Patricia Lavoie 

It began with a beehive. 

In 2017, families in Bolton-Est participated in the “J’adopte une ruche” (Adopt a Beehive) project financed by the Bolton-Est Municipal Council. They learned how to care for a hive, how bees ‘work’ and, after the season, extracted several kilos of the sweet wild flower benefits. In 2019, 4,200 pounds of honey were harvested. Now proud beekeepers care for more than 50 hives in Saint- Étienne, Austin, and Bolton-Est. 

It takes a vision. Alain Déry is president of the non-profit organization Le Rucher Boltonnois (roughly translated as the Bolton Beehive) established in 2018. A councillor of Bolton-Est for the past 7 years, he also leads the volunteer board of directors and close to 100 volunteers to fulfill the Rucher’s mission to develop a strong social network where people can meet, work together, and share cultural experiences while promoting a strong and responsible local economy. 

But it is not only a question of beehives. In 2018, the Rucher launched the Parc Terrio public market in Bolton-Est with eight stall-holders (now 25+). The following year an outdoor bistro, complete with tables and seating, was added to the Saturday morning activities with coffee, croissants. Shoppers enjoy the live entertainment, face painting and book readings for kids. This summer a permanent structure will be built to shelter the merchants. All produce sold is local – sourced within a 100 kilometre radius. 

In 2020, the Rucher adapted to the COVID confinement by moving the market indoors and establishing an online service. Clients ordered online and picked up their goods Saturday morning as usual at the kitchen, 2616 Nicholas Austin. This building, now owned by the Rucher, houses an entertainment venue, a bistro, a community kitchen, an aquaponic garden and an artisanal brasserie, providing its Brassé Serré label for beer lovers. Not to mention the delicious Saturday morning bistro brunches. Crêpes etc.! 

The entertainment venue has 60 places (soon to expand) for films, sporting events such as Super Bowl Sunday, Habs games, on-stage performers and dance workshops – also with live music. Thematic suppers are served as a precursor to the enjoyment. Super Bowl Sunday was accompanied by the traditional chicken wings, nachos, pizza, mini pulled pork burgers and house beer. 

This July will see the launching of ‘Folk and Blues des Cantons’, with the collaboration of another NPO in Austin. Six shows in various locations. Big names on the list are as yet to be revealed along with Master classes. In the context of the festival the Rucher will create video demos for up and coming groups, a much needed promotional tool. 

Obviously the Rucher Boltonnois does not sit on its laurels. The Municipality of Bolton-Est and the MRC Memphremagog have been strong financial supporters of its endeavours. It is not just about infrastructure, it’s about volunteerism, community, a social network and the success of a vision. As they like to say, the Rucher is inspired by the collective force of bees to realize great projects one drop of nectar at a time. 

For more information: https://rucherboltonnois.net/