Around twenty mayors representing municipalities in the Laurentides and Lanaudière regions north of Montreal issued a joint appeal on Monday, urging the Quebec provincial government to increase public‑transit funding and to rebalance service levels across the area. The request was made public at 11:24 a.m. Eastern time on 24 August 2026, as the provincial election campaign entered its early stages.
The mayors argue that recent rapid population growth in both the Laurentides and Lanaudière has altered the demand for transit services, creating gaps between existing routes and the needs of new residents. They contend that current funding allocations no longer match the scale of travel required for commuting, schooling and access to services in these fast‑expanding communities.
In their statement, the group of municipal leaders called for a provincial commitment to raise the overall budget for public transportation and to adjust the distribution of resources so that routes can be expanded or modified where demand is highest. They emphasized that a more balanced transit network would support economic development and improve quality of life for residents throughout the north of Montreal.
Provincial officials have acknowledged the demographic trends in the Laurentides and Lanaudière, noting that the regions have experienced strong increases in population over recent years. While no specific funding figures were disclosed, the provincial government is expected to address the issue as part of its broader platform during the upcoming election cycle.
The mayors’ appeal arrives at a time when transportation infrastructure is a prominent topic in the provincial campaign, with multiple parties promising investments in transit and sustainable mobility. By highlighting the specific challenges faced by the north of Montreal, the municipal leaders aim to ensure that any future funding decisions consider the unique growth patterns of their communities.
The coalition of mayors will continue to engage with provincial authorities and monitor the development of the election platform, seeking concrete commitments that reflect the evolving transit needs of the Laurentides and Lanaudière regions.