Vankleek Hill celebrates its 225th anniversary in a spirit of hope

Champlain, January 26, 2022 - The year 2022 will mark the 225th anniversary of the founding of Vankleek Hill and organizers with the Vankleek Hill Historical Society are looking to mark the occasion at events throughout the year with the HOPE 225 project.

Champlain Township Council and Administration were honoured to participate in the unveiling of the project logo at the January 13, 2022, regular meeting. The logo was designed by Miss Reagan Hall, a seventh-grade student from Pleasant Corner Public School, who won the drawing contest held last year.

“The 225th anniversary of the Town of Vankleek Hill, so well known for its numerous events and beautiful architecture, is a great start to 2022. I am sure HOPE 225/ESPOIR 225 will be greatly celebrated by all our citizens of Champlain. Congratulations to Miss Reagan Hall on her creativity and beautiful artwork on winning the logo contest.” said Mr. Normand Riopel, Mayor of Champlain Township.

Peter Barton, Councillor of Vankleek Hill, is “happy to see these community minded people step up to both celebrate the 225th anniversary of the town of Vankleek Hill and provide encouragement as we move forward in these difficult times. Hope is an excellent message to share and congratulations as well to future Community Leader Regan Hall on coming up with a fitting logo that helps to capture the spirit of our town.”

The team contacted the many organizers of regular annual events in Vankleek Hill for their ideas on the 225th anniversary. While some restrictions may remain by mid-year 2022, Seguin is hopeful events will be able to proceed in some fashion during the year and said the groups must work together to make everyone in the community aware of each other’s plans.

J. Denis Seguin, who is leading the 225th anniversary project, stated, “Residents of the community are looking forward to a return to the many regular events that are held each year throughout the summer, after two years of COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of most events. The name HOPE 225/ESPOIR225 for the celebration comes from the fact that there is hope for a return to all events in 2022.”

Event organizers are invited to use the HOPE 225 logo on their promotional items. Residents can be informed of upcoming events through the calendar on the township website or the Vankleek Hill Museum website and social media.

More information on the HOPE 225 project will be released in the coming months. The Museum web page and other social media will also be set up to help promote the anniversary and events throughout 2022.