Polls have closed in municipal elections held across most of Quebec’s approximately 1,100 municipalities.

In Montreal, residents have cast their ballots to select a new mayor following Valérie Plante’s decision not to seek a third term.

Recent surveys suggest Soraya Martinez Ferrada — a former federal Liberal cabinet minister and current leader of the centrist Ensemble Montréal — is the frontrunner in the race.

She has portrayed herself as the candidate of change and giving herself four years to solve the problem of homeless encampments. She has also said she wants to conduct an audit of bike paths and ramp up police presence on the Metro and in neighbourhoods.

Luc Rabouin, who leads Projet Montréal and currently serves as mayor of one of the city’s 19 boroughs, is also vying for the p

See Full Page