Beaconsfield is heading into a pivotal municipal election.
And with it comes a big question: what kind of city do residents want to build next?
In this episode of the Broady Windsor Group Podcast, host Scott Broady sits down with Martin St-Jean, a longtime resident, lawyer, and current city councillor running for mayor.
The conversation goes deep on the issues that matter most — housing, communication, and how to balance growth with the Beaconsfield way of life.
From the Classroom to City Hall
Before politics, Martin was a teacher — then a lawyer specializing in municipal law, ethics, and governance.
He worked on the Charbonneau Commission and later served as Director of Legal Services and City Clerk for Westmount.
That background, he says, shapes how he views local government:
clear rules, transparent decisions, and accountability that residents can actually see.
“I’m not coming in to start a revolution,” Martin explains.
“What Beaconsfield needs is evolution — steady, thoughtful progress that reflects our community.”
Making “Densification” Make Sense
Few topics trigger as much debate as housing density.
To some, it means high-rises.
To others, it’s about giving seniors and young families options to stay in Beaconsfield.
Martin’s view is simple: right place, right pace, right type.
He points to areas like Beaurepaire Village and the Beaconsfield Shopping Centre corridor as logical sites for gentle, mixed-use projects.
These areas could bring in low-rise apartments or condos above shops — without changing the feel of single-family neighborhoods.
He emphasizes that “gentle density” isn’t about more towers; it’s about balance.
Transparency Starts with Communication
Martin wants residents to understand not just what council decides, but how decisions are made.
Too often, he says, people hear about projects or contracts at the final vote — not during the discussions that led there.
His proposal:
- Publish succinct caucus summaries that show what topics were discussed, next steps, and who’s responsible.
- Share context on big spending decisions, explaining what’s being done, where, and why.
“Residents don’t mind paying taxes if they know what they’re getting,” he says.
“It’s about trust — and trust starts with clear information.”
Lessons from the Adamas and Elm Plaza Projects
Two development cases — Adamas and Elm Plaza — reveal what works and what doesn’t.
Adamas stalled for years after financing problems, while Elm Plaza was withdrawn after public opposition.
For Martin, both point to the same solution: communicate early.
“If you want buy-in, residents need to be part of the process from day one,” he says.
“It’s not about forcing a plan through — it’s about adapting the project to the community.”
Fixing the Permit Process
Homeowners who’ve tried to renovate know how complicated the approval process can be.
Martin agrees it’s frustrating — but explains that much of it comes down to subjective design review.
A citizen committee evaluates whether a project fits its street and neighborhood.
He supports keeping that system but wants clearer guidelines so people know what to expect — and can get faster answers, even if it’s a “no.”
Taking on the Agglomeration
Beaconsfield’s ongoing lawsuit against Montreal over agglomeration tax calculations remains a key issue.
Martin supports continuing the legal fight, calling the current formula “unfair and undemocratic.”
He also believes demerged municipalities should form a united front to press the Quebec government for a fairer governance model — one that gives suburban cities a real voice.
Patience, Progress, and Participation
Change takes time.
From budgets to construction timelines, city projects rarely move fast — and that’s okay, Martin says.
What matters is that residents understand the process and see consistent progress.
He closes with one message: vote.
With a new mayor guaranteed and multiple council seats open, this election is a turning point for Beaconsfield.
Learn More or Get Involved
📅 Election Day: Sunday, November 2
📞 Contact Martin St-Jean: (514) 791-6674
📧 Email: martin@mst-jean.ca
🌐 Website: mst-jean.ca/en/contact-me
📘 Facebook: Beaconsfield.Mayor.2025
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