Serving the Eastern Townships English-speaking Community since 1979.
Why the Townships?
Those of us who live in the Townships think we know the answer, but when we try to explain to others why we love our corner of Canada, it becomes more complicated.
Some say it is the land. The Eastern Townships is an area of great beauty, comprising mountains, lakes, rivers, and incredible vistas. We have some of the best farms in Canada, recreation areas that are accessible and plentiful, and such a variety of landscape that there is something for virtually any taste.
Some say it is the people. With a heritage reaching back two centuries to New England and the British Isles, there is a unique blending of the French and English cultures that is not found in many places. Townshippers have a strong kindred spirit and sense of belonging.
Some might say it is the intrinsic sense of community. Townshippers are a stubborn bunch. Through all the changes and struggles that have marked Quebec’s recent history, there has remained a true sense of belonging and a strong vision for the future. Not content with just “going along for the ride,” English-speaking Townshippers, through this Association and others, have fought to keep their place and their culture in a changing Quebec. They have, however, not lost sight of the great opportunities afforded by their proximity to French culture and have embraced it while maintaining their English presence.
If you are new to the Townships, or have lived here for a long time and have never explored its rich history and culture, please take time to look through the Townshippers’ Website (www.townshippers.qc.ca).
There is a wealth of historical sites and museums scattered around the Townships such as the Musée du Haut-Richelieu, Missisquoi Museum, Colby-Curtis Museum, and the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre. For a full listing go to Museums to Discover:
Web: www.smq.qc.ca/splash.htm
And a visit to Townships Heritage WebMagazine will open a window onto the history of our fascinating region.Website: www.townshipsheritage.com/home.html
Today, the Eastern Townships’ English-speaking community numbers approximately 41,000 people, about 6% of the total population of the region (Statistics Canada, 2001). The historical area covers 16,000 sq. km encompassing the old Quebec counties of Arthabaska, Brome,Compton, Drummond, Frontenac, Mégantic, Missisquoi, Stanstead, Richmond, Shefford, Sherbrooke, and Wolfe. Today, this territory is divided into 17 Municipalités regionales de comté (MRCs) representing the administrative regions of Estrie (zone 05) and parts of Montérégie (zone 16), Mauricie-Centre-du-Québec (zone 7) and Chaudière-Appalaches (zone 12).
The area is particularly rich in culture and arts, and numerous fairs and festivals are held throughout the year. The Montérégie and EasternTownships tourism offices publish guides each year that are filled with events and activities for your enjoyment. (See Tourist Information in the listings for contact information.) The local newspapers also list information about current and upcoming events and activities.