The trail connecting the 105 and Belle-Terre / Terrasse du Domaine has been closed due to concerns over the safety of the bridges. The Municipality is exploring options, but this will take some time. At some point, volunteers will be needed. If you are willing to help, please contact: [email protected]
CHANGE OF DATE: Sunday, July 19, 10h – 12h, Kirk’s Ferry
Led by SCT board member Alain Piché, this historical walk will feature some of the local landmarks pre- and post-flooding, such as the actual ferry crossing, icehouse and various farmhouses. Harold Reid will join us to share stories about the original Reid farmhouse and lives of the original settlers. The walk is about 2 hours, and not far in length. Please come dressed for the weather.
There are 6 spots available at the VVC & Kirks Ferry. Please plan to carpool or ride your bike (bring a bike lock). Please plan to arrive early if you need to find a parking spot; we will try to help. Start time is 10am.
Facebook Event Link
SCT HIKE 4 CANCELLATION: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the September 19 hike, "Geology and ecology of the Musie Ponds", has been cancelled.
Our next hike will take place on Saturday, Oct 10, "St-Stephen's Forest & Old Chelsea Cemeteries", from the St-Stephen's Church.
Saturday, September 19 from 10h – 12h
Curious about the geology of the Gatineau Hills? Wonder about the changing levels of ponds and local biodiversity?
Join SCT for an informative hike with Dr. Robert Rainbird and Heather MacDonald in the Musie Ponds area and discover mica mines, quartzite, granite and the mystery of suddenly transforming ponds!
Meet at 10 am at the playground at Chemin Southridge, where on street parking is available.
This hike is on uneven terrain with roots and rocks covered by autumn leaves; it’s recommended that you wear appropriate footwear and bring a hiking pole if necessary. Please dress for the weather.
Saturday, October 10, 10h – 12h, St Stephen’s Church
This walking tour will be led by Michel Hébert, a member of the SCT board of directors, and local experts Susan Trudeau and André Renaud, who will share the fascinating history of St. Stephen's Cemetery and the Old Chelsea Protestant Cemetery, both located in the heart of the village. The tour will begin at St. Stephen's Cemetery, stop at a historic house on Padden Street, continue to the intersection of Old Chelsea Road where the Chelsea Pub hosted the first meetings of the Town Council, and from there proceed to the Protestant Cemetery.
The walk will start in front of St-Stephen's church at 10 am.
Free parking is available across chemin Old Chelsea in the public parking lot.
A big thank you to the interpreters who helped make our 3rd SCT Hike a huge success – as well as the weather! Our hike started at the Protestant cemetery where André Renaud described the foundation of Chelsea and the lives of early pioneers such as Thomas Wright and Asa Meech. A short hike from Paden along a new SCT connector trail brought us to St Stephens where Suzanne Gibeault and André Michaud told stories of the early Catholic residents and veterans. Barb Hendricks brought her family’s pioneering stories to life: long work days followed by hauling logs and stone for the church’s construction, community barn buildings and family life. At the Pioneer cemetery, Marc Cockburn described the pioneering families of Maxwell and Church families, of the heydays of the Gilmour Mills and the story of Private Richard Thompson of the Royal Canadian Regiment, a medic in the Boer War and recipient of one of four scarves made by the Queen Victoria. Cockburn explained the importance of this award, the significance of the Cenotaph, and invited everyone to return for Remembrance Day.
Thank you to the municipality for supporting this event. Thank you to Gregoire Crevier for his wonderful photos and, of course, thank you to our participants.
Don’t miss the final hike of the series on October 18, where geologist Rob Rainbird will help decode the stories written in the earth around the Musie Ponds. 9:45am to noon.
Documents:
Protestant, Eng: https://docs.google.com/.../1U0LSXX6dpnfUpDHLEgfIrDj.../edit
Protestant, fr: https://docs.google.com/.../1upAgE8sM9N9uKbRku6oPGhp.../edit
Pionnier/Pioneer, Eng & fr: https://docs.google.com/.../1ni1RBddJmJcPpTIzbTK3lS3.../edit
A very successful launch to our first hike in the series today. About a dozen people showed up, including Mayor Pierre, and all were very engaged and interested. And fun! The hike was in Chelsea Park, along the wetland from Terrace du Dumoine. We all agreed it was splendid and beautiful in there!