The City of Pointe-Claire organized a celebration of life event on Saturday, July 5, 2025, to honour the life and legacy of former Pointe-Claire mayor William ‘Bill’ McMurchie. The intimate ceremony, held at the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre, brought together his family and friends from across the country.
Several former Pointe-Claire mayors and colleagues of Mr. McMurchie were also in attendance, notably Mr. Morris Trudeau, who served as mayor from 2013 to 2017, Mr. John Belvedere, who served as mayor from 2017 to 2021, and Mr. Paul Bissonnette, a long-time City Council member.
Current mayor, Mr. Tim Thomas, announced during the ceremony that the iconic pier located in Alexandre-Bourgeau Park would be named the William ‘Bill’ McMurchie Pier, once made official in 2026. This symbolic gesture commemorates his commitment to protecting Pointe-Claire’s shorelines and natural waterfronts.
A public event to honour Mr. McMurchie and the naming of the pier will be held next year, once the naming is formalized by the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
A Dedicated Husband, Father and Civil Servant
Family members and former colleagues remember Mr. McMurchie as a kind and dedicated man, always willing to go the extra mile to make his family happy and his fellow citizens proud.
He devoted nearly 57 years of his life to serving Pointe-Claire. He served as a City Councillor from 1990 to 1998 before being elected mayor from 1998 to 2001.
He was then borough mayor from 2001 to 2005 during the municipal mergers with the City of Montréal, and once again mayor of Pointe-Claire from 2005 to 2013, becoming one of the longest- serving elected officials in the West Island of Montréal.
Under his leadership, the City achieved significant progress in environmental, social, and cultural sectors. Among his accomplishments were the reduction of speed limits throughout the City, the regulation of wood-burning fireplace emissions, the opening the West Island’s first Ecocentre, spearheading Pointe-Claire’s demerger from the City of Montréal and advocating for the commemoration of Olive Urquhart, Pointe-Claire’s first female mayor.
He was also a devoted protector of the shorelines and waterfronts of Pointe-Claire. By investing in the acquisition and protection of these delicate ecosystems, he has ensured that today’s citizens and future generations can enjoy public spaces overlooking Lake Saint-Louis.
The City of Pointe-Claire once again extends its deepest condolences to Mr. McMurchie’s family and loved ones. We are profoundly grateful for all that he accomplished and will always remember his unwavering dedication to our community.
article and photo provided by City of Pointe-Claire
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