GRAND FALLS, November 27th, 2023 – Marcel Deschênes was presented with the Louise Breau Memorial Award at the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) annual conference this past weekend. Mr. Deschênes was recognized for his more than 25 years of service to the municipal council of the former Town of Grand Falls and to his fellow citizens from 1986 to 2022.
"Through his vision and commitment, Marcel Deschênes has played an instrumental role in the conception and realization of several major projects that today enable the new Grand Falls Regional Municipality to stand out on a regional and provincial levels. We are delighted to see him receive this award to recognize the time, passion, and energy he has put into helping our community thrive," said Bertrand Beaulieu, Mayor of the Grand Falls Regional Municipality.
Mr. Deschênes has been instrumental in the conception and completion of several major projects, including:
The construction of the Town Hall, self-financed by rental revenues from office space and generating average annual revenues of $400,000 for the municipality.
Construction of the E. & P. Sénéchal Center.
Development of the Centennial Park, including the skate park and water playground.
Revitalization of the tourist centers and Broadway Boulevard.
Development of the fire station on Portage Street.
Mr. Deschênes also served as a long-standing executive member of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (1997-2001, 2009-2011 and 2017-2022), in addition to holding the positions of 2nd Vice-President (1995-1996) and President (1997-1998). He has also served on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as a regional representative, representing the interests of Grand Falls citizens at the provincial and national levels.
The Louise Breau Memorial Award was named after the late Mayor of Millville N.B. to recognize an elected official (former or current) dedicated to the betterment of municipalities in New Brunswick and is presented annually to a person who displays similar qualities to Mrs. Breau.
In the photo (left to right) : Eric Gagnon (Director General and Clerk), Annie Deschênes (Councillor, Grand Falls North Ward), Bertrand Beaulieu (Mayor), Rita Deschênes, Marcel Deschênes (recipient), Marcel Levesque (Councillor, Saint-André Ward), David Raines (Councillor, Grand Falls South Ward) and Josée Rioux-Walker (Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Drummond Ward).
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Info and interview requests:
France Le Moignan, Economic Development & Marketing Director
(506) 740-1773 - communications@grandsault.ca