Tête-à-têtes with your local elected officials
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Ayer’s Cliff is gearing up for significant changes under the leadership of Mayor Simon Roy. In a July 15 interview, Roy shared his journey, the town’s current projects, and his vision for the future. With a blend of personal anecdotes and detailed plans, Roy paints a picture of a community on the brink of transformation.
Background and early life
Born in Sherbrooke, Roy has deep roots in the region. “I was born here at the [CHUS],” he says, reminiscing about his early years. He lived there until he was around 22 to 24 years old. After completing his education, including a PhD in Ottawa, Roy returned to Sherbrooke, where he has been a professor at the University of Sherbrooke for over two decades.
“I did my law degree in Sherbrooke, then I did my master’s at Quebec. I stayed in Quebec for like four years, five years. Then I went to Ottawa to do my PhD, and when I was about 30, I got a job at the university, so I came back here,” he explained. His connection to the area and his professional background have provided a solid foundation for his role as mayor.
A chance mayoral run
Roy’s journey to becoming mayor was somewhat serendipitous. He recounted, “The [Director General] at the time… called me and asked me to be a volunteer for the election. I initially declined because it coincided with Halloween, an important day for my kids.”
However, two weeks later, no one had stepped up to run for mayor. “I decided to do it because my wife was the [Director General] of Canton de Hatley for five years. I had a pretty good understanding of the municipal scene around the lake,” Roy explained. His commitment to the community and a desire to bring stability and fresh ideas to the town council drove him to take on the role.
