Projet Montréal selects Cathy Wong to replace Luc Rabouin in the Plateau
Projet Montréal has picked former city councillor Cathy Wong to defend one of its most symbolic strongholds — the Plateau–Mont-Royal — as current borough mayor Luc Rabouin sets his sights on the mayoralty of Montreal.
In an interview with The Gazette, Wong said she wants to build on Rabouin's legacy and continue efforts to increase inclusion and accessibility across the borough.
'I feel thrilled, really, really thrilled,' she said. 'In 2021, when I decided to step away from politics, I did so to focus on my children. And, today, I'm coming back in a certain way for them — to build a more inclusive, greener, more accessible and human city.'
Wong, who served from 2017 to 2021 as councillor for Peter-McGill, said the issues that are important to her are housing, mobility and accessibility — but through a lens of inclusivity.
'I strongly believe that everything Projet Montréal did here on the Plateau are extremely important measures for a greener, more inclusive city,' she said. 'My vision is really to make the Plateau more accessible and more inclusive.'
Wong pushed back on criticism the borough's pedestrian-first approach is too aggressive.
'I wouldn't call it car bans,' she said, explaining it allows residents to walk and 'enjoy the city differently.'
But at the same time, she acknowledged the challenges in execution of public policies: 'I think there are a lot of things we can do better. The Plateau has done amazing work in acquiring new lands but, today, we need to make them come true. We need to build them. We need to work with other governmental partners.'
On housing, Wong listed three priorities: tenant protections, support for community groups and scaling up affordable housing.
She also addressed tensions over the borough's noise policy, which has divided residents and venue owners.
'When it comes to noise in Montreal, it is hard to reach unanimous consensus … but I believe it is possible to find common ground,' she said.
When asked about accessibility, Wong cited the borough's universal accessibility plan as a major step forward.
'Our challenge will be to implement it and to make sure our budget walks the talk.'
And despite a shifting political landscape, she said her values remain firmly aligned with the party.
'I feel 100 per cent aligned with the party … I stand by every decision that was taken by our party.'
About Cathy Wong on her LinkedIn
Former city councillor for Peter-McGill (2017–2021).
Chaired Montreal's municipal council.
Served on the executive committee handling diversity, inclusion, language and anti-racism.
Currently vice-president of Equity and Inclusion at Telefilm Canada.
Former columnist for Le Devoir and Radio-Canada.
Speaks fluent English, French and Chinese.
Studied political science and international development at McGill and law at UQAM.
This story was originally published June 21, 2025 at 2:11 PM.
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Projet Montréal selects Cathy Wong to replace Luc Rabouin in the Plateau
Projet Montréal has picked former city councillor Cathy Wong to defend one of its most symbolic strongholds — the Plateau–Mont-Royal — as current borough mayor Luc Rabouin sets his sights on the mayoralty of Montreal. In an interview with The Gazette, Wong said she wants to build on Rabouin's legacy and continue efforts to increase inclusion and accessibility across the borough. 'I feel thrilled, really, really thrilled,' she said. 'In 2021, when I decided to step away from politics, I did so to focus on my children. And, today, I'm coming back in a certain way for them — to build a more inclusive, greener, more accessible and human city.' Wong, who served from 2017 to 2021 as councillor for Peter-McGill, said the issues that are important to her are housing, mobility and accessibility — but through a lens of inclusivity. 'I strongly believe that everything Projet Montréal did here on the Plateau are extremely important measures for a greener, more inclusive city,' she said. 'My vision is really to make the Plateau more accessible and more inclusive.' Wong pushed back on criticism the borough's pedestrian-first approach is too aggressive. 'I wouldn't call it car bans,' she said, explaining it allows residents to walk and 'enjoy the city differently.' But at the same time, she acknowledged the challenges in execution of public policies: 'I think there are a lot of things we can do better. The Plateau has done amazing work in acquiring new lands but, today, we need to make them come true. We need to build them. We need to work with other governmental partners.' On housing, Wong listed three priorities: tenant protections, support for community groups and scaling up affordable housing. She also addressed tensions over the borough's noise policy, which has divided residents and venue owners. 'When it comes to noise in Montreal, it is hard to reach unanimous consensus … but I believe it is possible to find common ground,' she said. When asked about accessibility, Wong cited the borough's universal accessibility plan as a major step forward. 'Our challenge will be to implement it and to make sure our budget walks the talk.' And despite a shifting political landscape, she said her values remain firmly aligned with the party. 'I feel 100 per cent aligned with the party … I stand by every decision that was taken by our party.' About Cathy Wong on her LinkedIn Former city councillor for Peter-McGill (2017–2021). Chaired Montreal's municipal council. Served on the executive committee handling diversity, inclusion, language and anti-racism. Currently vice-president of Equity and Inclusion at Telefilm Canada. Former columnist for Le Devoir and Radio-Canada. Speaks fluent English, French and Chinese. Studied political science and international development at McGill and law at UQAM. This story was originally published June 21, 2025 at 2:11 PM.
