The newly elected mayor of Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, has shifted her stance on bike path evaluations. Initially committed to conducting an extensive audit of the city’s cycling network, she now plans to consult existing studies instead. This decision follows her election on November 3, where she promised to reevaluate bike paths for safety during her first 100 days in office.
Shift in Bike Path Evaluation Strategy
During her campaign, Martinez Ferrada had expressed intentions to potentially dismantle certain bike paths based on safety results, despite the costs associated with such actions. In a debate on October 20, former councilor Craig Sauvé pointed out that an audit had already been conducted, prompting her reconsideration. In a press conference, she indicated she would rely on the city’s existing evaluations instead of duplicating efforts.
Homelessness as a Priority
In her first press conference post-election, Martinez Ferrada articulated that addressing homelessness will be her top priority. With winter approaching, she emphasized the urgency of implementing immediate measures to assist the growing number of homeless individuals in the city. She has requested a comprehensive overview from the city’s director general on how resources can be deployed efficiently to tackle this issue.
Plans for Long-Term Solutions
- Immediate support measures for this winter.
- Strategic planning for future winters.
- Utilizing city buildings and land for emergency responses.
Reducing Bureaucracy
Martinez Ferrada also plans to streamline city operations by eliminating at least 1,000 non-essential positions within the municipal workforce. Currently, the city employs around 28,000 individuals, a number that has increased by approximately 3,000 since 2017.
Immediate Administrative Changes
- Abolishing one of the six vacant deputy director general positions.
- Aiming to reduce bureaucratic burdens through attrition.
- The previous administration reduced jobs by 200, saving $50 million.
Martinez Ferrada believes that better management of city expenditures will enhance Montreal’s credibility in relationships with the provincial government and other municipalities. She expressed confidence in a fresh approach to governance that aligns with the citizens’ desire for change.
