy. That’s why I have already begun this work by supporting the creation of several outdoor public art pieces and establishing an active cultural committee. I want to go even further by giving culture more space and priority in our town, so it can continue to bring people together, enrich our daily lives, and contribute meaningfully to the vitality of Saint-Lazare.

My priorities regarding citizen participation and municipal governance are as follows:

Develop a public participation policy

Create a public participation policy that offers citizens clear and accessible ways to stay informed and express their views on municipal projects. This policy will clearly define the consultation process while maintaining the referendum approval mechanisms required by law, ensuring transparent, democratic decision-making. The goal is to foster meaningful citizen engagement, where everyone feels their voice matters and contributes to shaping our community, all while ensuring that decisions are made with balance, responsibility, and the broader public interest in mind.

Create spaces for dialogue by organizing community coffee chats

I am committed to creating spaces for open exchange by holding regular coffee chats, where I will be available to speak informally with residents, answer their questions, and listen to their ideas and concerns. These moments of dialogue will foster genuine communication and help us better understand the needs and expectations of the community.

Ensure financial stability in the face of future challenges

I understand that managing municipal finances is becoming increasingly complex with the new responsibilities we are facing. It is important to adopt a prudent and thoughtful approach, one that aims to balance budgets, manage resources efficiently, and safeguards the city’s long-term financial stability. My goal is to keep property taxes as predictable and measured as possible by anticipating future needs and strategically adjusting controllable expenses, in order to avoid abrupt increases and maintain fiscal balance.

My priorities for the local economy are as follows:

Diversify revenues to reduce reliance on residential taxes

Saint-Lazare currently funds most of its services through residential property taxes. To ease the tax burden on residents, it is important to adopt municipal regulations that encourage the development of new businesses. By taking a proactive approach, we can diversify our revenue streams, reduce fiscal pressure, and continue delivering quality services to all residents.

Leverage the new hospital to attract economic opportunities

With the new Vaudreuil-Soulanges hospital located less than one kilometre from Saint-Lazare’s border, many economic opportunities are emerging. We must capitalize on this growing healthcare ecosystem by developing strategic partnerships and encouraging the establishment of businesses and services related to health and wellness. Doing so will not only strengthen our local economy, but also improve residents’ quality of life by bringing essential services and good jobs closer to home.

Continue working closely with Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV)

Since my first term as a councillor and throughout my term as mayor, collaboration with Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV) has always been a priority. It is essential to actively maintain this partnership to access the right tools and create a business-friendly environment that supports local merchants while attracting new businesses. By leveraging DEV’s expertise, we aim to build a strong, resilient economic ecosystem that responds to our community’s evolving needs and challenges.

Engage the Economic Development Advisory Committee to help shape our economic future

I will continue to play an active role on the Economic Development Advisory Committee, which brings together business owners, entrepreneurs, and residents to define concrete actions that address local economic needs. Together, we will identify opportunities and recommend strategies to support economic development, foster innovation, and respond to the expectations of our community.

Build business partnerships through an active presence at the Chamber of Commerce

I am committed to increasing the municipality’s presence at the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIVS) to strengthen ties with local and regional economic stakeholders. This initiative, too often overlooked in the past, will send a strong message about the importance of economic development for our municipality. By working closely with elected officials, who I hope will share this vision, we can energize our economy and attract new investment. As the second-largest municipality in the region, it is essential that Saint-Lazare takes its rightful place and plays a greater role in regional economic development.

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