Questions from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant and responses from the mayoral candidates

This page compiles the questions sent by Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant on September 29, 2025, to the mayoral candidates Dominique Laverdure (Vision Mont-Tremblant) and Pascal De Bellefeuille (Ensemble Mont-Tremblant), as well as their respective written answers. The answers were provided in French and translated into English by our non-profit.

You can scroll down to read the full 14 questions and answers, or use the navigation to click directly to the topic you are interested in.

1. Vision and Urban Development

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: What is your land use planning vision for Mont-Tremblant? Should urbanization and densification of existing cores be prioritized, or should the priority be given to resort development and tourist complexes?



What is the demographic growth plan (in permanent residents) you propose over the next ten years?



Does your development vision require a modification of the urban plan project presented by the Ville in 2025, and if so, what key measures will be implemented to reflect this change?



Finally, what concrete measures will you take to reconcile growth and development with the preservation of the environment and the unique character of Mont-Tremblant?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

The Ville de Mont-Tremblant must deal with diverse realities depending on its sectors: a permanent population, vacationers, and a tourist industry.

We must remember that Mont-Tremblant cannot use traditional development models due to its specificity, as it is the 3rd largest tourist hub in Quebec. We must develop our own model that meets our needs and values.

A complete analysis of the urban plan project, submitted by the current administration, is necessary before its implementation. The signature of Mont-Tremblant, an exceptional place to live, will always be at the heart of decisions.

Response fromDominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

Our vision for Mont-Tremblant is based on harmonious, sustainable, and inclusive development. We favor smart and balanced densification of existing cores while promoting resort development to preserve the unique character of our Ville. The demographic growth plan aims for a controlled increase in permanent residents, consistent with the projections of the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) and the Service de développement économique (SDE) of Mont-Tremblant, while considering the capacity of infrastructures and the environmental sensitivity of the territory.

The revision of the urban plan (Draft Regulation No (2025)-236) integrates key measures such as citizen consultation, protection of natural environments, and adaptation to climate change. This revision will be the subject of a final citizen presentation before its adoption by the new Municipal Council. We are committed to reconciling growth and preservation by:

Conserving at least 40% of the territory protected by 2030, in accordance with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Reducing GHG emissions by 37.5% by 2030.
Implementing the recommendations of the Lakes Committee and the Climate Plan, notably urban planning management around watersheds and bodies of water to better protect our ecosystem.

As soon as we arrived on the council, the urban planning revision was and remains a priority to avoid the arrival of projects like Lago or 150-170 chemin Desmarais. We acquired the Beach and Tennis and Gray Rocks to prevent real estate projects that do not fit with our living environment. The regulations in place, often old, required a complete revision: we focused on urban planning where the environment, watersheds, and lakes are at the heart of decisions.

Development will continue to meet the needs of citizens and businesses, but it will be better supervised, innovative, and creative, to stimulate sustainable initiatives with less impact, which will become a source of pride for everyone.

2. Regulations

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant:



Minor variances: Do you intend to modify the approval process for minor variance requests? Would you be in favor of transparency measures, for example, by obliging the applicant to formally notify neighbors who are affected by the request?



Law 31: In what situations, if any, would you resort to legal tools, such as Draft Law 31?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

With the submission of a new urban plan that addresses new realities, the processes will be reviewed and Ensemble Mont-Tremblant will demonstrate transparency, while respecting the limits imposed by law.

The Order of Urban Planners is not in favor of Law 31, which jeopardizes land use planning schemes and urban planning regulations — the very tools that ensure harmonious development of territories. There are other ways to meet accommodation needs.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

We are in favor of increased transparency in the minor variance process, including the obligation to formally notify concerned neighbors, as part of improving Ville communications. Concerning Law 31, we favor its use in exceptional cases, always with respect for the collective interest. Social acceptability must be at the heart of every project, and regulatory compliance must be respected without seeking to bypass it. In Mont-Tremblant, we want to take the time to do things right, with the support of the population.

We are also initiating a major culture change within the urban planning team: Mont-Tremblant is no longer a country town, but a large Ville that must raise its level of expertise and support to deliver compliant projects that are understood and accepted by all, without complicating processes or creating frustration or unnecessary expenses for citizens.

3. Infrastructure and Development

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: What concrete measures would you take to ensure that our infrastructures (roads, aqueducts, sewers, emergency services) can meet the needs of new real estate projects?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Before responding to new needs, Ensemble Mont-Tremblant will conduct a complete assessment of the status of existing water and sewer infrastructures to ensure their capacity, the relevance, and the feasibility of making modifications.

An analysis of our road network will allow us to understand the challenges related to the future development of our territory.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

Our administration is committed to ensuring that infrastructures (roads, aqueducts, sewers, emergency services) are adapted to new real estate projects through:

A three-year capital expenditure program (2022-2024) to modernize and reinforce public equipment.
Rigorous management of public finances and a proactive search for government grants.
A master plan for the state of infrastructures over 20 to 30 years, to anticipate needs, restore aging installations, and strengthen climate resilience.
A precise plan of the work to be anticipated for upgrading, to properly respond to population growth and be more resilient to climate change.

We have launched a major infrastructure upgrade project downtown, and the same approach will be required in the village. We want a plan that prioritizes continuous maintenance and rigorous financial planning to avoid massive one-time investments.

4. Environment and Lakes

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: Name the three most important measures your administration would implement in the first year to protect our environment and our lakes. How would these initiatives be funded?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Firstly, we must ensure the application of measures already in place, including the good conduct guides established with lake associations, the regulations in force on the territory of the MRC des Laurentides, and the municipal urban planning regulations related to the protection of the environment and the Diable watershed.

Next, the creation of a green fund will help finance projects related to the protection and enhancement of the environment.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

Three priority measures in the first year:

Strengthening the monitoring and protection of lakes and natural environments: Implementation of a water quality monitoring system, increased control of shorelines, and partnerships with scientific organizations for regular analyses.
Implementation of the Climate Plan and the lake protection plan, notably via Chapter 6 of the revision: adoption of new setback margins for constructions near lakes, deployment of shoreline reforestation programs and the fight against invasive species, a goal of reducing GHG emissions by 37.5% by 2030 (sustainable mobility, energy efficiency of municipal buildings), and creation of a dedicated fund for the restoration of wetlands and the preservation of biodiversity.
Promotion of natural heritage preservation trusts: Support for the creation of land trusts to protect sensitive natural environments, funding through eco-taxation (GHG ecotax), government grants, and responsible budget management.

5. Tourism and Quality of Life

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: Do we currently have the right balance between tourism and residents’ quality of life? If not, how do you propose to restore this balance?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Mont-Tremblant has not lived on the forestry or mining industry, but rather on resort and tourism for over a hundred years. Various cycles have shaped today’s reality. Consider the Dufour and Plaza hotels on Lac Tremblant at the very beginning of the 20th century, the farmhouses that became hotels, such as Villa Bellevue, the summer rooms and boarding houses on the region’s many lakes, the hunting and fishing guides of the Wheeler family, and the arrival of the eccentric Joe Ryan who opened the path toward an international destination. This is the destination we know today with the major investments of the 1990s that attracted most of you to come and settle here.

These are major and rapid changes experienced by a local population that has demonstrated agility to adapt and create opportunities to improve their quality of life and create a lasting place for their family. We are now at a crossroads; it is not only the balance between the tourist and the resident that should concern us, but also the combination of the resident and the new reality of resort living.

Mont-Tremblant is transforming, as it did successively in the 1940s, then the 1970s and 1990s… It is together that we will establish the orientation ensuring that our Ville remains a quality living environment, reflecting the Mont-Tremblant patchwork.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

We recognize the importance of restoring the balance between tourism and quality of life. This involves:

Increased consultation with citizens.
Tourism management policies that protect the tranquility and accessibility of residential neighborhoods.
A sustainable mobility plan promoting all types of transport, to reduce traffic, GHGs, and offer accessible options for all.

The use of our facilities by tourists is a challenge: the user/payer model may need to be evaluated (public transport, waste collection). We want our visitors to be respectful of our environment, value the privilege of visiting us, and contribute to reducing their impact.

Economic diversification remains a priority: we must work with all partners to stimulate diversification opportunities, reduce our dependence on the tourism industry, and preserve our environment.

6. Short-Term Rentals

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: Short-term rental platforms (like Airbnb) impact the quality of life of neighbors and the availability of housing. What specific policy would you propose to remedy this (increase, decrease, or stricter enforcement of current regulations)?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Regulations regarding short-term rentals already exist; we must ensure their enforcement and crack down on illegal operators. Hotel accommodations in zones planned for this purpose must be prioritized so as not to affect residential areas and their quality of life.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

We keep the inventory of short-term rentals up to date and propose stricter enforcement of existing regulations, with increased controls and continuous adaptation based on market evolution. Short-term rental meets a need, but it must be regulated to avoid pressure on housing and rents. The Airbnb tax aims to have tourists contribute to the development and protection of the territory, without penalizing owners. Thanks to increased citizen participation and close collaboration with our partners (TMT), we will be able to act diligently against illegal renters.

7. The Future of the Saint-Jovite Sector

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant:



Preservation of character: Can you explain your vision for protecting the character of the community and preventing it from becoming another busy suburb, as has been the case for some cities in the Lower Laurentians?



Single-family sectors: What is your vision for protecting single-family sectors, such as rue de la Colline, rue Anne-Désirée-Godin, and others?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

The Mont-Tremblant Downtown Sector, the region’s main Ville since 1879, must maintain its charm, authenticity, and vitality, considering its mixed vocation: residential, institutional, and commercial. The protection of its architecture, volumes, landscaping, and tree cover requires a revision of its regulations to ensure the longevity of its signature.

Ensemble Mont-Tremblant intends to ensure balanced development of residential neighborhoods, based on the needs of a diverse population, while respecting the urban balance.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

We are committed to preserve the community character of Saint-Jovite, the heart of our Ville and the nerve center for services. It is a strategic location for the development of accessible housing for families and workers, but this must be done with sensitivity and social acceptability. We favor social and housing type diversity, including decommodification, to allow everyone to flourish in a safe, healthy, and culturally rich environment.

We want to strengthen the commercial offerings on the main street, develop animation and the Mont-Tremblant signature, implement an architectural guide based on our historic buildings, and establish a regulation to preserve our built heritage. Diversifying our economy will attract young entrepreneurs looking for quality of life.

8. Old Village Project

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: Over the past 10 years, the Ville has presented different projects for the Old Village and hired several consultants. What is your vision for the future of the Old Village and what is your plan for implementing it?



Do you commit to holding a public consultation before making a final decision?



How will you manage the issue of transparency regarding the partners the Ville chooses to carry out this project?



Are you in favor of combining the concepts of (i) cooperatives, (ii) affordable housing, and (iii) the densification of the Old Village without a feasibility study or social acceptability study? In your opinion, are we truly meeting the needs of this community?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Ensemble Mont-Tremblant intends to review all public consultations and reports already submitted to citizens to re-establish a revitalization project that meets citizen expectations, both for the development of public areas, the enhancement and protection of the shores of Lac Mercier, community and cultural animation, and complementary commercial offerings to existing services, all in partnership with the population.

Our team understands the need for housing and will look into this matter, but with the perspective that excessive densification is not a solution.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

Our vision for the Old Village is based on reasoned densification, the development of non-market and affordable housing, and commercial revitalization. A public consultation will be held before any final decision, and transparency will be ensured in the choice of partners.

We want to transform the sector into a vibrant and welcoming place, with projects to attract families (COOP), energize businesses year-round, and convert Félix Calvé into a cultural community center. An analysis and synthesis of everything done to date will clarify and solidify a long-term vision, adapted to the profile of our citizens, while preserving resort areas and densifying urban centers.

Connectivity between all centers in active mobility will enhance the unique character of the village sector through the master plan for trails.

9. Beach and Tennis Club Project (B&T)

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: Following the acquisition of the B&T, what is your vision for this emblematic site and what is your implementation plan?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

In light of the Ville’s acquisitions of Gray Rocks Mountain, the Bowling Center, and the Beach & Tennis Club, a reflection is needed on possible and necessary uses and investments. A table of sages will be created for recommendations on this subject.

Let’s remember that the acquisition of the Beach & Tennis Club was intended to protect and enhance this exceptional site, the south bay of Lac Tremblant. Historically, it has hosted summer activities such as tennis and water sports, and this aspect will be an important element of the reflection for its future vocation.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

We envision an emblematic project, open to the community, focused on the preservation of the site and equitable access to facilities. A vision development committee will be established in the fall. The goal is to renovate without distorting, protect the lake, and offer a convivial and emblematic space where all citizens can enjoy the pleasures of the water while respecting the environment.

10. Equity of Public Services

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: What concrete measures would you take to ensure that the needs of neighborhoods like Saint-Jovite, the Old Village, and rural areas are equitably represented on the municipal council?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

The Ville is divided into 8 districts with different realities, each represented by a councillor. Ensemble Mont-Tremblant has ensured it has candidates whose priority is to represent the population of each district and to be attentive to their specific concerns, from a short, medium, and long-term perspective.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

We firmly believe that all neighborhoods — Downtown, the Old Village, and surrounding rural areas — must be equitably represented. Our parks, roads, and infrastructures belong to everyone. We will invest according to real priorities and will establish local advisory committees to ensure a voice for every sector.

We have also started a major project with Tremblant, an important hub for our destination, to review the services offered by the Ville and by Tremblant, better align our objectives, and guarantee citizens’ access to the mountain while managing the tourist impact.

11. Safety/Security

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: The Ville de Mont-Tremblant stated in its 2024 annual report that the transfer of its police services to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) would save $10 million over five years. In your opinion, has this decision strengthened or weakened the police services offered to citizens? What measures would you take to improve public security and proximity with the community?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Ensemble Mont-Tremblant intends to ensure that the population’s expectations regarding security are met. If this is not the case, measures and actions will be taken to respond to the expressed needs.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

The transfer of police services to the Sûreté du Québec has resulted in savings, but we remain vigilant. Quarterly meetings with the SQ ensure the follow-up of agreements and allow services to be adapted to tourist evolution. We are working to strengthen security throughout the territory, for both citizens and visitors. The continuity of a community police presence strengthens our on-the-ground knowledge and allows us to act proactively.

After a few years of this change, it will be time to conduct a comparative analysis, a situation review, and a survey of the population, in order to adjust our performance indicators and our services based on visitor traffic and profile.

12. Community Support

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: Beyond tourism, what is your plan to strengthen community institutions (schools, libraries, recreational programs) and make Mont-Tremblant a place where families thrive?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

The Ensemble Mont-Tremblant team is close to the community and concerned with meeting its needs, and intends to continue its attentive listening to local organizations to help them in their respective missions.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

Beyond tourism, we are strengthening community institutions. The health campus is a concrete example, and we are continuing efforts to integrate a hospital center there. The cégep is a great success, and we are aiming for a university offering on the territory. We want human-scale services that are on par with the largest institutions, in partnership with governments, to make Mont-Tremblant a model Ville.

Our sports facilities are excellent. We will now focus our efforts on cultural, community, and artistic facilities. It is essential to create places for exchange, break isolation, and offer leisure, sports, and cultural activities to citizens.

We will pursue the development of community centers, a cultural hub at Félix Calvé, a recreational hub Downtown, and sports spaces at Gray Rocks and elsewhere. We want to see our citizens happy, healthy, and safe, with opportunities for socialization and enrichment.

We will continue to work with the provincial government and private projects to diversify the school offering, develop a private college, a university campus, and pursue the growth of the cégep. We will continue to push for more daycare spots and invest in our current educational institutions.

13. Legal Proceedings

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant: The Ville indicated in its 2024 annual report that it was facing lawsuits totaling $200,641,122. Half of this amount is related to the LAGO project on Lac Tremblant. How do you propose to minimize risks for citizens, and, furthermore, do you intend to increase the Ville’s insurance coverage?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Since we are not yet in power, we do not have access to any of these files, nor to the insurance file. It is obvious that they will be analyzed upon our arrival, and we will act accordingly.

Réponse de Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

We will implement proactive management of legal risks, with a review of insurance coverage and transparent communication. We want to avoid the accumulation of files, act quickly, and defend the Ville’s rights with rigor and fairness.

We are banking on new internal expertise, a dedicated lawyer, and a change in culture: tackling files head-on, limiting expenses, and quickly settling through a fair, frank, and honest dialogue.

14. Ethics and Conflict of Interest

Question from Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant:



Proactive measures: What concrete measures would you put in place before taking office to eliminate a real or perceived conflict of interest?



Conflict management and decision-making:In the event of a real or perceived conflict of interest during your mandate, what specific protocol will you put in place to ensure total transparency and how will you ensure that the municipal council’s decision-making is not impeded?

Response from Pascal De Bellefeuille

(Ensemble Mont-Tremblant)

Before taking office, we have no power. Measures and procedures already exist to avoid real and apparent conflicts of interest; we will ensure we respect them.

Response from Dominique Laverdure

(Vision Mont-Tremblant)

Respect for the rules is fundamental. Any conflict of interest must be declared, and the concerned individuals withdrawn from discussions. A clear protocol will be implemented to ensure transparency and preserve the integrity of the decision-making process. The obligation to follow ethics training as an elected official, clear rules in case of obstruction for the elected officials concerned, and a team chosen for integrity and community rootedness.

The organizational climate reflects these values: respect, rigor, and listening are now a benchmark for other cities and municipalities.

Over the past few years, the new council members have influenced new habits. The incoming members will allow this evolution to continue. We will update the declarations of pecuniary interests of elected officials and members of Ville organizations in real time, and reinforce verification in the lobbyists’ registry.

Click here to view an analysis of the platforms.