Montreal elections 2017: Mayor Denis Coderre reflects on last four years

Montreal mayor Denis Coderre is looking for re-election as November’s municipal elections approach.

Coderre joined Global’s Jamie Orchard to discuss his attempts to change Montreal  during his first term.

“We are not talking about corruption anymore,” said Coderre.

“We have integrity, we’re very fiscally responsible, the team did a tremendous job and now people are happy.”

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Coderre is looking for a second term in municipal politics after spending 16 years as a member of parliament.

READ MORE: Meet Projet Montréal mayoral candidate Valérie Plante

His opponent, Projet Montréal’s Valérie Plante told Global News in an interview that after four years of Coderre, “it was time for somebody with a vision.”

The mayor argued that’s exactly what he did.

“We put Montreal on the map, we’re making sure that we bring back wealth,” said Coderre.

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“We are relevant with Quebec, we have a new metropolis status, which is enormous.”

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Montreal was granted the status by Quebec on Sept. 21.

READ MORE: Montreal granted special metropolis status

The city now has increased autonomy; it can develop major commercial and residential projects,  provide some business tax credits and has a bigger role in welcoming new immigrants to the province.

WATCH BELOW: Denis Coderre extended interview

4:56 Montreal elections 2017: Denis Coderre

• Montreal elections 2017: Denis Coderre
• Montreal elections 2017: Incumbent mayor Denis Coderre

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What about traffic construction?

READ MORE: New Champlain Bridge forces road closures on Nuns’ Island

Both the Turcot Interchange and Champlain Bridge projects  are ongoing.

“We’ve been transparent since Day One,” Coderre said.

“We’ve let down our infrastructure for over 30 years, it’s short-term pain for long-term gain.”

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The new structures should  be ready by 2020, a development Coderre said he envisioned.

READ MORE: ‘It’s gonna be hell’: Montreal drivers react to new traffic patterns during Turcot work

As a lifetime politician, the mayor said he is expecting a tight race.

“An election is never sure,” admitted Coderre.

“You never take things for granted, and I respect that.”

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Municipal elections throughout the province are set to take place Nov. 5.