A longtime municipal leader in Argenteuil will not be seeking reelection later this year.
In a recent newsletter to residents, Gore Mayor Scott Pearce announced he will not be seeking another term when the municipal election is held on November 2, 2025.
Pearce, 58, entered municipal politics 20 years ago. He has served six terms as Prefect of the Municipalité régionale de comté (MRC) d’Argenteuil. From 2023 to 2024, he was President of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities (FCM), the largest organization representing municipal governments across Canada. Pearce had served on the FCM board of directors since 2009.
Pearce told Gore residents he would like to take some time to travel and enjoy the outdoors.
“My goals are to catch at least one lake trout in each of the great lakes in the summers and to hide my feet in the warm sands of the south in the winters,” Pearce said.
He explained that he asked Gore Councillor Alain Giroux, who also serves as pro-mayor, if he was interested in running for mayor, and Giroux has agreed.
“Alain has been a dedicated pro-mayor and excellent representative for Gore in the region for the past 12 years and I have no doubt that he will continue to protect our core Gore values that every citizen is equal in importance and that we can disagree without being disagreeable,” Pearce said.
He has also pledged to support all incumbent councillors who may seek re-election in November.
Under Pearce’s leadership, environmental conservation has been a significant component of decision-making, especially where development is involved.
“That environmental protection of our lakes, streams and wetlands must be at the heart of all urbanism decisions.”
Pearce is thankful for the dedicated support of council, municipal staff, and community volunteers. He is particularly proud of emphasis on history and outdoor recreation that have resulted from council decisions in Gore. Those include the acquisition of the former Anglican church in Lakefield, the development of trails, and the park at Lac Beattie.
“Our town is known for its trails and community parks and of course, for having one of the best nature parks in Québec,” Pearce remarked.
Scott Pearce is planning to maintain his connections to municipal government as a consultant to local governments, but not in an elected capacity.
