JOSHUA ALLAN
The 1510 West
While many in Pointe Claire expected the mayoral contest leading to this fall’s municipal election to be marked by heated and perhaps even fiery debate among political veterans, few anticipated a four-way race. But that is how it is shaping up as incumbent Tim Thomas, former mayor John Belvedere, long-time councillor Brent Cowan and a political newcomer — Jonathan Markiewicz — are set to square off.
But who is Jonathan Markiewicz? And will he be the dark-horse candidate in the race?
The environmental specialist was, in fact, the first authorized contender in the race for the Nov. 2 vote, registering his candidacy with Élections Québec back in January 2024. He also announced his intention to run for mayor on social media in May 2024, unveiling a website to support his candidacy.
In a brief phone call with The 1510 West, Markiewicz refused to comment on his candidacy, saying only he would make an official announcement in the coming weeks.
In a statement posted on his website he said: “I feel that our city is being lead (sic) down a path that does not best represent the needs or values of my fellow citizens; whether it is in regards to our environment, urban development or taxation. We can no longer stand to do nothing, nor can we repeat the old ways of doing things.”
Markiewicz’s LinkedIn profile describes him as a project director for Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc., an engineering and project-management firm specializing in sustainable land development and environmental restoration. His experience also includes a brief stint as a senior environmental specialist at Public Services and Procurement Canada as well as a year as a temporary science teacher for the Sir Wilfried Laurier School Board.
Markiewicz was president of Soccer Pointe Claire from 2019 to 2024. He was thanked warmly by the club in a farewell post on social media for his “tireless energy and enthusiasm” as well as for the “endless hours which he selflessly gave to our club.”
His website says he has been a resident of Pointe Claire for the past 12 years and describes his 20+ year career in environmental science and management roles as having given him “leverage to ensure that Pointe Claire is properly administered today and governed for the future.”
According to his Facebook profile, he grew up in Belleville, Ont., and attended the University of Waterloo, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004.