Inauguration of the William-Bill-McMurchie Pier at Edgewater Park

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Pointe-Claire Mayor John Belvedere and members of the City Council, in the presence of the McMurchie family, held the inauguration ceremony for the renaming of the pier in Edgewater Park as the William-Bill-McMurchie Pier, in honour of the late former mayor of Pointe-Claire William ‘Bill’ McMurchie.

The ceremony was held in the presence of former municipal councillors who had worked alongside Mr. McMurchie, former mayor of the City of Pointe-Claire Mr. Morris Trudeau, former member of the Quebec National Assembly Mr. Clifford Lincoln, and former mayor of the Town of Baie-D'Urfé Mrs. Maria Tutino, all of whom have, over the years, become valued friends.

Mayor John Belevedere spoke on behalf of the City of Pointe-Claire about Mr. McMurchie’s lasting impact on the community. Ms. Claire Hamilton, Mr. McMurchie’s granddaughter, paid a moving tribute on behalf of the family.

In accordance with the wishes of the McMurchie family, this public ceremony was an opportunity for citizens to pay tribute to a mayor who was dedicated and connected to Pointe-Claire residents. The ceremony celebrated the former mayor's legacy and impact on the history and development of Pointe-Claire.

“It was important to pay tribute to such an important figure in our City’s history so that future generations can learn about the individuals who helped shape our community and left a profound impact on our history”, stated John Belvedere, Mayor of the City of Pointe-Claire.

He also added: “As one of the longest-serving elected officials in the West Island, many of the elements and values that shaped our City, that remain central to our identity, that influence our approach to governance and guide our actions bear witness to his lasting contribution.”

Lyne Hamilton, one of Mr. McMurchie’s daughters, shared some heartfelt words about her father and what this symbolic gesture means to their family: “Our Dad was always proud to represent Pointe-Claire as mayor, and felt the quality of life here was unparalleled. He would be humbled to know that this pier—where families will come for generations to enjoy the city’s beautiful waterfront—has been renamed in his honour.”

The Significance of the Pier

Throughout his years of public service, Mr. McMurchie placed great importance on environmental issues, shoreline preservation, and public access to the city’s waterfronts.

The Pointe-Claire water treatment plant, the quality of the City’s water supply, and a strong understanding of the value of this precious resource were all central to his vision for its responsible management. For this reason, it was important for the City to choose a location that would best reflect the most important elements of his legacy. The pier at Edgewater Park, overlooking Lake Saint-Louis and offering exceptional views while being situated near the water treatment plant, was therefore a fitting choice.

Mr. McMurchie played a significant role in the construction of the pier, which symbolizes his longstanding commitment to protecting the city's shorelines and natural waterfronts.

Throughout his tenure, he was a dedicated advocate for the preservation of Pointe-Claire’s natural shoreline. By investing in the acquisition and protection of these fragile ecosystems, he helped ensure that current residents and future generations would continue to enjoy public access to the shores of Lake Saint-Louis and the natural beauty of the waterfront.

The inauguration was officially marked by a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, which will be installed near the pier. The plaque will provide context about the significance of the pier’s renaming to all who visit the park.

The City also announced the installation of a temporary exhibition in the park that highlights the life and career of Mr. McMurchie, from his humble beginnings as a student to becoming one the longest-serving municipal mayors in the West Island of Montreal. The outdoor exhibition will remain in the park until October.

Members of the McMurchie family who were in attendance, his daughters Lyne and Kathleen, and his son Neil, were invited to sign the City’s Golden book to officially commemorate the renaming of the pier.