Fond Regions et Ruralite

Emily Hocquard, LJI

SHIGAWAKE: – On Sunday, August 24, the Municipality of Shigawake proudly marked a momentous occasion with the official opening of two long-anticipated community projects: the newly restored Mackenzie Trail and the beautifully upgraded Ken Duguay Park. Both developments are a testament to community initiative, partnerships and willing volunteers that Shigawake is lucky to have.

MacKenzie’s Trail

The once-beloved nature walk that had been left overgrown, unsafe and nearly forgotten has now undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the vision of the Shigawake Municipality, the trail is now fully revitalized and ready to be enjoyed once again! “The trail’s name has been chosen by the landowner, Mrs. Joyce Mackenzie and her family, in honour of Mr. Arnold Mackenzie and the entire Mackenzie family” says the mayor of Shigawake, Rolande Beebe.

With funding from the PRIMA project (Municipal Infrastructure Program for Seniors) through the provincial government, the municipality was able to contract La Coop Du 3 to completely overhaul the trail. By clearing away years of brush and fallen debris, the safety, beauty and usability of this nature passage was restored. Every detail was carefully considered to ensure minimal environmental impact, meaning natural materials from the trail itself were used to fix the nature walk. “We are honoured to be able to work on this trail and we are happy to make such a beautiful place accessible to everyone and promote one more attraction in our municipality. We appreciate the Municipality of Shigawake for making our participation in this project possible” shares Pierre Jeanneau of La Coop Du 3.

The new and improved Mackenzie’s Trail will offer a safe place for people of all ages to explore all year round. “People will be able to snowshoe and cross-country ski all winter,” says Mrs. Beebe. The trail has been given a second life and has become a beautiful space for the community to enjoy and connect with nature.

Ken Duguay Park

Ken Duguay Park has seen major upgrades. With funding through the FRR4 (Fonds Régions et Ruralité 4) project from the MRC of Bonaventure, the municipality received $100,000 in funding for the pump-track infrastructure and $50,000 for new play structures. An additional $3,000 was contributed by the Caisse Populaire to help cover final installation costs. The Municipality of Shigawake contributed roughly $20,000, towards the large project.

Although the play structures were purchased when the plans first came to fruition in 2023, a shortage of contractors available to install the equipment led the municipality to request, and receive, a one-year extension on the original grant deadline. “Installation was completed by a Gaspé-based contractor, Espace Nature, who did excellent work,” states Mrs. Beebe. With significant volunteer support from brothers Johnny and Jordan Ross, who landscaped and excavated immensely to prepare the grounds, and W.J. Mackenzie who completed the final landscaping using his own equipment, the long wait is now over.

“Volunteers are not something we lack here in Shigawake, when we ask for help, we always get it,” shares the mayor. This new reform marks an incredible upgrade to the park and provides a revitalized recreational space for local families and visitors alike!

When asked by the SPEC what the future looks like for the log cabin and skating rink this winter, mayor Rolande Beebe projects that it will be open and running. “We are already planning renovations to the building through the PRIMA project to make it accessible for everyone,” she shares. A space which was once the heart of the little town, with four-season fun, is step by step becoming the spot to be once again!