Incumbent mayors in three West Island municipalities lose election

Voters across the West Island ushered in new leadership Sunday night, electing new mayors in Montreal West, Pointe-Claire, and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.

The victories signaled a loss for an incumbent mayor in each municipality.

Montreal West: Jonathan Cha Elected

In Montreal West, Jonathan Cha won the mayor’s seat with 47 per cent of the vote, defeating longtime incumbent Beny Masella by 264 votes. It was Cha’s first run for mayor.

“I really feel that people were ready for a change—for a new vision and a new approach for the town,” said Cha the day after his win.

With a background in urban planning, Cha says he plans to focus on revitalizing the town’s busiest street, Westminster, bringing what he calls a “more human approach” to local development.

Pointe-Claire: John Belvedere Returns

In Pointe-Claire, John Belvedere reclaimed his former role as mayor, defeating incumbent Tim Thomas by 961 votes.

Belvedere previously served as mayor before narrowly losing in 2021.

“When I lost by only 61 votes, I said to myself, this is not a loss,” he said. “Fifty per cent of the people still wanted me in power.”

He now plans to prioritize teamwork on council and review the city’s flood map as one of his first major initiatives.

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue: Michel Boudreault Wins After 12 Years of Same Leadership

In Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Michel Boudreault was elected mayor, replacing Paola Hawa, who had held the position for 12 years.

Boudreault, a former city councillor from 2013 to 2017, won by 236 votes.

“Throughout the campaign, I felt a strong wind of change,” he said. “After 12 years, it’s about time.”

He says improving communication with residents will be a top priority, including plans to create an online forum for public discussion on the city’s website.