DURSO | When drivers take Autoroute 50, they can now say they are driving Autoroute Guy-Lafleur.
• Also read: The Canadian was not invited to the ceremony of his former glory
In front of several Thurso citizens and family members of the former Canadian legend, Quebec Premier François Legault announced the news with great fanfare. Several of his deputies were present.
“Guy made Thurso famous,” emphasized François Legault. Under the rules of the Commission de la Toponymie du Québec, a year had to wait after his death to rename the highway.
Once again we saw all his love for the Canadian’s former number 10.
“He was larger than life. He was a hero, a giant, but also an artist on the ice. He was elegant,” praised Legault.
“He also brought a sense of pride. We had the best NHL player in Quebec!
“It was invaluable. We were winners.”
He also related a childhood memory.
“One of my fondest memories was watching a game with my dad. After taking my bath, I sat down with a bowl of chips and a liquor.
“We couldn’t wait to see when the trio of Shutt, Lemaire and Lafleur would hit the ice.”
Coming back to the announcement, the Prime Minister had a nice tirade.
“Highway 50 is 158 km long between the Outaouais and the Laurentians. Lafleur established the connection between Thurso and the Outaouais. He then established the connection to the rest of Quebec.
It was the MNA for Papineau and Minister for Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, who spearheaded these files close to his heart.
With the helicopter to the 50!
After the two politicians, Martin Lafleur, the son of the legend, spoke. He told a tasty anecdote about the highway that now bears his father’s name.
“As a helicopter pilot, my father often flew to Thurso and Montebello,” he said. When Highway 50 was under construction and eventually paved, it wasn’t open to the public.”
“He was practicing his landings on Highway 50! It was a route used by my father by air and land. He is certainly very proud of this honor.”