Westmount vote 2025:
Gurveen K. Chadha – District 4

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 Gurveen K. Chadha, candidate for District 4.

The articles are reproduced verbatim without corrections.

A Fresh Voice for Tomorrow’s Westmount

I was born and raised in Westmount — learning to swim at the YMCA, skating at the Rec Center, and taking art classes at Victoria Hall. This City has shaped who I am. It’s where I live today, and it’s where I plan to spend the rest of my life. That’s why I’m running to represent District 4 on Westmount City Council: because I have a deep, personal stake in our City’s future — in the kind of community we’re building, how responsibly we manage it, and the quality of life we’ll leave for future generations.

Over the past weeks, I have knocked on every single door in District 4. I’ve had conversations with neighbours who have lived here for decades and others who are just beginning their Westmount story. What’s clear is that residents love this City — but they also want to see it managed with more transparency, care, and long-term vision.

At the doors, two issues come up again and again: garbage collection and infrastructure.

The shift to biweekly garbage pickup was made with good intentions, including environmental considerations. But for many residents, particularly young families and seniors, the change has created real challenges. I met one mother who had a bag of garbage by her front door filled with only one thing — diapers — because she didn’t have a garage or back porch to store it. For her, and others like her, this wasn’t just an inconvenience; it affected how she experienced life in her own home.

We need policies that are both sustainable and compassionate, and I’m committed to reviewing this policy through that lens — supporting environmental goals while also responding to residents’ real, day-to-day needs.

The other issue I hear most often is infrastructure — especially Claremont. Residents have told me they’re frustrated, not only by the dust and disruption, but by the lack of clear communication and coordination. Today, most of Claremont is under reconstruction, with the remaining portion expected to be redone next summer. That means another closure, another disruption, and continued frustration.

We need a longer-term vision and better communication — residents deserve to know what to expect and to trust that projects are being managed efficiently and transparently.

These are just two examples of why I decided to run. I believe we need both fresh energy and experienced leadership on Council — people who can listen carefully, plan thoughtfully, and deliver results that matter.

Professionally, I’ve spent my career bridging public policy and the private sector. I served as Director of Policy to Marc Garneau, Canada’s Minister of Transport, where I managed complex national files and saw first-hand what effective public service looks like — service rooted in integrity, collaboration, and long-term thinking.

Later, in the private sector, I led strategy and operations at companies like Shopify and Jobber, helping high-growth organizations plan and execute responsibly. I also co-founded the olive oil shop, Olives en folie, that used to be on Victoria Ave., which gave me a small business’ perspective on what it takes to build and sustain local vitality.

From these experiences, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about the loudest voice in the room — it’s about bringing people together, solving problems thoughtfully, and following through on commitments.

If elected, I will focus on three priorities that reflect what I’ve been hearing at the door:

Infrastructure & Roads – Developing a transparent, long-term plan for streets, sidewalks, and underground infrastructure to ensure we build things that last.
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Economic Vitality – Supporting local shops and restaurants on Sherbrooke, Greene, Victoria, and Ste-Catherine so our main streets remain dynamic and welcoming.
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Sustainable Public Spaces – Protecting our tree canopy, investing in parks, and keeping community hubs like Victoria Hall and the Rec Center vibrant and accessible for all ages.

These are not just policies; they’re values — rooted in care for our community and a desire to make Westmount stronger, more connected, and more resilient for the future.

Public service, to me, is about something much bigger than oneself. It’s about listening, elevating the voices of residents, and ensuring that decisions are made thoughtfully and transparently. That’s the approach I will bring to Council — one grounded in collaboration, respect, and accountability.

Westmount has always been a city that balances tradition with progress — that takes pride in its character while looking to the future. Together, we can ensure it continues to thrive for the next 150 years and beyond.

Together, let’s build the Westmount of tomorrow — strong, vibrant, and iconic.

Learn more at: gurveenchadha.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gurveenchadha/
Stay in touch by emailing: gurveeninfo@gmail.com

Image: courtesy of Gurveen K. ChadhaRead other candidate platforms