Farnham

Farnham

Bordering the Saint-Lawrence Lowlands, Farnham is located within the basin of the Yamaska River with three of its branches converging on the territory. Its name, from the Old English Feornham, means habitat of ferns. Indeed, the surrounding area abounds with wetlands.

Loyalists were the first to settle in the village of West Farnham in 1790. In 1817, an American named Whipple Cook built the first sawmill here. The Champlain & St Lawrence Railway set the pace for a string of railway companies to establish themselves here, making Farnham an important railway centre and thus contributed greatly to its development.

In 1876, the village was granted the status of “Town of Farnham”, and since the year 2000, following its merger with the municipality of Rainville, it’s known as “City of Farnham”, Ville de Farnham. Today it has a population of nearly 11,000.

Farnham has a long history of bridges! The first farmers to settle on both banks of the Yamaska River were privileged by the quality of the land here, but they needed to find a way to cross the river. At first, they simply waded their way across. Over time, carts were able to cross the river, set on cable-pulled ferries acting as a floating bridge. Later, a wooden bridge was built, followed by one made of steel, which was finally replaced by the present-day bridge.

crédit : BAnQ

Established in 1910, the Canadian Armed Forces base was initially used for cavalry and infantry training. It was shut down in 1918 to establish an experimental farm, to finally be reinstated before the Second World War as an army reserve training facility. Between 1940 and 1946, the base was converted into a German prison camp. Today, it’s still the property of the Canadian Army and is used for field and rifle practice.

Bordered by the Yamaska Basin, which enhances its landscape, Farnham’s downtown sector truly takes the centre stage. The shops, restaurants and terraces, along with the period buildings and urban park, are sure to make you want to linger a while. Motivated by the need to redefine the vocation of the spaces left vacant by a devastating fire in September 2020, the city has been working on actions to prioritize in order to harmonize and beautify these strategic locations and transform them into vibrant, rallying places, while showcasing the Yamaska River, an emblematic feature of the municipality.

The Carrefour Culturel, The Heritage Route, including the Saint-Romuald church decorated with 34 works by the famed painter Ozias Leduc, and many artistic events, complete the golf, tennis, pickleball and parachuting activities enhancing the region’s tourism offer.

Located at the junction of the Montérégiade I and II bicycle paths Farnham provides an excellent starting point for cycling outings to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu or Granby. Parking spaces at the nature centre and Conrad-Blain Park have been made available to cyclists.

Farnham is also where you’ll find the renowned Les Pervenches vineyard, certified organic and a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Québec. The vineyard specializes in the production of Vitis Vinifera grapes (such as chardonnay and pinot noir).

Farnham, a vibrant city to discover, to savour and to experience!

 

 

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