Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

After 16 years as mayor of the municipality of Sainte-Barbe, Louise Lebrun is stepping back from municipal politics.

First elected in 2009, Lebrun said she is retiring with a sense of accomplishment and pride. In a post to social media, the mayor listed several key projects and initiatives that took place during her term. She noted the construction of sewer and water systems, the construction of a new fire station and the addition of fire and rescue vehicles, the expansion of both the Centre Barberivain and the town hall, and new developments in the municipal park as well as the creation of a waterfront park.

There are several projects scheduled for the near future, including the opening of an intermunicipal ecocentre this fall, the expansion of the Centre Barnerivain and the town hall, the construction of a 44-space daycare centre expected to open in 2026, and new residential developments that will see the municipality’s population expand from 1,400 to 2,000 residents.

Along with the municipal council, Lebrun has steered the municipality through several strategic planning initiatives in urban and economic development as well as communications, while introducing family- and salary-related policies as well as better working conditions for municipal employees.

“I am leaving knowing that I have fulfilled the mission I set for myself: to give every citizen a sense of belonging to the community,” she wrote. “I am leaving behind a municipality that is financially sound, well equipped, and rich in human resources,” she added, before noting she hopes the newly elected council will continue this momentum “because in the municipal world, it never slows down.”

Councillor Daniel Pinsonneault thanked Lebrun for her devotion to the municipality before announcing he was ready to take on the charge. First elected to council in 2021, Pinsonneault launched his campaign on August 16.

“These years of commitment have allowed me to better understand the issues that concern us all and to build strong ties within our community,” said Pinsonneault, who hopes to continue working as a team with those elected to council in November.