New sign for Ste Agathe boat launch honours late councillor
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A Ste Agathe boat launch received a new name and sign in honour of a local councillor.
The Jeannot Robert Boat Launch, backing onto the Red River, was unveiled on Sept. 11 with fan fair, flowers and hot dogs.
Jeannot Robert served in multiple public office roles, including two terms as a councillor in the RM of Ritchot and as a school trustee, said Shaun Crew, Ste Agathe Community Development Inc. president.
“All these things made him a great community member, a leader and somebody that mentored me a lot in my early years,” Crew said. “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to take this wonderful new municipal and community asset and name it in his honour.”
He said Robert was crucial in creating the community’s first subdivision with 75 homes and pushed to see Ste Agathe grow. Robert also was involved in the boat launch project before he died in 2021, said Crew.
The boat launch and floating dock has already been operating for three years, but the official opening was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and potential ring dike developments by the province, said Crew.
Along with the new sign, several information placards were built, detailing the community’s Métis history.
Crew said the idea for the boat launch was first discussed in 2003. The total cost of the boat launch was nearly $700,000, with funding coming from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.