Borough of Jacques-Cartier - Ville de Sherbrooke

Borough ServicesThis summer, we’re playingin Parc Jacques-Cartier!Today, the Parc Jacques-Cartier area is well rooted in the city’sdevelopment, while businesses, office buildings, restaurants,cycling trails, and private homes co-exist to create a dynamicenvironment. This is a much different portrait than the one 70years ago.Borough ServicesJacques-CartierThe Jacques-Cartier bridge did not exist In the mid 1940sand the boulevard of the same name was called “Chemind’Orford.” Few people lived in the area, but the shores of theMagog River and surrounding woods attracted those seekingrest and relaxation, or the opportunity to enjoy aquaticactivities. The Armitage cabins and McGregor cabins were builtbetween the intersection of Montreal (now Rue King Ouest)and Orford (now Boulevard Jacques-Cartier) roads, and theMagog River. On the other side of the road, new facilitieswere being built in Parc Jacques-Cartier, marking the beginningof a recreational tradition.Prior to the 1930s, the area where Jacques-Cartier beachnow sits looked more like a swamp. In spite of this, the publicenjoyed swimming at the beach. During the same era, whileexpounding the virtues of fresh air and healthy living, mainlyto working class children, priests in Sherbrooke were settingup the Œuvre des colonies de vacances – the precursor to theOrganisation des terrains de jeux (OTJ) that became associatedwith the municipality in 1968 – welcoming hundreds ofSherbrooke youth from the start.During the summer of 1936, the Ville de Sherbrooke purchasedfrom Senator Howard a 40 000-acre property on the shores ofthe Magog River and developed it by planting trees, establishingthe beach, and constructing two buildings to serve as sheltersin case of rain. Two years later, the Jacques-Cartier pavilionwas built. While children from the Colonie de vacances werethe first users, other organizations soon followed, such as theThéâtre de l’Atelier, which called it home from 1972 to 1998.The site became a gathering for hundreds, if not thousands ofThompson & Alix, Sherbrooke’s main fruit and vegetablesupplier, was involved in the Œuvre des colonies de vacancesfor many years. In July 1953, children playing in Parc Jacques-Cartier enjoyed juicy watermelons.Photo: Thompson & Alix ltée. Sherbrooke Historical Society.children during the summer. Various sports and arts activitieswere organized, but swimming remained the most popularactivity. But no mixing! During the 1950s, girls and boys stillcould not share the beach at the same time! Even at theage of 10 and wearing a bathing suit, decorum had to bemaintained, so each group had its own day.The Sherbrooke OTJ continues to be popular: thousands ofyoung people take part in summer activities and Parc Jacques-Cartier remains a welcoming location even if swimming is nolonger permitted. A picnic under the trees, a walk, or a gameof soccer – these recreational activities are easy and availablein the heart of the city.In the 1950s, children and adults alikeenjoyed swimming at the beach inParc Jacques-Cartier.Photo: Frederick James Sangster fonds.Sherbrooke Historical Society.160INFOSHERBROOKOIS | Spring - Summer 2012