By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Vincent Boutin, former city councillor and current director of La Grande Table, officially declared his candidacy for mayor of Sherbrooke in the November 2025 municipal elections. Aiming to bring pragmatic leadership and collaboration to the city, Boutin emphasized his deep ties to Sherbrooke, his management experience, and his knowledge of local challenges.
“I think I’m the right person for the job,” Boutin said in an interview with The Record. “Sherbrooke needs leadership that is pragmatic and realistic, based on concrete ideas and achievable solutions.”
Boutin served as a city councillor for eight years before taking on the role at La Grande Table, where he managed strategic planning and inspired employees to work toward shared goals. He sees this background as a key strength for leading the city. “My experience with management and working with public servants will be an asset,” he explained.
A vision for Sherbrooke
Boutin’s campaign is centred on three priorities: ecological transition, improved city management, and fostering strong community connections. He plans to leverage Sherbrooke’s strategic plan for 2024–2030, a roadmap developed collaboratively by city officials and elected representatives. “This plan gives us a solid, non-partisan foundation,” he stated. “We need to implement it effectively, working together to achieve maximum impact.”
On the ecological front, Boutin advocates for responsible urban planning and climate action. He also stressed the importance of maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure rather than expanding unnecessarily. “We have to manage the city’s resources responsibly, but always with humanity,” he added.
Boutin highlighted the need to build trust and collaboration between elected officials, city staff, and residents. “It’s not just about collaboration; it’s about connection. This means creating confidence between individuals,” he said. “Many residents feel a distance from the city. We need to bridge that gap.”