Blog masonry - CJMQ 88.9FM Local Eastern Townships News Page

Matt Andersen Brings The Hammer & The Rose Tour to Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke, January 27, 2026 — Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matt Andersen has announced the Canadian leg of The Hammer & The Rose Tour, with a stop in Sherbrooke on February 12 at the iconic Théâtre Granada. As part of a 25-date tour across nine Canadian provinces, Andersen will be joined by special guest Mariel Buckley, the Calgary-based alt-folk singer-songwriter. The tour supports Andersen’s 11th studio album, The Hammer & The Rose, released earlier this year on Sonic Records. The album has earned […]

January 28, 2026 21 1

Featured

Airport fallout and city priorities: Mayor Bibeau on what comes next

In this segment on CJMQ 88.9 FM, Sherbrooke Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau speaks with William Crooks about several key issues currently before city council, with a particular focus on governance challenges at the Sherbrooke airport. Following a critical report from the Commission municipale du Québec, Bibeau explains how the city is working with an interim board to stabilize airport operations, implement corrective measures, and safeguard the airport’s role in regional economic development. The discussion also addresses the city’s relationship with neighbouring […]

January 24, 2026 32

Art and Culture

XLTRAX DJ School Officially Launches in Partnership with Musitechnic

Sherbrooke / Montreal, Québec — XLTRAX is proud to announce the official launch of the XLTRAX DJ School, created in collaboration with Musitechnic and XLTRAX Académie. This new initiative is dedicated to inspiring, training, and supporting the next generation of DJs and performers. The launch event brought together DJ school staff, the XLTRAX team, professional DJs, artists, and potential students for an evening centered on learning, networking, and creative exchange. The XLTRAX DJ School offers hands-on workshops introducing participants to essential DJ skills, including mixing fundamentals, […]

January 19, 2026 43

Featured

After Legault: why the CAQ reset may come too late

In this interview, Bishop’s University associate professor of politics Jacob Robbins-Kanter offers detailed analysis following Quebec Premier François Legault’s announcement that he will resign and remain in office until a successor is chosen. Speaking shortly after the news broke, Robbins-Kanter situates the decision within the broader context of late-stage governments, declining public trust, and the strategic limits facing long-governing parties. Robbins-Kanter argues that Legault waited until the final possible moment to step aside, holding out hope that opinion polls might […]

January 15, 2026 27

Featured

Snow, salt and small-town limits in Ayer’s Cliff

This interview features Ayer’s Cliff Mayor Alec Van Zuiden responding to public concerns after sandy, salty snow was pushed toward the lake during recent winter road-clearing operations along Route 141. The issue gained attention following photos shared by residents on social media, raising questions about environmental impact, accountability, and jurisdiction. In the conversation, Van Zuiden explains that the stretch of road in question falls under the responsibility of the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ), not the municipality. He outlines […]

January 13, 2026 29

Featured

New details emerge in Eastern Townships police pursuit

This audio report examines new developments following a multi-kilometre police pursuit that moved through several Eastern Townships communities and ended with an arrest on Sherbrooke municipal territory. The report brings together verified information from the Sûreté du Québec and Quebec court administration officials to clarify what is currently known about the incident, which initially unfolded with limited public details and no named suspect. Court officials have since identified the accused as Christian Gagnon and confirmed that he appeared before the […]

January 12, 2026 47

2

Featured

Musitechnic/Unica and XLTRAX Academy Launch a New Partnership

Free Public Event — Friday, January 16, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Montreal, QC — Musitechnic/Unica and XLTRAX Academy are proud to announce the official launch of their new partnership and invite the public to a free event taking place on Friday, January 16, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Musitechnic/Unica. Designed for anyone who has ever wondered “What would it be like to become a DJ?”, this event offers an opportunity to discover how a passion for […]

January 12, 2026 21 2

Featured

Securing the trail: Tomifobia’s next chapter

One of the Eastern Townships’ most beloved outdoor corridors is entering a new era. In this episode of The Pulse of the Eastern Townships on CJMQ 88.9 FM, host William Crooks speaks with Hélène Hamel, executive director of the Massawippi Conservation Trust, about the recent transfer of the Tomifobia Nature Trail and what it means for the public. Stretching 19 kilometres from Ayer’s Cliff to Stanstead, the Tomifobia Nature Trail has been a free, year-round multi-use route for more than […]

January 4, 2026 23

Featured

Who gets to oppose? Sherbrooke’s democracy test

In this segment of The Pulse of the Eastern Townships, journalist William Crooks speaks with Sherbrooke Citoyen leader Raïs Kibonge about an ongoing court case that could reshape how official opposition status is determined at the municipal level in Quebec. Following the Nov. municipal election, changes in council representation left Sherbrooke Citoyen as the only organized political party besides the governing party with elected councillors at city hall. Despite this, the City of Sherbrooke has maintained that opposition status should […]

January 4, 2026 23