The former mayor of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, André Lavallée, died Sunday at the age of 70, announced his spouse, Chantale Bertrand, on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that my lover André passed away this morning. Many of you have shown great support over the past few months. I would like to thank you and tell you how precious this support has been for André, for me, his daughters Amélie and Catherine and our beautiful Samuelle, ”wrote Ms. Bertrand.
In addition to having been borough mayor from 2005 to 2009 under the banner of Union Montréal, Mr. Lavallée sat on the executive council of the City of Montreal under the reign of Mayor Jean Doré, of the Rassemblement des citoyen de Montréal. He is known for his contributions to the creation of Bixi, being the one who implemented the bike-sharing concept in Montreal, as well as the redevelopment of the old Angus factories in Rosemont. In 1992, he also had the city’s first urban plan adopted, which included several measures intended to promote public transit and alternative modes of transportation.
During his long career, Mr. Lavallée has held various positions such as senior civil servant or director of cabinet in the political world.
“André was a loving husband, father and caring grandfather, adds his spouse in his Facebook post. He leaves a significant legacy in his Montreal community, and more particularly the east end of Montreal and his beloved Rosemont neighborhood, both through his militant involvement and his public functions that he held. »
An exhibition of photographs by Mr. Lavallée is also on display until September 5 on Mont-Royal Avenue, between Resther and Rivard streets. “Montreal: Figures and Fragments” brings together ten large-format photographs taken by the former politician. “I have always had the conviction that to be an actor in your city, you first had to be a witness to your daily life”, declared Mr. Lavallée about his work.
Reactions on social networks
Several members or ex-members of the political class reacted publicly to the death of André Lavallée, starting with the mayor of Montreal, 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 sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lavallée, ”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. All my sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lavallée. #polmtl
— Valerie Plante (@Val_Plante) August 14, 2022
Former Montreal mayoral candidate Louise Harel recalled her last memories with the ex-politician: “It was extremely inspiring to have been able to meet him on his balcony during his illness and at the palliative care center. These moments will be precious to me forever. »
André Lavallée died this Sunday
It was extremely inspiring to have been able to meet him on his balcony during the illness and at the palliative care center These moments will be precious to me forever Chantal and André courageously put life into his exemplary death— Louise Harel (@Louise_Harel) August 15, 2022