🦫 What’s keeping the Townships buzzing this week

Hey there, Townshippers

Fall is really starting to show off — apples are ripe, trails are glowing, and even the markets feel a little more golden these days. 🍂 Whether you’re leaning into harvest vibes, catching a show downtown, or sneaking in one last sunny terrace, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season.

We’ve lined up the highlights so you can spend less time scrolling and more time living it. Let’s jump in. 👇

If you’ve spotted the “Créateurs de saveurs Cantons-de-l’Est” logo at a farm kiosk or on a jar of jam, here’s what it actually guarantees: the food was grown, raised, gathered, or transformed here in the Townships, and the business met clear criteria to carry the mark. That might sound simple, but it’s the backbone of a local economy where provenance isn’t a guess; it’s a promise. The program is administered by the Sherbrooke-based Conseil de l’industrie bioalimentaire de l’Estrie (CIBLE), which coordinates producers, retailers, and restaurants around one shared standard. Find out more about CIBLE 👉 cibleestrie.ca

The timing is perfect for a quick refresher. In 2025, the label turns 15, and the network now brings together more than 225 certified producers, processors, gourmet shops and restaurants across the region—giving everyday shoppers a fast way to choose local.

You want to try it this week? You should start with the official interactive map to find nearby farms, markets, cafés, and “Saveurs” retailers, then tap the directory if you prefer to search by product. Both are built for quick, on-the-go decisions. Visit their website to see map 👉 createursdesaveurs.com/map

You’ll also see the label beyond farm stands. CIBLE works with participating Boutiques & Épiciers Saveurs so that grocery end-caps and shop shelves highlight regional picks—handy if you’re doing a single stop on a busy night.

And behind the scenes, a new HRI++ catalog helps chefs, daycares, hotels and distributors source Townships products at scale—good news for keeping local food on local menus.

Shop-local cheat sheet

🦁 Halloween Weekends at the Zoo — Sat–Sun, Oct 4–5, 10 am–5 pm — Zoo de Granby, Granby: Costumes welcome and candy stations sprinkled across the park, with lions and tigers as your backdrop. Themed décor and kid-friendly animations keep things festive without being too spooky. Full-day tickets include the rides area from noon; plan a mid-afternoon warm drink break. Lines build after 11 am—arrive at opening for easier parking and shorter queues. Details 👉 zoodegranby.com

🎬 Kwigw8mna Documentary Screening — Fri, Oct 3, 2 pm — Théâtre Centennial, Lennoxville (Bishop’s University): A free campus screening and open-house spotlighting the creation of Kwigw8mna—an Indigenous-led space for knowledge and community. Expect reflection and discussion in a welcoming setting. Easy parking on campus mid-afternoon; arrive a bit early to settle in. A great cultural stop before evening plans downtown. Details 👉 ubishops.ca

🎤 Martha Wainwright — Fri, Oct 3, 8 pm — Théâtre Granada, Sherbrooke: A one-night stop celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut—expect intimate storytelling, razor-sharp lyrics, and that unmistakable voice in an Art Deco gem. The room is largely seated; balcony offers a great full-stage view. Downtown spots along Wellington make pre-show bites easy. Doors typically an hour before show; give yourself time for will-call. Details 👉 marthawainwright.com

🥕 Marché public de Magog (Harvest Edition) — Sun, Oct 5, 10 am–1 pm — Plage des Cantons, Magog: Lakefront market energy in the final stretch of the season (the market wraps Oct 12). Stock up on peak-season produce, artisan breads, cheeses, and coffee; live music often pops up. Bring a tote and small bills; many vendors accept cards but not all. Family and dog-friendly setting right by the beach. Details 👉 marchepublicdemagog.com

🏒 Phœnix de Sherbrooke vs. Olympiques de Gatineau — Fri, Oct 3, 7 pm — Palais des sports, Sherbrooke: Friday-night hockey with QMJHL speed and big-crowd energy. Great value for families and fan groups. Look for seats near center if you want play-by-play views, ends for goal action. Concessions and merch stands are cashless-friendly; arrive early for parking and warm-ups. Single-game tickets move quickly for Friday games, buy online. Details 👉 billetsphoenix.ca

🚧 Sutton: Route 139 Daytime Alternating Traffic (Sept 30–Oct 2): Sutton advises that the MTQ is repairing a culvert head on Route 139 near Chemin Draper from Tuesday, September 30, 8 a.m., through Thursday, October 2, 3:30 p.m. Traffic will alternate between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily between Draper Road and Boulay Road. Flaggers will be on site and short delays are expected. Source 👉 Town of Sutton

🏛️ Magog Funds Heritage Fix-Ups: Magog released its 2025 report on the heritage restoration grant program, confirming $484,700 in work completed across 25 approved projects. Of that, $192,300 came from the City and $288,400 from Québec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications; 14 properties also received free pro-architecture advisory support. The program helps owners repair façades, roofs, windows, and other character features that keep streetscapes looking great. Source 👉 Ville de Magog

🏊 Montcalm Pool Brings Back Free Swim: Sherbrooke’s indoor pool at École Mitchell-Montcalm reopened for public “bain libre” on Monday, September 29. The city announced the return on September 27, with free-swim blocks resuming and details posted on the pool’s info page. Bring ID showing Sherbrooke residency for the posted resident rate. Source 👉 City of Sherbrooke

🧓 “Longévitalité” Well-Being Project Launches in Magog: The City of Magog, Longévitalité and the CIUSSS de l’Estrie–CHUS formally launched “Longévitalité à Magog” on September 30. The initiative aims to help every resident thrive at every age by coordinating community actions, better using existing facilities, and boosting healthy living. Officials describe it as a pioneering, community-driven approach for the region. Source 👉 Ville de Magog

🧪 $4.7M for Pediatric Cancer Research at CHUS: The Charles-Bruneau Foundation announced a $50 million, five-year commitment (2025–2030) to transform pediatric hemato-oncology research and care across Québec. The CIUSSS de l’Estrie–CHUS’s Charles-Bruneau Pediatric Oncology Unit in Sherbrooke is slated to receive $4,763,832 from this envelope, alongside investments at the three other provincial centres. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

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Photo Challenge 📸

The Townships are looking better than ever right now: trails glowing in oranges and reds, crisp blue skies, and that golden-hour light we wait all year for.

We want to see your view of it. Snap a shot from your weekend walk, your favourite terrace, or even your backyard maple tree, whatever feels like fall in the Townships to you.

👉 Hit reply with your photo, and we’ll feature a favourite in next week’s issue.

That’s a wrap for this week’s ride through the Townships — from fall colours to food finds and everything in between. Thanks for hanging out with us; we love being your Thursday sidekick.

Got a tip, a hidden gem, or even just a photo you’re proud of? Hit reply — your little piece of the Townships might just make it into next week’s issue.

Until then, enjoy the colours, the cooler air, and those moments that make this place feel like home. ✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫