An independent mayoral election candidate is running on a platform based on improved services and reduced costs

Brendan Shaughnessy

Rémi Bergeron is one of five candidates running for the top job in the Gatineau municipal government. Bowman, who currently serves as chief administrative officer and secretary-treasurer of the village of Bowman, has pledged on his personal website to prioritize resident services if elected mayor. He writes that this can be achieved through improved communication between unions, residents, the 311 non-urgent call centre and elected officials. The candidate is also calling for the formation of a committee to better address service issues by consulting with employees and residents.

Bergeron’s call for service improvements also includes better snow removal, as well as upgraded transportation infrastructure. He writes that the use of public transit should be promoted through a potential expansion of taxi-bus use and more express runs along the Rapibus network.

Bergeron, who earned an MBA from the Université de Sherbrooke, writes that he wants to implement a cost-reduction program in order to minimize the need for tax hikes without jeopardizing the environment, public safety or roadways. He also indicates that he wants to create a one-stop approach to citizen services by incorporating urban planning and economic development.

He writes that, if elected, he would work with police to reduce the pressure to issue tickets. Bergeron’s platform also calls for more resident involvement in public safety through a neighbourhood watch program. In another call for community involvement, he writes that he would work to help volunteer organizations.

Bergeron is running against Clément Bélanger, incumbent mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, and councillors Sylvie Goneau and Denis Tassé.