A charitable organization based on the south bank of Montreal reports receiving tremendous positive feedback after unveiling a new publication that documents memories and narratives from long-standing inhabitants of Châteauguay. Titled “Untold Stories of Châteauguay,” the book hit the shelves in late April, with all copies swiftly selling out. Pauline Wiedow, the executive director of the Montérégie West Community Network (MWCN), expressed astonishment at the brisk sales, observing individuals purchasing multiple copies in bulk.
Wiedow initiated the book project upon recognizing the rapid transformations within the community and the significance of preserving a glimpse of the past in Châteauguay. Securing project funding through a grant from the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports initiatives benefiting seniors and communities, she emphasized the urgency of capturing the heritage before it fades away.
Françoise Goulet, a member of MWCN, was entrusted with conducting interviews with residents. Over 40 contributors, spanning longtime locals, businesses, and organizations, shared personal anecdotes and recollections for the book, illuminating life in Châteauguay from bygone eras. Goulet underscored how the project deepened her understanding of the community’s fabric and history, emphasizing the strong sense of unity and history present in Châteauguay.
Georges Bujold, now 70 years old, reminisced about his childhood struggles with annual floods in his family home, where he would don rubber boots to relieve water pressure from the basement windows. Despite briefly relocating for work, Bujold eventually returned to a transformed Châteauguay, noting significant alterations in the cityscape over the years. Wiedow and the mayor of Châteauguay also contributed their personal narratives to the book, reflecting on their ties to the community and the evolving landscape.
The overwhelming response to the initial release of “Untold Stories of Châteauguay” has spurred plans for a second volume, with numerous individuals already expressing interest in sharing their stories for future editions. Wiedow confirmed the forthcoming continuation of the project, highlighting the enduring impact and resonance of preserving Châteauguay’s rich history and community spirit.