Jean Drapeau

Jean Drapeau
Jean Drapeau in 1954
37th Mayor of Montreal
In office
October 1960 – November 1986
Preceded bySarto Fournier
Succeeded byJean Doré
In office
October 25, 1954 – October 28, 1957
Preceded byCamillien Houde
Succeeded bySarto Fournier
Personal details
Born(1916-02-18)18 February 1916
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died12 August 1999(1999-08-12) (aged 83)
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Political partyCivic Party of Montreal
Spouse
Marie-Claire Boucher
(m. 1945)
Alma materUniversité de Montréal
Profession
  • Lawyer
Signature
Statue of Jean Drapeau at Place Jacques-Cartier

Jean Drapeau CC GOQ (18 February 1916 – 12 August 1999) was a Canadian politician who served as mayor of Montreal for 2 non-consecutive terms from 1954 to 1957 and from 1960 to 1986. Major accomplishments of the Drapeau Administration include the development of the Montreal Metro entirely underground mass transit subway system running on 'whisper quiet' rubber wheels, a successful international exposition Expo 67 as well as the construction of a major performing arts centre, the Place des Arts. Drapeau also secured the hosting of the 1976 Summer Olympics and was instrumental in building the Olympic Stadium and then world's tallest inclined tower. Drapeau was responsible for securing a Major League Baseball franchise, with the creation of the Montreal Expos in 1969. Drapeau's main legacy is Montreal's attainment of global status under his administration. He was the longest serving mayor of Montreal.