Whitson River Trail in Chelmsford has officially been renamed Gerry Montpellier Trail, in honour of the late city council member who died last year following a period of ill health.
Montpellier, Mayor Paul Lefebvre told those who gathered for the ceremony on Thursday afternoon, was “a great man.”
“He said things like it is,” Lefebvre said. “He didn’t mince words, that’s for sure, and he got things done, whether it was pushing for better services, backing small businesses or making sure residents’ voices were heard, he showed up and gave it his all, all the time.”
Despite ill health preventing him from attending all city council meetings during his final months, Montpellier told Sudbury.com in late 2023 that he had continued doing the work behind the scenes, attended meetings whenever possible and intended to keep serving his community to the best of his ability.
His final city council appearance was on Jan. 16, 2024, when he attended a meeting virtually from his hospital bed to advocate for accessibility features to be included in the Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square library/art gallery project.
Montpellier died on Feb. 21, 2024, prompting the first of many waves of condolences and tributes when that night’s city council meeting was postponed in his honour, with numerous Greater Sudburians commemorating his dedication and good humour.
“Gerry advocated for this trail, championed improvements to it and believed it deserved a name, and now it carries his,” Lefebvre said on Thursday. Montpellier long advocated for the trail improvements and championed its renewal during 2021 budget deliberations.
“He was very passionate about it,” Montpellier’s son, John, told Sudbury.com during Thursday’s event.
The trail has existed in one way or another for more than a century, John said, adding that his father spent time on it, “even as a young child walking the river going fishing with his grandfather.”
The trail and surrounding parkland has had its ups and downs over the years, John said, adding that he’s confident his father would have appreciated how its recent renewal panned out.
Montpellier’s wife, Denise, told Sudbury.com that her husband had said he wanted to walk the renewed trail if possible and was disappointed when his poor health prevented him from doing so.
“This year, I’ll walk it for him,” she said.
A plaque unveiled at the trail head on Thursday reads as follows: “This trail is dedicated to the memory of Gerry Montpellier, an unwavering advocate for his community and tireless contributor, who passed away while serving as a dedicated city councillor for Ward 3 from 2014-2024. His vision and leadership were instrumental in the creation of this trail, transforming it into a beloved space for recreation and natural beauty for all residents to enjoy.”
The head for the two-kilometre trail is behind the library and citizen service centre, where there is a park. The trail stretches north from there to Main Street, and south to Onge Street.
The decision to rename Whitson River Trail the Gerry Montpellier Trail was made by a unanimous Greater Sudbury city council last year, and several members attended Thursday’s ceremonial opening.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.