Would a merged opposition have a shot at taking on Denis Coderre?
Until now, Montreal's populist mayor has faced little opposition at city hall. That could be about to change
It's still 13 months away, but Montreal's opposition parties are already preparing for the challenge of taking on Denis Coderre in the next municipal election.
A merger between Projet Montréal and Vrai Changement wouldn't shift the balance of power at city hall, but it would mean a united front against Denis Coderre in November 2017.
Projet Montréal has been without a leader since its founder, Richard Bergeron, joined the city's executive committee in 2014, while the founder of Vrai Changement, Mélanie Joly, jumped to the federal Liberals after the municipal vote.
Both sides have confirmed talks are underway, and Ricochet Media reported earlier this week that a merger could be imminent.
Broadening Projet's appeal
While Vrai Changement is considerably smaller than Projet Montréal both in terms of members and number of seats, joining forces with the third party would broaden Projet Montréal's reach.
Despite having its strongest showing in the last election, Projet Montréal remains largely concentrated in urban areas such as the Plateau–Mont-Royal and Rosemont, where its focus on public transit and urban planning resonates with residents.
The leadership race has so far generated little interest, with councillors François Limoges and Valérie Plante among those declaring their intention to run.
Neither is well known.
Montreal's municipal elections tend to centre around the party leader, and Denis Coderre is a high-profile and popular figure.
'People vote for the devil they know'
Jimmy Zoubris, a longtime Projet Montréal member, acknowledged the party faces an uphill battle.
"One of the reasons we're having the race a year [before the vote] is we think the leader could use the time to meet with groups in the community," he said in an interview.
"Sometimes people vote for the devil they know."
Since his election in 2013, Coderre has launched a number of well-received initiatives — including a plan to reinvigorate the downtown, make things easier for businesses and install a permanent anti-corruption czar.
One of his greatest strengths has been Coderre's unbending optimism in his work as an ambassador for the city, whether it be in trying to bring back the Expos or in making connections in China.
"Be proud. Be proud because Montreal is back, and we are witnessing that we are relevant again," Coderre told CBC Montreal's Daybreak after a year in power.
Coderre has also brought political opponents into the fold: Bergeron, as well as Coalition Montréal's Réal Ménard, Russell Copeman and Elsie Lefebvre.
His predecessors didn't set the bar high.
Two mayors in two years, Gérald Tremblay and Michael Applebaum, stepped down amid allegations of corruption before Laurent Blanchard briefly took over as interim mayor.
Lately, though, Coderre's penchant for acting quickly and decisively has gotten him into trouble — most recently with the pit bull bylaw, which could be in the courts for months after a legal challenge from the SPCA.
His ambitious plans for the 375th anniversary have also been hampered by delays and cost overruns.
"He promised a lot of things. I think he got off to a flying start, we have to give him that," Zoubris said.
"But you're looking at things now, and city hall is basically Coderre and the opposition."
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