Otterburn Park, a quaint town nestled 40 kilometres east of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With a population of 8,450 as per the Canada 2011 Census, this town is situated south of Mont-Saint-Hilaire on the Richelieu River. It stands out as one of the few officially bilingual towns in Quebec, offering a unique cultural experience.
Otterburn Park's history is deeply rooted in its rural agricultural past. The town's transformation began in the late 1800s when it became a favourite weekend destination for employees of the Grand Trunk Railway. Starting in 1885, a weekend train from Bonaventure Station to Mont-Saint-Hilaire brought recreational visitors, including railroad employees, who bought or built summer cottages. This spurred development and eventually led to permanent settlement.
Until 1949, Otterburn Park was a neighbourhood within the Mont-Saint-Hilaire parish. It was only in 1953 that it took its present name, Otterburn Park, by popular vote.
Otterburn Park was also the scene of the St-Hilaire train disaster in 1864, the worst railroad accident in Canadian history. Nearly 100 people were killed when an immigrant train failed to stop at an open swing bridge and fell into the Richelieu. The bridge is known to this day as the Pont Noir, or black bridge, a grim reminder of the tragedy.
According to the Office québécois de la langue française, Otterburn Park has been officially recognized as a bilingual municipality since April 22, 1978. The 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada reported that Otterburn Park had a population of 8,479 living in 3,335 of its 3,381 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 0.7% from its 2016 population of 8,421. With a land area of 5.37 km2 (2.07 sq mi), it had a population density of 1,579.0/km2 (4,089.5/sq mi) in 2021.
Otterburn Park, Quebec, with its rich history and bilingual charm, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique cultural experience. Whether you're a history buff or a nature lover, Otterburn Park has something for everyone.
