Welcoming Chelsea 150

What do you call someone from Chelsea?  Chelsen, Chelsan, Chelsian? According to the unveiling program for Chelsea’s 150^th anniversary, a contest this spring will come up with the answer to this question.

Chelsea Mayor Pierre Guénard observed that Chelsea’s 150th coincides with the 150th    anniversary of the building in which the unveiling was held, held in La Fab, the old United Church building.

The slogan for the year-long celebration is Cultivons notre avenir en célébrant nos racines.  “Let’s cultivate our future while celebrating our roots.”  One interesting historical conflict in the community was over the place of alcohol.  The local branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union waged a losing struggle first to keep it out and then to minimize its presence.  Incidentally, the evening of the unveiling included a cash bar.

Among speakers at the session were MP Sophie Chatel and Marc Carrière, warden of the MRC des-Collines-de-l’Outaouais.  Both tied Chelsea to environmentalism.  Chatel spoke of the First Nations ethos of protecting the environment and connecting the community to nature.  Carrière recalled his time as mayor of Val-des-Monts, when Chelsea was held out as the region’s environmental leader. 

During the meeting the mayor announced the establishment of a $30,000 fund to support projects by local community organizations as part of the 150^th anniversary celebration.  Submissions for the fund must be in by April 11.  The projects will need to be aimed at community development, strengthening social ties, and celebrating Chelsea’s collective history. 

Kicking off the year-long celebration will be Winter Fun Day on February 23.  There will be other events throughout the year, some under the auspices of La Fab and the library.