Travel log

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In the estuary of the Restigouche River, at the end of Chaleur Bay, lies the national historic site of the Battle of the Restigouche, 3 km west of the municipality of Pointe-à-la-Croix. This historic site commemorates the last naval battle of the Seven Years' War between the French and English for possession of New France…

But it was also near this site, to the east of Pointe-à-la-Croix, that over a thousand Acadians fleeing deportation took refuge, in what was called in 1758 the village of Petite-Rochelle. At the time of the fall of Quebec in September 1759, the village was only defended by a fortified post and a handful of soldiers. Under the English threat, this Acadian refuge was nevertheless the last French bastion to capitulate. Here's why…

The last naval battle

At the end of May 1760, the Petite-Rochelle post received unexpected aid. The winter had been harsh, and the population had suffered greatly from famine. A French flotilla commanded by Lieutenant François Chenard de La Giraudais took refuge at the end of Chaleur Bay. Comprising the frigate Le Machault and two supply ships loaded to aid Canada, they had preferred to avoid encountering a larger English fleet that preceded them at the entrance of the Saint Lawrence River. On June 27, the three French ships were trapped by an English fleet of five warships commanded by Captain John Byron, who engaged in battle. The defense of the Petite-Rochelle post, however, was organized and supported by Acadian militiamen and Mi'kmaq warriors. François-Gabriel d’Anjeac, captain of the troops aboard the French ships, had taken command of the post and directed the construction of a battery and a guard post at Pointe-à-la-Garde (east of Pointe-à-la-Croix). This battery caused real damage to the English and delayed their progression towards the French ships. But the fight was uneven…

Estuary of the Restigouche River and Van Horne Bridge
Estuary of the Restigouche River and Van Horne Bridge connecting Campbellton to Pointe-à-la-Croix, viewed from Sugarloaf Mountain, New Brunswick. It is here that remains of the Machault still lie at the bottom of the river (author Blob5825, unmodified, license CC BY 1.0)
On July 8, at the end of a fierce battle, La Giraudais scuttled his ships to prevent the English from seizing the supplies and weapons. Quickly, Captain d’Anjeac led the retreat of his troops into the woods. However, the English fleet preferred to withdraw. Thus ended the battle of the Restigouche. The English had burned all the houses they found on the shore. The disaster was total. D’Anjeac still managed to organize the resistance of the Petite-Rochelle post, which still sheltered a thousand Acadian refugees. It was in vain… The French troops had to lay down their arms on October 30, after the capitulation of Montreal. The Acadians were left in place, plunged into great uncertainty, which did not prevent the Acadian privateers from continuing a relentless privateering war against the English boats. Several families had still managed to flee along Chaleur Bay and had founded the village of... Bonaventure.

This August 24, 2022, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of René Lévesque, former Premier of Quebec, undoubtedly the most prominent figure in contemporary Quebec history and the most eminent son of Gaspésie.

René Lévesque  
Among the significant reforms of his government, the LGBT community owes him a great deal for making a major step when sexual orientation was added as a prohibited ground for discrimination to the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms in 1977, a commitment of his party when it was in opposition at the time of its adoption in 1975. Quebec then became the 2nd legislature in the world to ban this discrimination, and this advancement would pave the way for access to equality and make Quebec one of the most welcoming nations in the world for LGBT people.

Born in Campbellton on August 24, 1922, René Lévesque grew up in New Carlisle before continuing his studies in Gaspé and Quebec City. When he dropped out of law school, he turned to radio. Bilingual, he was recruited as a war correspondent by the American army in 1944-45, an experience that deeply impacted him as one of the first correspondents to discover the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. He then distinguished himself as a journalist in the 1950s, notably for his work on the program "Point de mire". Elected as a Liberal deputy in 1960, he became one of the main architects of the Quiet Revolution.
He was entrusted with the portfolios of Public Works, Hydraulic Resources, and then Natural Resources. He used this position to pilot the electricity nationalization issue at the heart of the 1962 elections. After leaving the Liberal Party, he founded the Sovereignty-Association Movement, and then the Parti Québécois (PQ) in 1968, seeing the political sovereignty of the Quebec people as the natural culmination of the Quiet Revolution. After two defeats in 1970 and 1973, the victory of November 15, 1976, allowed him to form the first PQ government.
A year after rejecting his sovereignty-association project in May 1980, Quebecers returned René Lévesque and the PQ to power in April 1981. He left active politics in 1985. The interest in his memoirs and the reactions to his death in 1987 reflect his unique place in contemporary Quebec history.

Throughout 2022-2023, various events will highlight the centenary of René Lévesque. Those who wish to learn about or remember the unique journey of this significant Premier in Quebec's history should not miss visiting the René-Lévesque Space in his native village of New Carlisle.

For its 23rd edition, the Mtl en Arts festival is back in force, with a few improvements. From June 29 to July 3, the festival will bring together a hundred of artists from various disciplines as well as many artistic activities : exhibitions, live creations, parades and conferences.

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This year, the festival will mostly take part in the eastern part of the Village, between Beaudry and Papineau streets, which will encourage a better synergy between the artists and the public, as well as a friendly atmosphere.

« What a pleasure to be back this year with a new edition, highlighting diversity in all its forms », says Stéphane Mabilais, general manager of the festival.

Diversity at the core of the festival

More than ever, it was important for the organizers of the festival to promote diversity through the programming, whether in terms of culture or gender. This year, about 20% of the artists are coming from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, a new activity is introduced this year: the "station des artistes" conferences. Hosted by a drag queen, there will be three conferences per day where the artists will be presented. In addition, throughout the festival, artists from the Afro Museum will be on site for an exhibition and to lead creative art workshops for teenagers and children.

As part of the "L'art qui redonne" project, LGBTQ2S+ artists Nikki Küntzle (she/they) and Enok (they/them) will create large-scale temporary murals inspired by the mission of ATQ (Aide aux Trans du Québec). Reproductions of these works will be sold in support of the organization.
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Studio ZX's festive parade under the theme of diversity will parade down St. Catherine street. Even bigger than last year, stilt walkers, jugglers, dancers and others will be there to entertain the public. Festival-goers are also invited to participate in the parade by showcasing their colors.

Animations for every taste and age

Between Beaudry and Papineau streets, many other moving and still animations will be offered :
• L'expo-vente : an exhibition bringing together approximately forthy visual artists to celebrate local creativity, the richness of diversity and the dynamism of the next generation.
• L’art mobile : creation of large format artworks on a wheeled mobile support.

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• Ça déménage : artists Raphaël Dairon and MC Baldassari will give a second life to used furniture by transforming it into unique works of art. This creative and eco-responsible project is possible thanks to the festival's partners, Recyc-Québec and Desjardins.
• Murale collective : under the inspiration of the artist Dalkhafine, the public will be invited to paint a giant mural with the help of the colours indicated. The result will be a beautiful collective work of art.

Animations for every taste and age

Between Beaudry and Papineau streets, many other moving and still animations will be offered :
• L'expo-vente : an exhibition bringing together approximately forthy visual artists to celebrate local creativity, the richness of diversity and the dynamism of the next generation.
• L’art mobile : creation of large format artworks on a wheeled mobile support.
• Ça déménage : artists Raphaël Dairon and MC Baldassari will give a second life to used furniture by transforming it into unique works of art. This creative and eco-responsible project is possible thanks to the festival's partners, Recyc-Québec and Desjardins.
• Murale collective : under the inspiration of the artist Dalkhafine, the public will be invited to paint a giant mural with the help of the colours indicated. The result will be a beautiful collective work of art.

A plant-filled park with a gleaming thunderhead sculpture at its centre is the winning design for a new monument in Ottawa to honour victims of its LGBTQ2+ purge. The LGBTQ2+ National Monument is a partnership between the federal government and the LGBT Purge Fund, which was created from the settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the government. That lawsuit was born from the so-called gay purge, during which several thousand Canadians were investigated, sanctioned and sometimes fired between 1955 and 1996.

The executive director of the purge fund, Michelle Douglas, announced Wednesday that Team Wreford's design won the competition. The monument will feature a mirrored thunderhead cloud inside a large column, with a stage outside for performances and protests, and space inside the thunderhead for more intimate events.

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A view of the inside of the monument, which can host intimate events such as vigils. (Team Wreford)
"Our design embodies the strength, activism and hope of the LGBTQ2+ community, and is a lasting testimony to the courage and humanity of those who were harmed by the purge, homophobic and transphobic laws and norms, and Canada's colonial history," the design winners, Team Wreford, said in their pitch. "It rises up as our community has risen up to say, 'We demand change.'"

The area around the monument will feature an orchard, medicinal garden, a healing circle with stones chosen by two-spirit Indigenous elders and a path tracing LGBTQ2+ history in Canada, according to the proposal. The monument is scheduled to be completed in 2025.


Team Wreford pitched the thunderhead as a symbol of a community rising up to demand change. (Team Wreford/Government of Canada)
Team Wreford is tied to Winnipeg. Architects Public City Inc. are based there, as are visual artists Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan. Advisor Albert McLeod lives there and has family history in Manitoba's Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Norway House Métis community.

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The monument will stand in a grassy area on the Ottawa end of the Portage Bridge, which connects Ontario and Quebec over the Ottawa River, just west of Parliament Hill. The winning design was chosen from a pool of five potential designs that had been released in November 2021 for public feedback. Besides the central thunderhead sculpture, the winning design has a path tracing LGBTQ2+ history and a healing circle made of stones chosen by two-spirit Indigenous elders. (Team Wreford/Government of Canada)

The exhibition JJ Levine: Queer Photographs invites you to discover the work of Montreal photographer JJ Levine via a selection of portraits drawn from three different series. In staged photographs of queer subjects in intimate, domestic settings, Levine questions the representation of traditional binary gender roles. Composed of 52 large format photographs, including several that have never been exhibited, the compelling exhibition is complemented by a video illustrating the artist’s creative process. Actually a retrospective of Levine’s portraiture work that he began in 2006, it borrows from the studio portrait tradition to celebrate people who self-identify as queer.


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THREE PORTRAIT SERIES
Queer Portraits, started in 2006, is composed of portraits of individuals, couples and children chosen by the artist from among his queer friends. Veritable mises en scène of daily life, these photographs, usually taken in the models’ homes, aim to define the personal identity of the subjects. The artist considers this ongoing series a “life project.”
Alone Time depicts heterosexual couples sharing intimate moments, primarily in domestic settings. However, each couple is in fact composed of only one model playing both the male and female characters. To construct these portraits, the artist layers several different negatives together. This ongoing project began in 2007.

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At first glance, Switch appears to be a series of portraits of heterosexual couples dressed up for a special occasion, like a prom. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that each diptych is composed of two people rather than four. Each model is dressed as a man in one photo and as a woman in the adjacent one. This project was completed in 2009.
JJ LEVINEJJ Levine is an images-based artist living and working in Tiohti:áke/Montreal known for his compelling body of work in portraiture. Levine holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Photography from Concordia University. He is currently represented by ELLEPHANT Gallery (Montreal), and his work has been exhibited at museums, galleries, and art festivals in Canada, the United States, Mexico, as well as numerous European countries. His artwork and writing have been published in academic journals, including Photography and Culture (UK). Levine’s images have also been featured in art magazines and newspapers internationally, such as CV Photo (Canada), Esse (Canada), Slate (US), The Guardian Observer (UK and US), and Society (France).Levine was a finalist for the Prix Découverte Louis Roederer in 2019 at the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival (France). In 2015, Levine self-published two artist books: Queer Portraits: 2006- 2015 and Switch. Levine’s artistic practice balances a radical queer agenda with a strong formal aesthetic.

Since 2014, Pride has been a growing event. in Pembroke. Pride Walk began when a group of friends decided that the city—and the Ottawa Valley area in general—needed more LGBTQ+ awareness and representation. So, they organized their first Pride event in 2014, a walk through downtown Pembroke with almost 150 attendees. In the past five years, their work has expanded beyond events—organizers recently partnered with PFLAG Renfrew County to bring support meetings to the Ottawa Valley. And events go well beyond the OG walk; last year’s schedule included an inclusive yoga class, Drag Queen Storytime at Pembroke’s public library, an all-ages drag show and, of course, brunch, an overall attendance of a thousand people.

Usually taking place early June, the 2020 schedule is still to be confirmed due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

At the confluence of the Muskrat River and the Ottawa River, Pembroke is main city of Renfrew County, with a population of 15,000.

The first European settlers came to the area now known as Pembroke attracted by the growing lumbering operations of the area.

Originally named Miramichi, the village was renamed after Sidney Herbert, First Admiralty Secretary from 1841 to 1845 and son of George Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke. It was named seat for Renfrew County in 1861. This set the stage for construction shortly thereafter on the Renfrew County Courthouse, and the arrival of many civil servants, much wealth and much construction.
From 2005 to 2007, the courthouse and (now disused) jail were re-constructed into one building and historic renovations were also completed. Visitors on weekdays can view original 1867 jail cells in the basement, and the original courtroom, complete with a huge replica of the original brass light fixture. County meetings were held here for many years.
Other historic buildings that survive in Pembroke include a historic synagogue, two original hospitals, the Dunlop mansion (Grey Gables Manor Bed & Breakfast), the 'Munroe Block' downtown, and two houses belonging to the White family. A fire in 1918 downtown destroyed many buildings, including the Pembroke Opera House.

Local attractions include 30 historic murals in the downtown area depicting the history of the city, from steam engines to logging.
At the Champlain Trail Pioneer Village and Museum, the history of Ottawa Valley settlers comes alive inside the fully furnished schoolhouse, pioneer log home and church — all built in the 1800s. Other outdoor exhibits include train station, sawmill, blacksmith shop, stonelifter, carriage shed, woodworking shop, bake oven, smokehouse and a 1923 Bickle fire engine. The large museum features artifacts which range from fossils and First Nations arrowheads to furniture, clothing and manufactured products of Pembroke from various eras. There is also a replica of Samuel de Champlain's Astrolabe (he brought the original to the Valley in 1613), an original Cockburn pointer boat, Corliss steam engine, doctor's examination room, fancy parlour rooms, general store, hair salon and more.

The Pembroke Hydro Museum commemorates national hydro-electric development in Pembroke, including the first electric streetlights in Pembroke, and the first municipal building with electric lights (Victoria Hall).

Sillery, Sainte-Foy and Cap-Rouge

Villa_Bagatelle

Sillery, Sainte-Foy and Cap-Rouge have the reputation of being the more affluent neighborhoods of the capital. This area is home of the main campus of Université Laval, the oldest francophone higher education establishment in America, where the first LGTBQ organization in the capital, the Groupe gai de l’Université Laval, first appeared.

Whether arriving in Québec from the south shore using the highway or the Chemin du Roy, or coming in from the international airport, one inevitably crosses this district before accessing downtown Québec. There are also many hotels in the vicinity of the bridges, especially along Laurier Boulevard. This might be the more practical choices for those coming into the city by car, as the old narrow streets of Old Québec where obviously conceived for horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians, not cars. Shoppers will appreciate the proximity of the shopping malls also found on Laurier Boulevard.

Coming over the bridges from this district, you should visit the Promenade Samuel –De-Champlain park along the river, which was inaugurated in 2008 for the 400th anniversary of the city. Whether arriving by foot, bike or car, the promenade offers a spectacular view of the city and leads right into historic Old Québec. This is a great way to connect with a natural environment in the heart of the city.

Sillery is certainly the most affluent neighborhood of the capital. Its trendiest street, Maguire Avenue, is an area especially appreciated by our community, offering quaint boutiques, with good restaurants and nice terraces. It also features one of the most remarkable parks in the city, Spencer Wood, which became a showcase for horticulture in North America through the efforts of its owner, Henry Atkinson. For nearly 20 years, the governor-generals of United Canada lived on the property, which was purchased by the Québec government in 1870 and served as the residence of Québec lieutenant-governors until 1966. A major fire eventually destroyed the main residence. Visit the gorgeous park by the Saint Lawrence River, the beautiful gardens and relics of the site's long history.

Villa Bagatelle, with its distinctive irregular forms and ornamentations, was built in the picturesque English architectural style of the 19th century. The cultural centre hosts temporary art and history exhibitions. The Villa is also renowned for its garden where you can admire many native plants and a range of underbrush species.

Also noteworthy is the Aquarium du Québec, with its gardens and outdoor tanks, and a main building featuring many exhibition spaces. The venue includes nearly 10 000 specimens representing 300 species of mammals, indigenous and exotic fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. Watch marine mammals, such as polar bears, walruses and several seal species, frolic in the outdoor park. Many animals from the Pacific Ocean swim in our huge 350 000-litre tank. The area overlooks the Saint Lawrence River from atop a cliff, an excellent way of discovering these faraway regions.

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Trendy locals appreciate their impressive wine list and often drop by for a drink after work, or to dine on one of their many gourmet pizzas. Originality and flavour are on the menu here. Piz’za-za has an urban decor, with brick, wood and mirrors, centering on their impressive bar and open view of the kitchen. It’s on the second floor that we find the pièce de résistance, their large glass wine cellar that would make any oenophile drool. During the summer months, you’ll want to check out their lovely back patio.

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The restaurant staff is remarkably friendly and quick, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Employees receive regular courses on the wines offered in the restaurant to improve their service. The menu has many charms, for example, their tomato gratin with brie and raclette cheese made with Griffon beer. Bold, simple, and exquisite. The pizzas are delicious and made with fresh ingredients like fennel, fig, mango and smoked trout, and their salads and pastas are colourful and fresh. Every season, the chef makes up a new menu inspired by seasonal local ingredients.

The restaurant also offers wine tastings hosted by oenologist Richard Charbonneau. With varying themes, these workshops are a fantastic way to discover the diversity of wines while savouring a succulent meal.

Piz’za-za is definitely worth the detour. Thanks to its proximity to Canada`s capital, it is common for locals and tourists to cross the river for some good food, good wine, all at a reasonable price. To view their menu or find out about their wine tastings, visit their website at www.pizzaza.ca

Piz’za-za Restau Bar à vin 36, rue Laval Gatineau, Québec info@pizzaza.ca www.pizzaza.ca

rp_SnackMusic-525x286.jpegThis June 13th is the Montreal Fringe Festival premiere of Snack Music, a brand new show from the award-winning creators of the fringe smash-hits Kitt & Janeand Little Orange Man (Playwright’s Theatre Centre Prize, Centaur Theatre Award, Most Outstanding Overall Production.) Snack Music invites the audience to tell their best (or worst) true story, then sit back and watch the artists bring the story to life with improvised puppetry and live music. The snacks are free.

“There is something about puppets that can take the strangest story and make sense of it, take the darkest story and find the humour, take the simplest story and make it an epic tale,” says director Ginette Mohr. “Imagine telling a short story from your life to a dancer and watching them dance it, or giving your story to a composer and having them compose a mini symphony. It’s impossible to explain, you’ve just got to experience it.”

During the post-show Q & A, audience members remarked that Snack Music “feels like a house party, only funnier and with more friends.” If the idea of sharing your story terrifies you, you can also just sit back and watch. “Everyone is welcome,” says Snack Music puppeteer Ingrid Hansen, “We won’t make you open your mouth, except to maybe put snacks in it.”

All this is in an attempt to build a temporary community out of an audience of strangers. Snack Music has only six performances at the Montreal Fringe, and the company’s show Kitt & Jane sold out last year, so get your tickets in advance for this one or you might get left out of the game.

SNACK MUSIC produced by SNAFU

Playing at the 2015 St-Ambroise MONTREAL FRINGE FESTIVAL

Directed by Ginette Mohr

Performed by Andrew G. Young, Elliott Loran, and Ingrid Hansen

Dates:

  • Saturday June 13th @ 22:15
  • Sunday June 14th @ 14:15
  • Thursday June 18th @ 18:00
  • Friday June 19th @ 20:00
  • Saturday June 20th @ 23:45
  • Sunday June 21st @ 13:30

Venue: MAI (Montréal, Arts Interculturels) 3680 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montreal

Tickets: $10 online at www.montrealfringe.ca

At the Fringe HQ Box Office 3905 St. Laurent 514.849.FEST and cash-only at the door.

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