Sebastien Levesque was appointed as director of public works earlier this year. His predecessor, James McMahon, resigned to take a position in the public sector after 14 years at the township.
Levesque, who was born and raised in Longueuil in Quebec, lives in Vankleek Hill. He worked as a continuous improvement lead and project manager for WebGen at Orica over the past 14 years before taking the position at Champlain Township. Prior to his work at Orica, Levesque was a process engineer and quality manager at PPG Industries from 1993 to 2007.
The director of public works oversees the maintenance and enhancement of the township’s transportation infrastructure, sewer services, facilities and the dry waste disposal site. Levesque said he was attracted to the role because of the opportunity to make a difference in the region. “Champlain is a real gem,” he said. “I take great pleasure in assuming this new role and am eager to contribute to the wellbeing of our community.”
Champlain chief administrative officer Paula Knudsen said Levesque was an important addition to the municipality’s team. “Mr. Levesque’s background and personality are directly related to the profile we were looking for to fill this important position on the management team,” she said. “Moreover, he has expressed a keen interest in our community and in serving the population. His expertise and his knowledge will clearly be put to good use in the efficient management of services.”
Meanwhile, Benjamin Lalonde has been appointed to the new role of civil engineering technologist at the township. Working most recently as an estimator at Asco Constructions, Lalonde previously worked as a productor and estimator at A. Potvin Construction from 2012 to 2020. He said his student employment as a civil engineering technician at The Nation Municipality in 2008 gave him a taste of his new role.
“I am pleased to be able to contribute to large-scale projects again,” he said. I am confident that my experience in the field will help me understand the challenges of construction sites.”
The civil technologist role includes working with engineering firms to determine the needs and priorities for repairs and reconstruction of local infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and sewer systems.
Champlain mayor Normand Riopel thanked McMahon for his work at the township in recent years. “We wish Mr. McMahon the best of luck in his new position and thank him for his loyalty and dedication over the past years,” he said.