On Saturday, May 4, 2024, a group of concerned citizens officially launched AVENIR ÎLE PERROT - BECOMING ÎLE PERROT, a non-profit organization established in November 2023. The organization aims to unite the four municipalities on Île Perrot—Pincourt, Terrasse-Vaudreuil, L'Île-Perrot, and Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot—into a single entity.
The organization, led by President Francine St-Denis, serves as a platform for citizens interested in the island's future. Businessman Gérard Farmer, acting as spokesperson, highlighted that merging the municipalities would lead to more efficient management by pooling resources. This unification is expected to increase the island's political influence, streamline governance, and improve service delivery.
Avenir Île Perrot's proposal includes a new municipal council comprising a mayor and eight councillors, replacing the current structure of four mayors and 24 councillors. The proposed merger would create a city of over 40,000 residents, comparable to other major cities in the Suroît region, such as Vaudreuil-Dorion, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, and Châteauguay. This new entity would rank ninth among Quebec municipalities with populations between 25,000 and 50,000.
The organization argues that a unified Île Perrot could better represent its interests to various bodies, including the Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), and provincial and federal governments. Historical context provided by Île Perrot historian Lise Chartier suggests that past divisions of the island have hindered the development of essential services and infrastructure, leading to constant inter-municipal negotiations.
Avenir Île Perrot asserts that the decision to amalgamate the municipalities is a fundamental right of the citizens. In the coming months, the organization plans to conduct research, organize meetings, disseminate information, and launch a campaign to promote the benefits of unified political representation on Île Perrot.
For more information, visit the Avenir Île Perrot Facebook page and their website at www.avenirileperrot.ca.
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