A year ago, Régis and Christopher Lavoie, two volunteer firefighters, were swept away by the waters of a raging Gouffre river while they were helping residents of Rang Saint-Georges.
To mark the anniversary of the sad event, and the historic spring floods of 1er May 2023, a memorial ceremony was held on Wednesday.
On the Baie-Saint-Paul side
A ceremony also took place near Baie-Saint-Paul on Wednesday noon. Michaël Pilote, mayor of the municipality, took the opportunity to remember
and honor the firefighters, volunteers and citizens of his City.
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The mayor of Baie-Saint-Paul, Michaël Pilote, during the commemoration ceremony.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Guylaine Bussière
For us, at the City, it was important to take a little time to commemorate
says Michaël Pilote, mayor of Baie-Saint-Paul, in front of a hundred people gathered for the occasion. I say commemoration, because it is not a celebration. We wanted to take the time, first of all, to honor our firefighters, but at the same time, to look back on what we experienced last year.
It’s a scenario we never want to experience again, ever.
While he says he is aware that the situation is not easy for the victims, who, twelve months later, are still in some cases at the heart of demolition renovations, Mr. Pilote adds that this is not not always easy for the City either
conceding – and insisting – however that the municipal administration was not perfect
.
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Baie-Saint-Paui firefighters were honored Wednesday for an act of bravery.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Guylaine Bussiere
If we are here today, it is to have a thought for all the victims
added Kariane Bourassa, provincial deputy for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré, greeting the first responders in the same breath. Thank you, thank you everyone.
1er May 2023 is a day that was sad, trying, that left its mark; It completely disfigured the city. There are roads that have been cut, there are heritage districts that have been damaged, ransacked.
She also highlights the psychological traces
that the floods left among the victims. We received more than 300 requests for help.
A year ago, there were people who stood up [et] In one second, their lives were turned upside down. People who have lost their homes, their landmarks, their neighborhood.
More details to come
