On the eve of advance voting, Ensemble Montréal leader and mayoral candidate Soraya Martinez Ferrada held a press conference on Saturday to call on Montrealers to vote for change at the head of the city. She also took the opportunity to reaffirm one of her six key priorities: restoring a clean city.
Neglected Basic Services Under Projet Montréal
Over the past two mandates, the Projet Montréal administration has completely neglected basic municipal services, failing even to maintain a minimum level of cleanliness along streets, sidewalks, and in parks.
A Team Mobilized on the Ground
Standing near the Ensemble Montréal campaign office in Mercier–Hochelaga–Maisonneuve, filled with volunteers motivated to elect a new administration, Soraya Martinez Ferrada denounced the Plante-Rabouin administration’s laxity and lack of attentiveness over the years, particularly concerning the reduced frequency of garbage collection in the borough.
While Montrealers are paying higher taxes, services have been cut. In fact, 311 requests for cleaning increased by 46% between 2021 and 2024 across the city.
A Soraya Martinez Ferrada administration will tackle cleanliness issues, notably by appointing an executive committee member dedicated to this file.
Commitments:
- Restore weekly garbage collection from May to October in Mercier–Hochelaga–Maisonneuve.
- Appoint an executive committee member responsible for cleanliness, tasked with establishing a citywide cleanliness standard in collaboration with all boroughs.
- Invest an additional $2 million in business development corporations (SDCs), according to the needs of each borough outside the downtown core.
- Add cleanliness as a standing item on the agenda of the Mayors’ Table announced by Soraya Martinez Ferrada.
Quotes:
“My message to Montrealers after eight years is clear: we need change at City Hall. Cleanliness isn’t cosmetic—it’s an essential service and a symbol of respect toward citizens. Clean, well-maintained streets send a powerful message: that of a city that is organized, safe, and proud of itself.”
— Soraya Martinez Ferrada, candidate for Mayor of Montreal and Leader of Ensemble Montréal
“You can’t hope to govern a city while turning a deaf ear to citizens’ concerns, as Projet Montréal did by refusing to reverse the reduced garbage collection schedule—creating a public health issue during the summer. That’s why I’m committed to restoring weekly garbage collection between May and October.”
— Chantal Gagnon, candidate for Mayor of Mercier–Hochelaga–Maisonneuve for Ensemble Montréal
