The longtime mayor of the city of Lasalle, Michel Leduc, died of cancer Friday in Valleyfield.

The 71-year-old Leduc was the last mayor of Lasalle, serving from 1983 until 2001, when the city became a Montreal borough.

Leduc was prominent doctor in the city before his first run for mayor in 1983. He opposed the then-PQ government's one island, one city plan.

Under Leduc's leadership, Lasalle became the first place on the island to set up curbside recycling. He also oversaw the construction of the Aquadome swimming complex and the sports center for CEGEP André-Laurendeau.

Photo: La Presse