Westmount vote 2025:
Christian Laurin – District 8

WestmountMag.ca invites Westmount City Council candidates to present their platform

WestmountMag.ca extended an invitation to all 25 Westmount council candidates and those acclaimed, to provide an article about themselves and their platform on a first supplied, first published basis. Here we present Christian Laurin, candidate in District 8.

The articles are reproduced verbatim without corrections.

My name is Christian Laurin, and it is with great pleasure that I announce my candidacy for the position of City Councillor for District 8 in the upcoming elections on November 2nd.

I’m not a career politician, but an engaged citizen and an artist, stepping into politics to bring real change to Westmount. My goal is to represent the needs of our community and work toward improving our neighborhood.

I moved to Westmount in 1990 with my parents and grew up here. After studying music in Montreal and Boston, I traveled the world as a musician. I spent four and a half months backpacking through Asia and lived in London for nearly two years. Upon returning to Montreal, I taught music in an elementary school in an underprivileged area on the South Shore.

In 2005, I met my wonderful spouse, and together, we have two amazing young men. My oldest son works for the City of Westmount as a cadet and dispatcher. He’s the youngest cadet the city has ever had.

My professional journey has been quite eclectic.

In 2006, I trained in massage therapy, and following a severe concussion in 2015, I became a certified yoga instructor, personal trainer, and sports therapist. I’m currently pursuing a diploma in naturopathy.

In 2016, I returned to live in Westmount with my family. I strongly believe in self-determination and learning through hands-on experience, which led me to renovate my house without any prior knowledge of construction. My family, friends, and neighbors know well the energy and effort I’ve put into these renovations, and it’s this same dedication that I will bring to representing the people of Westmount.

My political involvement began after a conversation with a neighbor who expressed frustration with the current services in our district. I share his concerns, which is why I’m running as a 100% independent candidate, with no political allies and no outside donations.

There are several issues that I deeply care about in our area, which have unfortunately been neglected over the years:

Neighborhood Revitalization: For nearly a decade, revitalizing our neighborhood has been a priority, but progress has been slow. The Special Urban Planning Program (PPU) is a good start, but it needs to respect the existing architecture and prioritize eco-friendly projects. It’s essential to bring together architects, developers, and investors to create a viable, sustainable project that includes affordable housing. Additionally, more parking spaces should be created to accommodate visitors who will benefit from the new services.
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Declining Safety & Rising Homelessness: Since moving here in 2016, I’ve noticed a decline in safety, especially around Stayner Park. We should have at least four daytime patrol officers and three nighttime officers on duty at all times. Unfortunately, staff shortages and illness have often led to fewer patrols, which reduces the safety of our neighborhoods.
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The growing homelessness in the area has also created security concerns, as well as issues of vandalism and stress for residents, especially around Stayner Park. We need to improve security to protect our children and help our neighbors feel safe in their homes.
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Traffic & Noise: Reducing traffic in the area and building a sound wall along Highway 720 are key issues I hope to tackle. Before the highway work began, Greene Avenue was one-way south, which greatly reduced traffic around Stayner Park.
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The sound wall was part of the original highway repair plan, but it has still not been built along Prospect Street and District 7 after 10 years. Residents feel ignored, and it’s become a frustrating issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable noise level is 60 dB or less. As confirmed by District 8’s councillor at the candidates’ meeting on October 15th, after a question by a citizen, the current level is around 66 dB, which is considered exhausting and unpleasant.
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I am committed to fighting for Greene Avenue to become one-way again and to ensure the sound wall is finally constructed. The budget for this project is available, and I will do everything in my power to bring it to fruition.
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Revamping Stayner Park & Restoring Selby Park: Selby Park, a place my children and I loved, was destroyed during the Highway 720 work and has never been rebuilt. It’s long overdue for restoration.
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In addition, Stayner Park requires urgent renovations, including the tennis courts, which are part of the 2024 capital plan, as well as improvements to the basketball and volleyball courts. Many residents are asking for additional infrastructure, like workout spaces, two ice rinks in winter, and modern amenities.
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Managing Protests & Demonstrations: Violent or threatening demonstrations have no place in Westmount. While the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Quebec Charter protect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly — and I emphasize peaceful — any protest that involves physical or verbal violence or threats is no longer peaceful and should not be allowed.
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As stated in a 2019 court ruling, no demonstration can be violent or threatening, whether physically or verbally, and such demonstrations should be interrupted.
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I am committed to ensuring these laws are upheld and will act to stop any demonstrations that are antisemitic, threatening, or hateful.
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Paving Alleys & Streets: Many alleys and streets in our neighborhood need resurfacing. This issue comes up often in my discussions with residents, especially regarding the alley that leads to my parking. Improving infrastructure is crucial to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone.
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Waste Collection: Another recurring concern is waste collection. It’s important to listen to residents’ needs and make adjustments to improve the efficiency of this service.
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Parking: Street parking is a major issue for residents. Non-residents often occupy our street spaces during working hours, whether it’s for the RCMP building or merchants on Greene Avenue. This takes up spaces that should be available to residents. I will push for more permit-only parking zones and limit access for non-residents.
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Better Management of Construction Sites: Westmount’s construction site management must be a priority. The city needs to be actively involved in overseeing these projects to minimize disruption for residents. Ensuring smoother movement around construction sites is essential during these periods.

Change Begins by Listening to Citizens
Being present, available and engaged through community meetings.

Listening is good. Taking action is essential.
improving safety, cleanliness, mobility, and our environment.

A City Councillor Close to the People, Grounded in Reality
Serving as a direct link between the citizens and city hall.

I commit to being an counselor who listens, who is consistently present in the community, and who is firmly focus on concrete, meaningful action. Together, let’s create a local change that is human, lasting, and truly responsible to your needs.

Image: courtesy of Christian Laurin

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