Huntingdon, Quebec, is a charming small town nestled in the Haut-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality, within the Montérégie region of Quebec, Canada. This quaint town, located 75 kilometres southwest of Montreal and just 15 kilometres from the New York State border, boasts a population of 2,556 as of the 2021 Canadian census.
The history of Huntingdon, Quebec, dates back to the post-War of 1812 era when British soldiers settled in the area. The fertile land surrounding the town led to a thriving farming economy. By the 1820s, with the fear of American attacks subsided, businessmen established lumber and grist mills along the banks of the Chateauguay River.
The dawn of the 20th century saw the rise of the textile industry in Huntingdon, Quebec. The town became home to a flourishing textile industry, founded by Alex Fawcett & Hiram Leach as Leach Textiles. Post World War II, entrepreneurs François Cleyn and Alec Tinker expanded the textile businesses in Huntingdon, transforming Cleyn & Tinker Limited into one of Canada's most successful woolen mills. The company expanded to five interconnected operations around the town and acquired subsidiaries in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and Castlecomer, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Huntingdon, Quebec, was also home to Huntingdon Mills (Canada) Ltd., another significant textile business. However, the town faced economic challenges when both Huntingdon Mills and Cleyn & Tinker announced their closures in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The closures resulted in job losses for over 215 employees. However, the town's resilience shone through when Mayor Stéphane Gendron announced the purchase of the closing textile plants, with hopes of selling them to new businesses.
The town also faced social challenges, with a rise in teen vandalism leading to the controversial implementation of a curfew for unsupervised children aged 15 and under. The bylaw, which held parents responsible for their children's activities, was eventually suspended following legal action by parents.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Huntingdon, Quebec, had a population of 2,556 living in 1,202 of its 1,273 total private dwellings. This represented a 4.6% increase from its 2016 population of 2,444. With a land area of 2.77 km2, Huntingdon had a population density of 922.7/km2 in 2021.
Transportation in Huntingdon, Quebec, was formerly provided by the CIT du Haut-Saint-Laurent, offering commuter and local bus service. However, the service was cut back to Ormstown and Sainte-Martine. Currently, the Haut-Saint-Laurent regional county municipality provides the service.
Huntingdon, Quebec, with its rich history and resilient spirit, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike.
