Sherbrooke Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau on Thursday urged the incoming Quebec government to place public transit, infrastructure upgrades and a coordinated homelessness strategy at the top of its agenda. Speaking ahead of the provincial election, Bibeau outlined three priority areas she believes will shape the city’s future and improve quality of life for residents.
In her remarks, the mayor emphasized that reliable, expanded transit options are essential for connecting neighborhoods, reducing traffic congestion and supporting economic activity. She called for increased funding to modernize existing bus routes, introduce new services and integrate fare systems across the region. Bibeau argued that a stronger transit network would also help reduce the city’s carbon footprint and make commuting more affordable for low‑income households.
Infrastructure was the second pillar of her proposal. Bibeau highlighted the need for systematic repairs to roads, bridges and water systems that have been delayed by budget constraints. She urged the next administration to allocate resources for long‑term maintenance plans, improve drainage to mitigate flood risks and invest in smart‑city technologies that can enhance service delivery. The mayor stressed that such investments would create jobs and stimulate local businesses.
The final focus was on homelessness. Bibeau called for a comprehensive approach that combines emergency shelter expansion, affordable housing development and support services such as mental‑health care and job training. She noted that a coordinated provincial strategy would enable municipalities like Sherbrooke to address the root causes of homelessness rather than relying on short‑term fixes.
Bibeau’s priorities were presented as a roadmap for the upcoming government, with the expectation that a clear provincial mandate could accelerate progress on these critical issues. The mayor concluded by urging provincial leaders to engage directly with municipal officials to ensure that policy decisions reflect the on‑the‑ground realities of Quebec’s cities.