Westmount Mayor Christina Smith

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Westmount Mayor Christina Smith announced last Friday that she would not be seeking a third term. Smith said, “After 12 years on Council, including eight as Mayor, and following thoughtful discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek another mandate in the upcoming municipal election this November.”

Smith was first elected to Westmount city council in 2013. In April 2017 she stepped into the position of Mayor when Peter Trent retired. She handily won the Mayoralty election the following November.

After earning a Bachelor of Political Science from Bishop’s University, Smith pursued a career in public affairs and public policy. In the private sector, she was Director of Industry and Government Affairs for Coca-Cola. In the public sector she served as Policy Advisor to then-Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Stéphane Dion who went on to lead the Liberal Party of Canada.

Smith said she got into politics, particularly at the municipal level, “to foster civic engagement, contribute meaningfully to our community, and shape a promising future for Westmount. Municipal government lies at the very heart of our democracy, serving as the closest point of contact with the people.” She will continue as Mayor and serve out her term and will continue to work in the city’s interests.. “We will welcome a spirited debate on our fiscal, physical, architectural, environmental, and social challenges as we strive to ensure Westmount remains a livable city,” she added.

Smith highlighted that “much remains to be accomplished.” And there certainly is a lot on the Westmount agenda for the coming months, including the future of the city’s south-east sector; the area’s revitalization played a big role in Smith’s election to the mayoralty. Smith also mentioned the city’s aging infrastructure, its debt, and the future of Hydro Westmount as crucial matters in her mandate and for whoever takes over in the next one.

Smith is married, with three children. “Serving on City Council has been an immense honour and privilege,” she said. “The opportunity to directly impact the daily lives of our residents has been deeply fulfilling. I am immensely proud of the collective achievements we have made together.” n