History

Shigawake Celebrates 100 Years

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Holly Smith, LJI Journalist

SHIGAWAKE: The municipality of Shigawake proudly marked its 100th anniversary from July 11 to 13 with a weekend full of celebration, remembrance, and heartfelt community spirit. The centennial brought together residents, visitors, and families across generations to honour the rich history and enduring identity of this small but proud Gaspesian town.

With a weekend packed with events, from ATV rides and traditional games to historical displays, community meals, and heartfelt tributes, the celebration captured everything that makes Shigawake a true gem of the region.

Weekend Highlights: Food, fun, and local pride

Festivities kicked off on Friday afternoon with a BBQ at the Log Cabin, where locals and visitors gathered to enjoy grilled favourites and reconnect under the summer sun. The event was family-friendly and full of laughter, a perfect start to a memorable weekend. Local Member of Parliament Alexis Deschênes was also present to speak with residents and take part in the celebrations.

On Saturday, July 12, over 140 people attended the brunch at the Fair Grounds. Tables were full of food and conversation as old friends and new neighbours came together to mark the milestone.
At 11 a.m., engines revved as more than 70 participants took part in the ATV rally, exploring scenic trails and countryside. Riders of all ages joined in the fun, adding adventure and energy to the day.
Later that afternoon, at 2 p.m., traditional children’s games brought classic fun to the Fair Grounds, where you could hear echos of children laughing and playing, and parents cheering from the sidelines.

At 8 p.m. a lively barn dance featuring the Homegrown Country Band drew a crowd of enthusiastic residents, adding music and fun to the centennial celebrations.

Honouring the community: Youngest and oldest awards

As part of the centennial, the town honoured several individuals who represent both the newest generation and the most seasoned residents of Shigawake: Youngest female: Ellie Hottot; youngest male: Sawyer Almond; Second-oldest citizen: Joyce MacKenzie and oldest citizen: Sarah MacKenzie. (honoured posthumously)

The award for oldest citizen was accepted by Judy McCune the daughter of Sarah MacKenzie, who sadly passed away in early July. The moment was a moving tribute to Sarah’s legacy, and the applause was filled with both warmth and respect.

A walk through time with SPEC

Adding a historical touch to the weekend, The Gaspé Spec presented a slideshow of newspaper clippings spanning the past 50 years of life in Shigawake. Residents and municipal staff were delighted to see photos, headlines, and moments from the past, from community events and elections to fairs and festivals, all chronicled through decades of local coverage.

The display brought back memories and gave many a new appreciation for the town’s history and the role the community paper has played in preserving it.

Words from former mayor Garry Hayes

Former mayor Garry Hayes addressed attendees with a message focused on the strength and importance of Shigawake’s independence. He emphasized that remaining a separate municipality helps protect local services and avoid rising taxes that could come with amalgamation.

He also praised the town’s strong anglophone population and the welcoming, close-knit nature of its people, values that have helped sustain Shigawake for a century.

Looking ahead with pride

The Mayor of Shigawake, Rolande Beebe, told SPEC that the Centennial event was a great success and praised the citizens for their participation and everyone who contributed to making the event memorable. Reflecting on the weekend’s significance, she added, “It was a special time to share great memories. May we continue to be united and welcoming everyone in this beautiful town.”

Shigawake’s 100th anniversary was more than a celebration of years gone by, it was a reminder of what makes the town thrive: connection, tradition, and community pride. As residents looked back with gratitude, they also looked forward with optimism, knowing that the same spirit that built Shigawake will carry it into the next century.

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The MCQ presents the human stories of the Titanic

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

The MCQ presents the human stories of the Titanic

Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

cassandra@qctonline.com

Most people know the fatal story of the Titanic’s maiden voyage, but what about the people on board? For its latest exhibit, open until Jan. 11, 2026, the Musée de la Civilisation (MCQ) presents Titanic: The Human Story.

Even before stepping into the MCQ, visitors encounter Titanic written out in large red letters on a single blue block beside the replica bow, where people can mimic Jack Dawson from the iconic 1997 movie: “I’m the king of the world!”

Entering the exhibit, visitors travel through time to April 1912 to meet the workers, architects and engineers of the Titanic, the crew and pas- sengers on board and the ships that rescued the survivors. Listening to the audioguide, in French or English, they discover the stories behind the 200 displayed objects (clothes, jewelry, journals, tickets, docu- ments, life jackets, silverware, dishes and more); the models of first-, second- and third- class rooms; and the ship in all its glory and in its current condition, sitting in two large pieces at the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean. They also find authentic journals, leather shoes, postcards, papers and a diamond necklace that inspired the countless films and stories that have stemmed from the fatal night of April 14, 1912.

“Every time we’re able to host a major international exhibition here, the magic happens, and audiences from all over turn out,” said Julie Lemieux, MCQ executive director. “Titanic is the human story behind the great history, an approach faithful to what distinguishes the MCQ, a museum of society par excellence.”

The creative geniuses be- hind this exhibit are from the Spanish museum Musealia. To create Titanic: The Human Story, they worked with one of the world’s leading Titanic experts, Claes-Göran Wetterholm, who has made four research voyages to the wreck. “What moves us most about the story of the Titanic is not just the facts of its tragedy, but the lives tied to it: the choices, hopes, and consequences that shaped an era,” said Luis Ferreiro, president and CEO of Musealia. “With this exhibition, we attempt to go beyond the myth to reveal the world from which it emerged, and the people who embarked and perished on board during that voyage. Presenting it for the first time in Canada, within the walls of the MCQ, is a privilege – this is where this story should be heard.” It has been presented in Barcelona; Stockholm; London, England; Mexico City; New York; Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; and now, Quebec City.

“I have seen many exhibits presented at the MCQ. This is one of the best, if not the best,” said Laura Blouin. “Often, when I learned about the Titanic, I imagined the ship, the crew in the [crow’s] nest, the iceberg, the musicians, the freezing water and the wreckage. Now, I see beyond the steel and wood. I feel like I’ve met the passengers and crew, thanks in part to the extremely well-written and narrated audioguide. The enormous piece of ice in the middle of the exhibit is a nice touch and reminds people just how cold the waters were that night.”

For more information, visit mcq.org/en/discover/exhibitions/titanic.

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Uncovering Deux-Montagnes’ History: The Journées de la culture Adventure!

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Maria Diamantis

LJI journalist

As part of the Journées de la culture taking place on September 28 and 29, the City of Deux-Montagnes invites its residents and visitors to participate in a unique event designed to connect the community with its rich heritage. Through an open-air interpretation circuit, participants will have the opportunity to explore the city’s historical landmarks, learning about significant moments that have shaped the local identity. This event underscores the importance of civic engagement and cultural preservation, encouraging everyone to take pride in the city’s legacy.

This initiative reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural awareness and fostering a sense of belonging among its residents. The interpretation circuit covers approximately five kilometers, making it accessible by foot, bicycle, or car, and is designed to be explored independently. Participants will visit eight historically significant locations around Deux-Montagnes, each marked with panels containing valuable insights about the city’s past. The information provided on these panels serves as a foundation for the multiple-choice questionnaire that forms part of the event, encouraging participants to engage actively with the material.

This event is more than a leisurely tour; it is an opportunity for citizens to deepen their understanding of their community’s historical landscape. From the exterior of the library to the gazebo at City Hall, and from Parc Bélair, home to an old locomotive, to the Petite école jaune, each location has been carefully selected for its historical significance. As participants move through the circuit, they will gain a broader appreciation for how these landmarks contribute to the city’s cultural narrative.

To add to the excitement, participants can enter a draw to win one of three gift sets by submitting their completed questionnaires. Submissions are due by October 4 and can be handed in at the library or sent via email. This small but meaningful gesture serves as an additional incentive for participants to engage fully with the event while offering a reward for their efforts.

The city’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its history is evident in the organization of this event, which combines education, recreation, and civic pride. In doing so, Deux-Montagnes ensures that its cultural heritage remains a vital part of community life, inspiring future generations to value and protect their shared history. The winners of the gift sets will be announced during the week of October 7, but the true reward lies in the enriched understanding of local heritage.

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