The prefect of the MRC of Rivière-du-Loup, Michel Lagacé, was awarded the Jean-Marie-Moreau prize on September 26, during the FQM 2024 congress. This distinction was awarded to him to highlight the role determining factor that he has played in the promotion of renewable energies in Bas-Saint-Laurent for 14 years.
Mr. Lagacé demonstrated an innovative and dynamic spirit from the first community wind call for tenders in 2010, thus contributing, through his leadership role, to the emergence of a new and promising dynamic for the communities of the East. of Quebec in the field of renewable energies. Egalitarian partnerships are the way of doing things today.
Determinedly defending the role of host communities in the ownership of wind projects, he convinced his fellow prefects to adopt a concerted approach, transforming a private project into an egalitarian partnership project. Thanks to this initiative, all Bas-Saint-Laurent prefectures and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation were able to invest and share the benefits equitably, regardless of the location of the winning project.
This innovative entrepreneurial approach has cultivated a common pride and a collective desire to “Do it together”, uniting the Montmagny region with the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Today, as president of the Eastern Energy Alliance, Mr. Lagacé leads the largest community portfolio of wind megawatts in Quebec, with 326 MW in production and 1,426 MW in development, for a total of 1752 MW. These projects will make it possible to redistribute to municipal shareholders and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation more than a billion dollars spread over thirty years, thus demonstrating the dynamism and exceptional leadership of Michel Lagacé in sustainable regional development.
Remember that the Jean-Marie-Moreau Prize is awarded to an elected municipal official whose municipality is a member of the Fédération québécoise des municipalities (FQM), in recognition of their commitment to the community that they represent, as well as his leadership and dynamism.
During a ceremony which took place at the Annual Congress, Mr. Lagacé also received, to highlight his 35 years in municipal politics, one of the merits awarded to elected officials to recognize their commitment. These two distinctions are recognition for Michel Lagacé of his exceptional contribution to the development of his community and the influence of his region.
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