Elsie Wayne remembered in Glen Falls for tackling flooding issue

Many residents of New Brunswick remember Elsie Wayne for her brash nature, speaking her mind and for getting things done while in political office.

But those in living in the Glen Falls area of Saint John still recognize the late politician for one of her first acts as a politician.

- Elsie Wayne, former PC MP and Saint John mayor, dead at 84

"This whole neighbourhood used to flood five or six times a year," said Bobbie-Jo O'Brien, a life-long resident of Glen Falls.

"You could get in a canoe, seriously. Swim down the street."

But once Wayne was elected into public office the oft-flooded community became a top issue for the politician.

A lagoon was built in order to retain floodwaters and keeping rising waters under control.

"We never forgot her for that," said O'Brien.

While Glen Falls still floods on occasion, the water and severity of damage doesn't rise to "pre-Wayne" levels.

"She did good," said O'Brien.

"She was a great lady."

Wayne died on Tuesday, the former Saint John mayor and Progressive Conservative MP was 84.

Wayne was elected to Saint John council in 1977 and became mayor of the southern New Brunswick city in 1983.

In 1993, Wayne and Jean Charest were the only two Progressive Conservative MPs to win their seats in Jean Chrétien's Liberal wave

Lasting impression

Community members say the work done in Glen Falls combating floods gave Wayne her first political base.

"You take that Glen Falls watershed issue — she drove that with a vengeance," said Pat Darrah, a long-time city volunteer.

"The flooding has been reduced, people are still working on it and these things take time. But those people know her for it."

Darrah also worked with Wayne on procuring and hosting the 1985 Canada Games.

"She had a lot of pride in the people and got people involved," said Darrah who was vice-president of the games.

"She was a force. Everyone will miss that flare in the community as whole."

Wayne's funeral will be held on Saturday.