Shigawake

Shigawake: Inauguration ofMacKenzie’s Trail and the Ken Duguay Park

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / September 17, 2025 / emily hocquard, Fond Regions et Ruralite, Municipal infrastructure, Shigawake

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!

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Shigawake Celebrates 100 Years

Local Journalism Initiative / The Gaspé Spec / August 7, 2025 / 100th, Celebration, community, History, Shigawake

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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