The City of Sainte-Thérèse is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Élie Fallu, who served as mayor from 1987 to 2005 and was named an Honourary Citizen in 2012, passed away in October 2025 at the age of 93. A scholar, teacher, statesman and passionate advocate for culture and education, Fallu left an enduring mark on the city’s identity and civic life.
Fallu first entered politics at the provincial level elected in 1976 as the MNA for Terrebonne and re-elected in 1981 for Groulx, he held several key positions, including Deputy Whip, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Education and Municipal Affairs, and Minister Delegate for Relations with Citizens and Minister of Cultural Communities and Immigration. His years in the National Assembly were marked by a commitment to public education, cultural development and civic inclusion.
In 1987, he brought that same passion for progress to municipal politics when he was elected mayor of Sainte-Thérèse, a position he would hold for 18 years. His leadership transformed the city into a dynamic, forward-looking community where education, culture and quality of life became central priorities. Under his guidance, Sainte-Thérèse created a vibrant institutional and cultural hub downtown, uniting the community and cultural centre, the municipal library and the Maison de l’Emploi et du Développement humain. He championed the construction of the multiservice centre, a training facility for emerging technologies and, most notably, the Paul-Gérin-Lajoie University Hub — allowing students to pursue their education from kindergarten to university without leaving the city.
A visionary urbanist, Fallu also oversaw the revitalization of Place du Village and supported the development of the P’tit Train du Nord linear park, promoting green space and active transportation. He was a steadfast advocate for public transit and played a decisive role in restoring commuter train service to the Basses-Laurentides region, long before sustainable mobility became a widespread cause. His vision consistently linked local development with environmental responsibility and cultural enrichment.
Deeply engaged with citizens, Fallu was known for his warmth, humility and accessibility. Residents often recalled seeing him walk through the streets of Sainte-Thérèse, greeting people and listening to their concerns. Beyond politics, he was a lover of words, an erudite conversationalist and a man who believed that knowledge and dialogue could elevate an entire community. His dedication to the French language and his respect for every individual — whether student, worker, merchant or colleague — earned him lasting admiration.
His influence extended beyond municipal borders. Through friendship pacts with Annecy (France) and Lagoa (Portugal), he helped Sainte-Thérèse build international relationships rooted in cultural exchange and solidarity. His approach to governance reflected both a strong sense of local identity and an openness to the wider world.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions, the City of Sainte-Thérèse named him Honourary Citizen in 2012. Two years later, he received the Gérard-Lesage Medal from the Université du Québec en Outaouais, honouring his exemplary service to higher education and regional development. These tributes reflected a life guided by curiosity, empathy and a profound belief in the power of knowledge to improve society.
Following his passing, the city ordered flags at City Hall and all municipal buildings to be flown at half-mast until sunset on the day of his funeral. Mayor Christian Charron, speaking on behalf of the municipal council and the citizens of Sainte-Thérèse, expressed the community’s deep gratitude and sorrow, acknowledging Fallu’s immense impact on the city’s institutions and its collective spirit.
Élie Fallu’s legacy lives on in the cultural and educational heartbeat of Sainte-Thérèse — in its schools, libraries, community centres and public spaces that reflect the values he cherished most: learning, compassion and civic pride. His life remains a reminder that a city’s greatness is built not only on buildings and infrastructure, but on the wisdom and humanity of those who serve it.
