The municipality of Saint-Urbain has admitted guilt and agreed to a fine imposed by the CNESST, Quebec’s workplace health and safety board, in relation to the deaths of two volunteer firefighters during the May 2023 floods in the Charlevoix region. The fine, totaling nearly $25,000, must be paid within three months. This acknowledgment of guilt by the municipality signifies a violation of section 237 of the Act respecting occupational health and safety for compromising the well-being of workers directly and significantly.
On May 1, 2023, Régis Lavoie, aged 55, a volunteer firefighter, and Christopher Lavoie, aged 23, a firefighter in training, tragically drowned while attempting to rescue a couple trapped by rising waters from the Gouffre River. A subsequent 39-page coroner’s report in March 2024 highlighted various deficiencies that contributed to the fatalities, including inadequate emergency preparations, insufficient training, and a lack of suitable equipment for water-related rescue efforts.
The incident occurred during a 100-year flood caused by heavy rainfall and snowmelt, resulting in the river overflowing. Despite efforts, the two firefighters struggled to control the amphibious ATV in the strong current, leading to their eventual submersion and loss of life.
Despite initially challenging the fine, the municipality ultimately agreed to pay after the release of the coroner’s report. Saint-Urbain Mayor Claudette Simard declined to comment on the municipality’s decision. However, for Germaine Lavoie, the mother of Christopher Lavoie, the admission of guilt does little to alleviate the profound grief she continues to endure, questioning the decision to deploy her son with only two months of training.
