Former mayor of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, André Lavallée, died on Sunday at the age of 70, his wife Chantale Bertrand said on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that my beloved André passed away this morning. Many of you have shown great support over the past few months. I want to thank you and tell you how valuable this support has been for André, for me, his daughters Amélie and Catherine and our beautiful Samuelle,” wrote Ms. Bertrand.
Mr. Lavallée served as mayor of the borough under the Union Montréal banner from 2005 to 2009 and served on the Montreal City Executive Council under the rule of Mayor Jean Doré in the Rassemblement des citoyen de Montréal. He is known for his contributions to the founding of Bixi, as the one who implemented the bike-sharing concept in Montreal, as well as for the redevelopment of the old Angus factories in Rosemont. In 1992 he also had the city’s first urban planning plan passed, which provided for several measures to promote local public transport and alternative means of transport.
During his long career, Mr. Lavallée has held various positions in the political world, such as senior civil servant or cabinet minister.
“André was a loving husband, father and caring grandfather,” his spouse added in his Facebook post. He leaves a significant legacy in his Montreal community, and particularly in East Montreal and in his beloved Rosemont neighborhood, both through his militant involvement and through the public offices he has held. »
An exhibition of photographs by Mr Lavallée will also be on display on Mont-Royal Avenue between Resther and Rivard streets until September 5th. “Montreal: Figures and Fragments” brings together ten large-format photographs of the former politician. “I’ve always believed that to be an actor in your city, you first have to be a witness to your daily life,” Mr Lavallée explained of his work.
Reactions in social networks
Several members or ex-members of the political class reacted publicly to André Lavallée’s death, beginning with Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante. “It is with sadness that I learned of the death of André Lavallée, a great Montrealer who gave so much to our city. We will continue his work to build a Montreal that resembles us. All my condolences go out to Mr Lavallée’s family and loved ones,” she wrote.
It is with sadness that I learned of the death of André Lavallée, a great Montrealer who gave so much to our city. We will continue his work to build a Montreal that resembles us. My heartfelt condolences to Mr Lavallée’s family and loved ones. #polmtl
— Valerie Plante (@Val_Plante) August 14, 2022
Former Montreal mayoral candidate Louise Harel recalled her final memories with the ex-politician: “It was extremely inspiring to be able to meet him on his balcony and at the palliative care center during his illness. These moments will always be precious to me. »
André Lavallée died this Sunday
It was very inspiring to be able to meet him on his balcony and in the palliative care center during his illness. These moments will always be precious to me. Chantal and André bravely breathed life into his exemplary death— Louise Harel (@Louise_Harel) August 15, 2022
To see in the video