Photo by William Crooks
Vincent Boutin
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Vincent Boutin, former city councillor and current director of La Grande Table, officially declared his candidacy for mayor of Sherbrooke in the November 2025 municipal elections. Aiming to bring pragmatic leadership and collaboration to the city, Boutin emphasized his deep ties to Sherbrooke, his management experience, and his knowledge of local challenges.
“I think I’m the right person for the job,” Boutin said in an interview with The Record. “Sherbrooke needs leadership that is pragmatic and realistic, based on concrete ideas and achievable solutions.”
Boutin served as a city councillor for eight years before taking on the role at La Grande Table, where he managed strategic planning and inspired employees to work toward shared goals. He sees this background as a key strength for leading the city. “My experience with management and working with public servants will be an asset,” he explained.
A vision for Sherbrooke
Boutin’s campaign is centred on three priorities: ecological transition, improved city management, and fostering strong community connections. He plans to leverage Sherbrooke’s strategic plan for 2024–2030, a roadmap developed collaboratively by city officials and elected representatives. “This plan gives us a solid, non-partisan foundation,” he stated. “We need to implement it effectively, working together to achieve maximum impact.”
On the ecological front, Boutin advocates for responsible urban planning and climate action. He also stressed the importance of maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure rather than expanding unnecessarily. “We have to manage the city’s resources responsibly, but always with humanity,” he added.
Boutin highlighted the need to build trust and collaboration between elected officials, city staff, and residents. “It’s not just about collaboration; it’s about connection. This means creating confidence between individuals,” he said. “Many residents feel a distance from the city. We need to bridge that gap.”
Reaching out to the English community
Sherbrooke’s English-speaking community, which represents about 5 per cent of the population, is a unique part of the city’s identity, according to Boutin. He described it as an “asset” and expressed his commitment to engaging with this group directly.
“I want to be invited into their kitchen,” Boutin said. “I want to hear what the English community has to say. It’s important to have those conversations and work together to bring new ideas to Sherbrooke.”
Facing the competition
Boutin acknowledged the challenge of running against well-known opponents, such as Lac-des-Nations councillor (and former acting mayor) Raïs Kibonge, and local MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, who announced she will run late last year. However, he remains optimistic. “It’s a long campaign—10 months,” he noted. “Citizen by citizen, I’ll convince them I’m the best fit for the job.”
Drawing parallels to past elections, Boutin pointed out that several mayors in Quebec started as underdogs. “Bruno Marchand in Quebec City and Valérie Plante in Montreal both trailed in the polls before their victories,” he said. “I’m focused on presenting my ideas and showing what I can do for Sherbrooke.”
A collaborative and pragmatic approach
Boutin’s campaign is built on inclusivity and partnerships. He aims to support local businesses, create diverse and affordable housing, and simplify administrative processes to improve efficiency. He also emphasized the need for higher levels of government to take greater responsibility for complex issues such as homelessness and immigration. “Sherbrooke has a crucial role to play, but we can’t carry these burdens alone,” he said.
With a 10-month campaign ahead, Boutin plans to connect with residents, hear their concerns, and present a vision of Sherbrooke that he says is both ambitious and grounded in reality.