The mayor of Lac-Megantic, who became a symbol of resilience after the tiny Quebec town was devastated by a deadly train derailment, has retired after 13 years on the job.
Colette Roy Laroche received a standing ovation at her final council meeting on Thursday, where many residents came to say farewell and thank you.
Roy Laroche, who announced in August that she would not seek re-election, is considered a political force that most people in Canada don’t really know.
Mayor of Lac-Megantic since 2002, Roy Laroche was in office when part of the picturesque Quebec community was incinerated on July 6, 2013, by a runaway train carrying crude oil.
In the aftermath of the deadly tragedy that took the lives of 47, Lac-Megantic’s residents said they quickly learned they could count on Roy Laroche, even in the wake of an unprecedented catastrophe.
In an instant, Roy Laroche went from being simply the mayor, to having to rebuild the heart of her town, which had been wiped out by explosions.
In the days and months that followed, Roy Laroche was there to listen and to comfort her town’s 6,000 residents, even as the duties of being mayor consumed much of her life.
Roy Laroche herself mourned the loss of two cousins.
In a testament to her resilience, Roy Laroche became known as the “Granite Lady,” as she lobbied for rail safety and helped her community forge ahead.
What kept her going, she said, was a determination not to let her town down.
Her dedication was so resolute, few knew she was also coping with hardships at home. Her husband passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer.
“She came back strong,” said one Lac-Megantic resident in French. But, the 72-year-old admits the past couple of years have taken a toll.
And it’s time to take a break – a well-deserved rest for a leader who won’t soon be forgotten.
With a report by CTV News’ Vanessa Lee
