Cumberland City Councillor Stephen Blais is proud to announce that Gerry Lalonde Drive has officially opened on the first day of the Franco Ontarien festival (June 13-15) between Tenth Line and Brian Coburn Blvd.
“Gerry Lalonde was the last Mayor of Cumberland who helped our community reach new heights,” said Councillor Blais. “We are here to honor his achievements and say thank you by ensuring his name and legacy will never be forgotten.”
Currently a construction access road, Gerry Lalonde Drive will in the future intersect both Tenth Line Road and Brian Coburn Boulevard.
Orléans and Cumberland are seeing unprecedented investments in the infrastructure needed to improve the quality of life for residents. From new and expanded roads, to new parks, investments in public transit and the construction of the first indoor pool, Francois Dupuis Recreation Centre (on Portobello) since amalgamation more than $100 million is being invest in Orléans in Cumberland over the next few years.
“Gerry Lalonde was the last Cumberland Mayor and is a proud francophone,” says Blais. “It is an honour to name a street after a such a community stalwart, and one with a lifetime of contribution for our community.”
Mr. Lalonde served as the last Mayor of the City of Cumberland from 1999 to 2000, prior to amalgamation of the new City of Ottawa. He served with distinction as Township and City Councillor for eight terms from 1982 to 1999.
The former politician is also a long-time farmer and co-owns Beckett’s Creek Farm with his brother Ray. The Lalonde family has operated a farm on Old Montréal Road since 1904. He and his brother breed the Canadian, one of the oldest breeds in North America, recognized as the national horse of Canada in 2002.
Mr. Lalonde is a retired federal public servant from Agriculture Canada. He and his wife of 41 years Susan are the proud parents of three children, Shaun, Danielle and Heather.
During his terms on Council, he advocated with other colleagues for the new Town Hall on Centrum, now the Orléans Client Service Centre. He was a member of Council as Cumberland transformed with residential growth from a township to a city. He was the Roads Portfolio lead for over 15 years and Planning Portfolio lead for 10 years. In 1995, he served as President of the Ontario Good Roads Association, which represents the infrastructure interests of municipalities. He worked tirelessly throughout his tenure to improve the road system.