Cantley 1889 - Our past Our future
to discover, catalogue, protect and promote our heritage
Close to the nation's capital is the rural municipality of Cantley, Quebec. Its first pioneers settled here in the 1820's; a local government was established in 1889. Today it is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada.
Cantley 1889 was founded by volunteers interested in discovering Cantley's roots from the early 19th century - its logging on the Gatineau River, mining mica from the rocky Canadian Shield, farming its rolling hills and fields. Our mandate is to discover, catalogue, protect and promote our heritage.
We are a registered not-for-profit voluntary organization. Your membership supports Cantley 1889. We welcome your stories and photos of Cantley’s past and your volunteer help.
Welcome to the launch of
Cantley 1889's Virtual Museum
Phase 1
Showcasing Cantley's historical artefacts, sites, and buildings
In partnership with local photographer Pierre Bélisle
A tragic day for Cantley's heritage
Cantley 1889 is deeply sorry and saddened to inform you that St. Andrew's Church was demolished in the early morning of May 26, 2020.
Cantley 1889 received no forewarning of its demolition.
Built in 1877, it was one of the oldest remaining buildings in Cantley. This simple yet beautiful church was the hub of the Cantley Protestant community for 140 years. It was deconsecrated in 2016.
For information about St. Andrew’s, read these Echo articles:
"Cantley's St. Andrew's United Church ~ built with faith, dedication and love" by Bob McClelland and
“St. Andrew’s Pulpit and Pew – donation in memory of Cantley’s past” by Margaret Phillips.
A comprehensive history of the church was written by Eirene McClelland "St. Andrew's United Church, Cantley 1876-1976". For details, please contact: info.cantley1889@gmail.com.
Cantley 1889 Events
Great News!
On April 14, 2020, the Municipality of Cantley passed a resolution to purchase the Cantley Quarry which includes its prehistoric sculpted rocks.
Special thanks to all those who have advocated for the protection of this significant prehistoric site since the 1980s, especially members of Cantley 1889.
On behalf of Cantley 1889 and friends of the Cantley Quarry, we thank the mayor and councillors for passing the resolution to purchase the “Cantley Quarry” at April's council meeting. This is great news for the sculpted rocks and for Cantley!
You will have the opportunity to visit the site with Dr Sharpe on October 25th. See poster for details and events for more information.
Cantley 1889 in The Echo of Cantley
Read Cantley 1889's monthly articles on Cantley’s heritage and topics of local historical interest, originally published in the community newspaper The Echo of Cantley.
Most recent Cantley 1889 article: Quarry wall hints at new glacial theory - June 2020.
Aspects of Cantley History
See videos by videographer Pierre Belisle and others.
Visit
Parc Mary-Anne-Phillips (47 ch Summer, Cantley)
Cantley’s restored Tugboat and Mine Car with their descriptive panels situated with a unique view of the Gatineau River. In 2017, Embâcle, a sculpture carved from river logs, was installed here showing the symbolism of the river’s history.
Cantley Townhall, Lower Lobby, 8 ch River, Cantley, Quebec
Cantley 1889 photo exhibit: Cantley’s Mining Heritage
and
Historic pulpit and pew donated from St. Andrew’s Church (1876 - 2016)
Notecards for Sale
To commemorate Cantley 1889’s major projects in Parc Mary-Anne-Phillips and Cantley's logging, mining and farming heritage.. See more.