Otter Lake Canada Day festivities

July 2, 2019

On June 30, the Municipality of Otter Lake celebrated Canada Day, bringing out hundreds of locals to the RA grounds. At the opening ceremonies, local politicians at all levels performed “O, Canada” for the crowd, accompanied by local legends Reg Carkner and Shane Presley, who provided entertainment for the afternoon. From left: MNA André Fortin, Mayor Kim Cartier-Villeneuve, councillor Desiree Tremblay-Giroux, Presley, MP Will Amos and Carkner.

Caleb Nickerson

caleb@theequity.ca

CALEB NICKERSON

June 30, 2019

Otter Lake

On June 30, the Otter Lake RA grounds were filled with red- and white-clad locals for the annual Canada Day festivities. The parade snaked its way down the 301 to the grounds, where a host of activities awaited for all ages. There was a giant inflatable slide, a maze, face painting and a horseshoe tournament.

Musical entertainment was provided throughout the day by local talent Reg Carkner and Shane Presley, who managed to convince the local dignitaries to join them for the singing of “O, Canada.”

Mayor Kim Cartier-Villeneuve thanked a host of people for their attendance, and announced the opening of the new paved trail that loops around the circumference of the RA grounds. She noted that the scenic 1/2 km path features benches and a series of informational signs that detail the history of the region.

She also announced that the RA Hall would be renamed the Centre Communautaire Raymond Johnston Community Centre, in honour of a man who dedicated his life to improving the region. Johnston represented the Pontiac at the provincial legislature for 22 years, and helped extend electricity to many parts of the region, as well as establishing schools such as the Otter Lake’s Ste-Marie Primary School.

“He will be remembered for his kindness and his constant dedication to the people of the Pontiac and Otter Lake,” Cartier-Villeneuve said.

She thanked Beverly Dubeau, Johnston’s former secretary, with bringing his accomplishments to the attention of the municipal council. Four of Johnston’s daughters were in attendance, and were pleased to see their father honoured by the community he was so fond of.

“We know how much he loved this area, especially the RA,” said Kim Johnston.

Prizes for the parade were as follows:

Horse – Kendra Vadneau

Walking – Sara and Damien Dubeau

ATV – Chad Kluke and Veronique Gauthier

Pedal bike – Reilley Durocher

The Canada Day celebrations in Otter Lake also marked the official dedication of the RA Hall in memory of Raymond Johnston, who represented the Pontiac in the provincial legislature from 1948-1972. Pictured, is the ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the newly-minted building. From left: Councillors Robin Zacharias, Evelyn Gauthier, Carlen Lafleur, MNA André Fortin, Kim Johnston, councillor Vicky Dubeau, Ann Beriau, Mary Lafleur, Carol Kavenaugh (behind Mary), councillor Ivan Leblanc, MP Will Amos and Mayor Kim Cartier-Villeneuve.

The Municipality of Otter Lake inaugurated a new trail at their RA grounds on Canada Day. The track comes complete with informative plaques to teach visitors about the history of the region. From left: Councillors Desiree Tremblay-Giroux, Robin Zacharias, Mayor Kim Cartier-Villeneuve and MRC Land planner Alexandre Savoie-Perron.

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