Kirkland’s pick pits current Gibson against newcomer Pigeon

Article content

When Kirkland voters go to the polls on November 7, they will choose between incumbent Mayor Michel Gibson and Lucien Pigeon, a first-time candidate promoting environmental causes.

Article content

Gibson, who is seeking a third term as mayor, says he earned another term after serving Kirkland residents for 30 years, including 22 as a councilman and the last eight as mayor.

Gibson says he has received positive feedback from voters on door-to-door walks through Kirkland’s eight council districts. “It’s going very well,” he said.

Pigeon, 80, a retired Transport Canada meteorologist, is campaigning around town on his bike and meeting with voters.

Pigeon admits that he is probably pedaling uphill against a sitting mayor, but says he ran his name in this election because he felt it was important to promote values ​​that matter to Kirkland residents.

“In Kirkland, what bothers people is speeding,” he added. “The city puts obstacles everywhere. But what happens is that (drivers) just change streets and go to the next street without a stop. So it is practically impossible to stop accelerating. “

Article content

Pigeon says Kirkland, like many other parts of West Island, has embraced development without first establishing the necessary road infrastructure.

“The traffic is now getting horrible,” said Pigeon, who has lived in Kirkland for just over a year. “During peak hours, you just can’t get anywhere. There are too many cars. “

He said the city should do more when it comes to green initiatives, but admits that much of the city’s green space has already been developed.

“They just build, build and build, nothing is left. They are raping the land … and they refuse to talk about climate change.

“And the crew around him … Captain Cook had a better crew.”

Pigeon once lived in Pierrefonds and remembers when farmers’ fields once existed near the Lacey Green neighborhood, east of St. Charles Blvd. “You could pick your own corn and asparagus back then,” he said wistfully.

Article content

But Gibson says the city is doing its part to help the environment. He said that about 70 percent of the city’s vehicle fleet has already been converted to electricity.

Gibson, who was hailed for a second term as mayor in 2017, He said the city takes environmental issues seriously.

“Kirkland has always been considered a leader when it comes to climate adaptation. For example, our tree planting, the electrification of our fleet of vehicles in our city, we were among the first to do so.

“And we are leaders when it comes to composting and recycling. Of the 33 cities and districts in Montreal, we are in the top three when it comes to recycling and composting. And we have a climate action plan. “

Gibson, 71, also does not buy into Pigeon’s argument that the city should be rejuvenated with younger politicians. “This guy is 80 years old and wants the council to be younger? That makes no sense.

Article content

“And it doesn’t have posters, it doesn’t have flyers,” Gibson added.

Pigeon says he deliberately chose not to put election posters on lamp posts throughout the city. “I don’t want to do any more trash,” he said.

Pigeon also contends that he would have gladly stepped aside to make way. for a younger mayoral candidate. When no one got on the plate, he decided to run to prevent Gibson from being cheered again.

If elected, Pigeon would become West Island’s oldest sitting mayor. ” I act like I’m 50, ”he added. “If elected, I will be the best mayor Kirkland has ever had.”

Gibson said he is comfortable presenting his record as mayor for the past eight years. He said Kirkland is preparing for the REM’s arrival in a few years and is pushing for more parking at the Kirkland station, located along Highway 40 near Jean-Yves St.

Article content

He was also one of the first West Island mayors to take a firm stand to retain his city’s bilingual status under Bill 96, Quebec’s new language law.

Pigeon said the availability of parking at the future Kirkland REM station is another concern for voters. “They are afraid of not being able to use it. REM, we needed it, but if people can’t park, there’s no way it’ll get there. “

Gibson said the city is working with stakeholders of the future REM project to ensure there is parking on site.

[email protected]