Westmount Mayor Christina Smith not seeking re-election

Westmount Mayor Christina Smith announced that she will not seek another mandate in the upcoming municipal election this November.

On Friday, she announced the decision in a message on the city’s website, saying that she will not seek re-election after 12 years on council — a decision she made following thoughtful discussions with her family.

“The opportunity to directly impact the daily lives of our residents has been deeply fulfilling,” wrote Smith. “I am immensely proud of the collective achievements we have made together.”

Quelques nouvelles de moi. La mairesse Smith ne briguera pas un 3e mandat - City of Westmount https://t.co/YNguC0IHKm

— Christina Smith (@smithwestmount) January 17, 2025

Smith will remain mayor until the following municipal election set to take place in November.

“While much remains to be accomplished and we have a robust agenda to address in the coming months,” she explained in the message. “I am immensely grateful to have served alongside a dedicated Council comprised of individuals driven by a genuine desire to serve our community.”

Reflecting on her time on Council, Smith explained that their team’s collective response to the pandemic stands as a testament to the resilience and compassion of the Westmount community.

“From one day to the next, like so many of you, I was homeschooling three children and caring for aging parents while being Mayor,” she wrote. “The programmes we put in place and the support that we gave to residents were always centred around breaking isolation and supporting our most vulnerable residents.”

“During this challenging period, the true spirit of our community shone through.”

As for the next administration, Smith said that they will need to carefully consider the future of Hydro Westmount and finalize plans to redevelop the southeast sector.

“Securing new funding sources will be crucial to adequately maintain and improve our aging infrastructure,” said said. “We cannot ignore the pressing housing crisis facing our nation.”

Smith told CityNews that she is grateful to have worked alongside “a dedicated group of councillors, and I would like to thank all the city employees for their hard work.”

“I am confident that Westmount will continue to prosper,” she added. “Thanks to the commitment of its citizens and elected officials.”

Smith was elected mayor of Westmount back in 2017 — serving as interim mayor after longtime mayor Peter Trent’s departure in April 2017.

Smith was then elected again in 2021 — serving 12 years on Council, including eight as Mayor.

“To the citizens of this community,” she wrote. “I know that you will have a dedicated council to represent you in the years to come.”