History of the Park

Welcome to the Chutes-Burroughs Park

The Origin Story

The Chutes-Burroughs are part of the Niger River watershed, itself a component of the larger Massawippi lake basin. Located within Quebec’s Appalachian geological corridor, these natural waterfalls—rising approximately 55 metres—stand as a living testament to the region’s geological and ecological richness.

In May 2018, Hydro-Québec approached the Municipality of Stanstead East with a proposal to acquire this former hydroelectric production site, which spans 20 hectares. Charmed by the beauty of the area, the Municipal Council saw a unique opportunity to restore public access to the Chutes-Burroughs riverbanks and create the community’s first public gathering space.

The Mission: A Shared Vision

After the acquisition, the Municipality held an on-site consultation and formed a committee of elected officials and volunteer citizens to define the park’s mission and development principles.

Chutes-Burroughs Park is, first and foremost, an intergenerational and inclusive space designed to host recreational, educational, community, and cultural activities for the residents of Stanstead East.
It also serves as a showcase offering everyone the opportunity to discover the ecological richness, heritage and the evolving human presence on the land throughout the history of the region.

The values guiding the park’s development and its offerings are:

Accessibility – Ensuring that everyone can enjoy this exceptional site ;
Community – Fostering a gathering place that is family-friendly, festive, and promotes social connection ;
Education – Creating opportunities for discovery and knowledge sharing.
Sustainable Development – Securing that all initiatives respect both the ecological integrity of the site and the Municipality’s financial capacity.

Protection and Enhancement

To achieve these objectives, the Municipal Council took the following three key actions:

A conservation servitude protecting 13 hectares in perpetuity was signed with the Massawippi Conservation Trust, to protect the land and encourage further conservation efforts among local landowners.
A bylaw establishing the heritage designation of the former hydroelectric plant site was adopted in 2021. It is now listed in the Cultural Heritage Register. A report by Patri-Arch confirms the site’s heritage interest for its historical, architectural, and technological value, and the signification of it’s landscape. The report also highlights the scenic beauty of the access road leading to the power station, lined with majestic white pines.
Even before any reception facility was in place, a leisure committee was created. Thanks to the initiative of a handful of dedicated volunteers, a program focusing on welcoming newcomers, fostering neighbourly connections, and celebrations was launched in the spring of 2022—and continues to this day.

A Work in Progress… Toward 2030

Today, the park features a 1.9-kilometre trail network that winds through the landscape. Infrastructure for physical activity, relaxation, contemplation, and socializing has already been installed, delighting visitors of all ages.

And this is only the beginning.

In 2030, the Chutes-Burroughs power plant will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The park will continue to evolve, guided by the founding values and its rich history, while remaining firmly rooted in the present.

Thank you to the funders and financial partners who made this possible.