Opening Comments by Mayor Peter J. Malouf - Regular Meeting of Tuesday, November 25, 2025

"Good evening, colleagues, members of the administration, and residents of our great Town of Mount Royal.

As we embark on this new chapter together, I would first like to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who ran in the recent municipal election. Your dedication, countless hours of service and genuine commitment to our community represent the very best in civic engagement. I also want to congratulate all those who were elected. Your success stems from your hard work, integrity, attentiveness and sincere desire to serve.

Volunteers

To our volunteers, those who knocked on doors, shared information, and encouraged their neighbours, you are the invisible force that keeps our democracy strong. And to our residents: thank you for coming out to vote and for making your voices heard. Your participation is a reminder that TMR is a community that truly cares. Finally, my sincere appreciation goes to our exceptional municipal administration, whose professionalism ensured a smooth, orderly, and democratic process from start to finish.

New Council

Tonight, I am delighted to officially begin this new term with a council enriched by both experience and new momentum. I would like to warmly congratulate the six elected members of the team who stood alongside me—three re-elected and three newly elected. You all ran thoughtful, positive, and effective campaigns. I would also like to recognize and highlight the two district councillors who ran as independents and were re-elected by their fellow citizens. Your dedication, team spirit, and the trust that residents have placed in you are well deserved. Together, we look forward to working closely with you to move our Town forward.

Objectives

Our collective objectives for this mandate are ambitious and essential. At the forefront, we will ensure the successful delivery of our new Community and Sports Centre, a transformative project that remains on time and on budget. We will also continue the timely completion of our new fire station and the municipal buildings that will house Urban Planning, Engineering, and Public Security.

As a Town shaped by mobility, we are preparing for the necessary adjustments following the long-awaited opening of the REM line connecting downtown to Deux-Montagnes. Every change brings with it opportunities and challenges, and we will be ready for both.

Three-Year Budget

In parallel, we have been working on our 3-year capital works budget and meetings are scheduled for the 2026 operating budget. We are committed to addressing several realities: torrential rainwater management, growing inter-municipal traffic, and improving safety for all residents. By early January, we will be fully engaged in the 2026 budget process.

Housing options

Beyond infrastructure, we must remain attentive to the evolving social fabric of our community. Many seniors want to downsize their homes and remain in TMR, but there is a lack of suitable options. Many young couples and families who grew up here are struggling to find their first home. The diversity of housing options is not just an economic issue—it is fundamental to the vitality of the community.

The generations before us built the foundation we benefit from today. They planned boldly. They invested wisely. They embodied a sense of responsible and forward‑thinking stewardship — a principle that must guide us today.

Closing

Now it's our turn. Our responsibility extends not only to today's residents, but also to the future Townies—to the next generations who will inherit our Garden City.

As a council, we must look ahead. While we honour our past and celebrate our heritage, we move forward with unity and purpose to ensure Mount Royal continues to thrive for generations to come.

Dear colleagues, members of the administration, and residents: let us begin this term with ambition, collaboration, and confidence. Together, we will build a stronger, greener, more resilient, and ever more welcoming Town.

Thank you."