The opposition party at City Hall is now named Movement Montreal.

The party was originally named after Denis Coderre, but since his bid for re-election failed the party needed a new name.

Interim leader Lionel Perez was surrounded by the two dozen elected councillors as he announced the appellation.

He said the party is looking toward building a bigger and better city.

"We wanted a name that represented our core values, and our core value is to move forward Montreal, and to be able to do so in such a way that we're going to concert with all the different intervenors, all the different stakeholders of Montreal," said Perez.

Councillors said they feel they have done a good job in moving from a position of power to being in opposition.

“We want to be a party that is open: open to diversity, open to different points of views. And the consensus was that Movement Montreal really represented those values,” he said.

Movement Montreal city councillor Mary Deros said it’s a fresh start for the party.

“We have to move forward. Mr. Coderre is no longer there and we want to bring out a freshness, and also tell people that we're still going to be there and working with them for the betterment of Montreal. So I think the name says it all,” she said.

“I think the name is an exciting name,” added Movement Montreal city councillor Alan DeSousa. “It's a name that is geared toward the future and it's inclusive because it invites people to jump in and get on board.”

Animal bylaw remains divisive

On Monday they pressed Mayor Valerie Plante's party about the proposed changes to the animal control bylaw and Projet Montreal's lack of diversity.

“We were asking questions on substance. We were holding the administration accountable in a constructive way in a responsible way,” said Perez.

Perez said the party holds firm on its position against pit bull-type dogs.

“It's one that will render the security of the population more tenuous. Starting December 20 the population will be more at risk,” he said.

Craig Sauvé, the city councillor in charge of the file for Projet Montreal, disagrees.

“For the time being, Montreal is no longer a breed specific anti pit bull city. It's a city that now is putting forward the most progressive and secure bylaws and have a global approach,” he said.

As for the name change, Sauvé approves: “Oh I think it's all right. They had to get rid of the previous name.”