What started with a few volunteers pulling weeds by hand has blossomed into a lasting legacy at Sturgeon Falls Beach.
The Friends of the Sturgeon Falls Beach celebrated the official opening of the Leisure Farms Pavilion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 19. Generously built and donated by Michel DesChatelets and his family, the new structure provides a charming, inviting space for families, friends, and visitors to gather and enjoy the riverside scenery.
The volunteer group was formed in 2019, when a handful of residents, connected by word of mouth, came together to dedicate time, care, and energy to their local beach. Their early efforts included hands-on cleanup, weeding, landscaping, and enhancing the overall space. Over time, their vision expanded to replacing an old structure with a welcoming gazebo. Thanks to the generosity of Michel DesChatelets and his family, that vision became reality. With additional funds raised by the group, the site also features accessible picnic tables and a commemorative plaque.
The public celebration on Tuesday brought together community members,volunteers, members of council, and the DesChatelets family. Ward 3 Councillor Daniel Gagné offered his thanks and congratulations.
“This is more than just a structure — it’s a place for families and friends to gather and make memories,” said Gagné. “I want to thank the Friends of the Beach for their dedication, which has brought this place back to life, and to Michel and the DesChatelets family for their generosity. Like your farm, this pavilion will continue to bring people together and be enjoyed for years to come.”
With funds still available, the Friends of the Beach are already exploring future projects to make the space even more inviting. Their ongoing dedication, combined with the support of local residents, ensures that Sturgeon Falls Beach will continue to be a vibrant and well-loved spot for the community. The Municipality looks forward to continuing to support the group as they work to bring their vision to life.
