Saint-Alphonse-de-Granby

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Saint-Alphonse-de-Granby is a small municipality in southern Quebec, inside the La Haute-Yamaska regional county municipality in the Estrie region. It sits roughly halfway between Montreal and Sherbrooke. The area covers about 50 square kilometers, with most of it being farmland where maize is commonly grown and cattle graze. The Yamaska River runs through the community, and there are rocky outcrops, mixed forests, and several creeks. A large private quarry operated by Groupe Sintra is a notable feature.

As of the 2011 census, about 3,125 people lived here. The town is connected to nearby Granby and other towns by Route 139 and Autoroute 10, and it’s also part of the La Route des Champs cycling network.

History and development: the region was settled in the 1800s and became its own municipality on December 30, 1890. The parish of Saint-Alphonse was formed in 1875. The village grew around mills and a railroad in the early 20th century, with a one-room school serving the area in the 1950s. The town hall opened in 1986. A fire damaged the church in 1897 but did not destroy it. Rural electrification arrived in the 1940s, bringing power to households and farms. A toll booth on Route 139 built in the 1960s later became La maison du tourisme de l’Estrie. A forest trail was opened around 2000 to protect green spaces and provide recreation.

Wildlife and nature: the area supports many species, including moose and great blue herons, along with a variety of birds, mammals, and plants. Because it is a rural area with fields and forests, wildlife often shares space with people. Roads have caused wildlife fatalities, but the municipality maintains green spaces and trails for nature and outdoor activity. The community also supports farming, ranching, and some conservation efforts.

Mayors and local government: Clément Choinière served as mayor from 1971 to 2012, a 41-year tenure. The current mayor is Marcel Gaudreau.

Nearby communities include Ange-Gardien, Granby, Bromont, Brigham, Cowansville, Farnham, East Farnham, and Saint-Paul-d’Abbotsford. The area offers access to nature, cycling routes, and regional services while preserving a predominantly agricultural and rural character.