Promises of Valérie Plante: what assessment at the end of the mandate?

Almost a month before the municipal election, the time for Valérie Plante's 2017-2021 assessment has come. Métro paints a portrait of what the mayor had promised before taking up the position, as well as the achievement of her main objectives.

Métro analyzed the promises related to the five main projects listed by the mayor during her swearing-in speech, namely mobility, urban safety, housing, the efficiency of public services and economic development. Of the 64 promises analysed, which were kept/not kept? Which are in progress? Métro requested the lighting of 3 experts.

62.5% of promises kept

At a glance, the mayor displays: 40 promises kept (62.5%), 11 promises not kept (17.2%) and 13 promises in progress (20.3%).

It is in mobility and urban security that the mayoress shows the best record of her promises (ie 19 promises kept out of 23), followed by housing and economic development (10 promises kept and 5 in court out of 17). On the other hand, it is in terms of the efficiency of public services that the results are the least positive with 11 promises kept out of 24 (7 promises not kept and 6 in progress).

It should be noted that promises and achievements in terms of urban safety are very much related to travel safety. They are not necessarily about crime or guns.

Experts note pledge mandate

Political scientist and professor at UQÀM Danielle Pilette spoke about promises in terms of housing and the efficiency of public services.

Jean Philippe Meloche, professor at the school of urban planning and landscape architecture at the University of Montreal, commented on the assessment of mobility and urban safety.

Finally, Myriam Lavoie-Moore, researcher at the Institute for Socio-Economic Research and Information (IRIS) commented on the assessment of the Mayor's promises in economic development and taxation.

Note in housing:

4.5/5

Promises kept

Ongoing pledges

Broken promises

Comments from Danielle Pilette: The importation of a 20/20/20 regulation, which is found in certain metropolises where the market is not very accessible (such as Paris and Vancouver), is quite innovative. Moreover, it is difficult to measure the progress of the 12,000 housing units, housing construction projects depends on several levels of government.

Note on the efficiency of public services:

3/5

Promises kept

Ongoing pledges

Broken promises

Danielle Pilette's comments: At the micro level, the promises are well carried out (eg: cleanliness, creation of a call line). The creation of a post of mayor in Ville-Marie is important, it could change the efficiency of public services in the borough and improve political representation. The last word goes to Quebec. Organizational efficiency is very unequal between the central city and the districts. The biggest problem is the issue of accountability for major projects (timelines and budget). It is difficult to measure organizational performance in several areas (eg the 12,000 dwellings). There is a problem of coordination between the boroughs and the city-centre and between the services which are within the financial perimeter of the city and which also depend on other authorities.

Note on mobility:

4/5

Promises kept

Ongoing pledges

Broken promises

Comments from Jean-Philippe Meloche: The REV is the flagship achievement of Valérie Plante's mandate! The vision was there and in this context, the boots followed the chops. They hustled, but it was very consistent with what was said. With the pink line, we sold dreams, we cannot build a metro in 4 years. It's easy to extend on paper, but it takes a decade. Not fulfilling certain promises can also be a sign of good management. Regarding STM fares (promise to reduce fares by 40% for people aged 65 and over and young people), we can promise to suggest it, but the City has less control over fares.

Note on urban security:

4.5/5

Promises kept

Ongoing pledges

None.

Broken promises

Comments from Jean-Philippe Meloche: In terms of road safety, the City has seized the necessary opportunities (cycle paths, projections). Whenever there was an accident, the administration was on the side of the victims and not on the side of the fluidity of the automobile. They have taken the lever of sustainable mobility. When there are too many measures, it can enrage motorists when it lengthens journeys.

Note on economic development:

2.5/5

Promises kept

Ongoing pledges

Broken promises

Comments from Myriam Lavoie-Moore: Supporting affected merchants: it worked well, the same with the commerce plan and the revitalization of commercial arteries. During the mandate, there were measures to support local businesses. For the increase in taxes beyond inflation, I would not blame Projet Montréal, because it is part of the municipal taxation model centered on property taxes. To finance services, they have no choice. But there has been much more support at the level of large companies in innovation (start-ups). For me, this is something that is almost in contradiction with helping small traders because it contributes to gentrification (for example in Milex). The artists' studios asked for a tax reduction. What the City has chosen to put in place are renovation subsidy programs, which affect the value of the premises and which in turn increase property taxes.

A few key promises

Promises kept

Ongoing pledges

Broken promises