Caleb Nickerson
MANSFIELD ET PONTEFRACT
Sept. 9, 2017
Over 150 people descended upon the Parc des Chutes Coulonge on Saturday in celebration of the local landmark and tourist attraction’s 25th anniversary.
To mark the celebration, there was a bouncy castle and children’s activities available, as well as a 25 per cent discount on zip-lining. Several local dignitaries were in attendance, including Warden Raymond Durocher, Pontiac Tourism Association President Jane Toller and Pontiac MP Will Amos.

The park features many hiking trails and lookouts around the historic Coulonge Falls, as well as zip-lining and high-ropes courses. It is maintained by a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve and highlight the site’s natural beauty.
Park director Jean-François Dubois kicked off the opening ceremonies by greeting the guests and thanking them for their efforts to support the business.
“We thank you very much for making your way down,” he said. “We decided to do an open house today in order to thank the community. They have supported the park over the years and made it what it is today. We’re proud to be celebrating 25 years here with you.”
Durocher made a quick speech detailing the importance of the area.
“The MRC, from the beginning was a major partner … with the Chutes Coulonge because the community wanted something better for the Pontiac,” he said. “A lot of energy was put in.”
Toller detailed the economic and historical significance of the site.
“As president of Pontiac Tourism … the two most important tourism sites in our region are the Red Bridge and the Chutes Coulonge,” she said. “On a personal note, I believe my great-great grandfather was the owner of this property and I know that at the time of his death, he left it to the people of the Pontiac for their enjoyment.”
“This is tied to the recovery of the Pontiac and making it great again,” she concluded. “We congratulate all the staff and volunteers at the Chutes.”