English Mayoral Debate at Bishop’s Highlights Key Issues for Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke, October 23, 2025  – Three of Sherbrooke’s four mayoral candidates faced off Thursday night at Bishop’s University in Lennoxville at The Gait for the 2025 Sherbrooke English Mayoral Debate, broadcast live on CJMQ 88.9 FM. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Raïs Kibonge, and Vincent Boutin shared their priorities on housing, mobility, and bilingual services. Guillaume Brien was absent.

Housing dominated early discussion. With a vacancy rate near 1.4 percent, all agreed the shortage is critical.

• Bibeau promised faster permit approvals and investment in infrastructure, including Sherbrooke’s water-treatment plant that’s limiting new development.
• Kibonge said the city should act as a financial guarantor for affordable-housing projects and increase social-housing funds to $12 million.
• Boutin proposed milestone-based funding to help smaller builders finish projects sooner.

On mobility, the controversial Queen Street bike-lane project in Lennoxville drew attention.

• Bibeau vowed to reopen public consultations.
• Kibonge focused on safety and better network connectivity.
• Boutin called for public involvement at the start of every project.

Transit ideas included a half-price youth bus pass and free STS passes for Bishop’s and Champlain students.

All three candidates said they would keep property-tax increases near three percent and improve communication between City Hall and residents.

Asked about the English-speaking community, all supported maintaining Sherbrooke’s bilingual status.

• Kibonge suggested adding translators at council meetings.
• Bibeau said she would prioritize key English communications.
• Boutin promised more consistent service in borough offices.

Sherbrooke votes Sunday, November 2.