The relationship between Westmount and the city of Montreal has never been close but there are signs that icy relationship is thawing.
Montreal mayor Denis Coderre was the special guest Wednesday at an event in Westmount.
"They let me in, I didn't need my passport," joked Coderre, who greeted warmly as the first mayor of Montreal to address the Westmount Municipal Association.
The president of the Westmount Municipal Association extended the invitation after observing that Westmount's mayor, Peter Trent, and Coderre had frequently worked together in other political matters.
"The relations between Westmount and the city centre have always been cold," said Starr. "With a new mayor in Montreal and with a new plan I thought it was suitable for him to be here to talk about his plans for growing Montreal."
Coderre and Trent both want people living on the island of Montreal to work together, and point out they have many looming battles where it will be better to work together.
"We have a lot of things in common, we have a lot of things to work together. Not only about the pension plan and how to manage the city but my friend Peter and I have the same vision on Canada Post," said Coderre, pointing out that both mayors oppose the Crown corporation's idea to eliminate home delivery and install community boxes, likely on every street.
"Rather than saying we're separate, we're all in it together," said Trent. "As a region grows we have to build a sense of region not just the island of Montreal."
For the people who came to the event the co-operation is a refreshing change of tone.
"I think by Denis Coderre coming to Westmount it really moves the process forward and make us feel more a part of Montreal," said Elizabeth McCallum.
Coderre says that is exactly what he wants.
"It's not about Westmount vs. Montreal. It's how can we make this metropolis shine again."
