In an open letter co-signed by independent Vaudreuil-Dorion councillors Diane Morin, Karine Lechasseur and Jasmine Sharma, the elected representatives invite citizens to attend the next council meetings on September 18 and October 2.

Here's the full letter

Dear Fellow Residents of Vaudreuil-Dorion,

We are writing to you in the hope that you will join us at our upcoming city council meetings to ensure that democracy, transparency and civic engagement — the very threads of our social fabric — continue to be respected and upheld in our community.

At recent sittings of the Vaudreuil-Dorion council, it has become clear that there is a pressing need to make our local government more democratic and transparent. As independent councillors, we are committed to working closely with you, our fellow residents, to effect meaningful change.

Together, we can improve the way our municipality is run. We believe that every voice matters and every opinion has value. That is why we are extending this invitation to you, whatever your political leanings, to attend our council meetings.

Following are just a few of the reasons why having members of the public at these meetings is important:

1. Strengthening local democracy: Your active participation in city council meetings is vital to keeping our local democracy healthy. By sharing your points of view, asking questions and contributing to the decision-making process, you will be ensuring that our community is being listened to and heard.

2. Increasing transparency: We are determined to make the council’s decision-making process as transparent as possible. By being there for the meetings, you can follow the debates and proceedings closely and become more familiar with, and confident in, how our local government works.

3. Supporting a change in culture: We are doing our utmost to drive change in the culture of our city council in order to make it more open and more responsive to the people who call Vaudreuil-Dorion home. Your presence will show that you believe in these efforts and want to see an elected body that is more inclusive and receptive.

4. Making your voice heard: Every resident has their concerns, ideas and thoughts about where our city is and where it’s going. Council meetings are a unique opportunity to express these views, help shape local policy and do your part to build a stronger community.

We encourage you to put the next two council meetings— September 18 and October 2 — in your calendar. (For a full list of public meetings, go to https://www.ville.vaudreuil-dorion.qc.ca/en/the-city/city-hall/public-meetings).

Your involvement is essential to making our council more democratic, more accountable and more answerable to the people it is intended to serve.

Together, we can make a real difference and create a community where everyone feels respected and represented. We look forward to seeing you in the council chambers and working with you to forge an even brighter future for Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Respectfully,

Your independent city councillors

Diane Morin, City Councillor, District 5 – Des Chenaux

Karine Lechasseur, City Councillor, District 4 – De la Seigneurie

Jasmine Sharma, City Councillor, District 3 – Des Bâtisseurs