Montréal, our metropolis, is celebrating its 381st year of existence since its founding. In 1642, Jeanne Mance and Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve settled in Ville-Marie with a few colonists to start a bold social project there. Nearly 400 years later, Montreal has more than two million inhabitants and is just as ambitious. The actions we take in 2023 will shape the Montreal of tomorrow. It is up to us to constantly reinvent our city so that it lives up to current and future generations.
Today, May 17, the beautiful season is upon us. Already, Montrealers are reclaiming public spaces and tourists are galvanized by what Montreal has to offer. Our parks, our festivals, our terraces, our lively neighborhoods await you. I know that this year again, summer will be exhilarating in the metropolis.
When I walk around the city, I meet Montrealers that I admire. Together, in various ways, we are working to ensure that Montreal is a living environment in constant evolution, a city where it is good to raise children, study, work, create and live in retirement. The people who live in or choose Montreal contribute to the social, economic, cultural and academic character of the city.
Economic and cultural metropolis
The economic and cultural metropolis of Quebec is the ally of the municipalities and major metropolises of the world. In the past few weeks, I have met with mayors from everywhere, from the Old Continent, from Canada and from Quebec. United, we have progressive and united aspirations. Montreal is a leader in ecological transition and an economic force for innovation. Our neighborhoods are recognized as lively living environments, our culture is alive and our gastronomy is acclaimed. Montréal is the balance between the grandiose and the intimate, between global economic hubs and local businesses rooted in neighborhoods, between community parks and planetary events for the protection of biodiversity.
Everything is not perfect
Of course, Montreal faces challenges like all major cities in the world.
We continue to fight for the affordability of our housing, to accelerate the ecological transition, to improve public transit, to increase the safety of our communities and for our inclusive values. We are driven by the necessary and ongoing work for true reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous communities. Everything is not perfect. With all the partners, I am confident that we will find bold solutions. We are courageous and resilient and, on this anniversary day, I want to say thank you.
Thank you, Montrealers, for showing openness, curiosity and creativity. You bring our neighborhoods and communities to life. You defend your ideals and your ambitions for a green, innovative and inclusive metropolis.
Happy Montreal Day!
Valerie Plant, Mayor of Montreal
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