Food for Thought in Brossard: Voters talking about the REM, compost and taxes

Ahead of Quebec's municipal elections on Nov. 7, CBC Radio's Let's Go is heading to grocery stores across the greater Montreal region to hear what voters are talking about.

This week, we were at Marché Kim Phat on Taschereau Boulevard in Brossard to find out what people like about the city, what they want to see change — and for some, what would make them want to move back.

Jenny Fe Amper

Jenny Fe Amper recently moved to nearby St. Hubert, but before then called Brossard home since 2013. With the construction of the Réseau express métropolitain [REM] electric train and other developments, she says people love it in the city.

"Every Friday, we have a basketball event, you know, practice, and some dance," said Amper.

She says Brossard's Filipino community has a closeness that's really special.

"We gather during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and usually we invite Doreen [Assaad], the mayor, and she's really like, so good, because she's always there for us," said Amper.

Ryoko Takahashi

Ryoko Takahashi moved to Brossard 20 years ago, but now lives in Montreal. She says her family still makes visits to Brossard, and they have been recently thinking about moving back.

"Brossard is getting wider now, right, because the train station is coming," said Takahashi. "It's very good to live in now, to have a house, or a condo."

Kim Tee

Kim Tee has lived in Brossard her whole life. She said she likes that Brossard is very multicultural, and new facilities have been great for the community.

"Obviously taxes could be put down, but again, you know, with the REM and everything I do understand," said Tee. "Waste management, I know that they're getting better, I know that they're starting composting, which is a good thing. The service has always been good."

That service includes the Brossard Aquatic Complex, which opened last year with an Olympic-sized pool. She says this is a great resource for kids and families.

"My parents live here, they're happy, so I'm happy!" she said.

Would you like your neighbourhood to be part of Food for Thought? Let us know where and why by emailing us at letsgo@cbc.ca.