History

Established in November 2000, MCDC (Megantic English-Speaking Community Development Corporation) was the overall result of various initiatives undertaken in previous years to solidify and revitalize a diminishing English-speaking population. Due to a decline in the mining industry and an aging population, the community found itself in a palliative care mode.

Prior to the creation of MCDC, various community leaders sought help from Holland Centre for some direction and assistance. In 1994, what transpired from these discussions was the organization of drop-in afternoons to benefit senior services in the region.

With very positive and encouraging results from this first initiative, members of the English-speaking community began to question the possibility of creating other services. Once again, in 1998, the leaders turned towards Holland Centre for more insight. With new ideas emerging from these discussions, a working group was created to unite more elements from the English-speaking population. Furthermore, the working group focused on the following question: Could the community be doing other things?

The answer was obvious. In essence, what needed to be done was to establish a non-profit organization that would develop various initiatives to benefit the community. Finally, in November 2000, MCDC was created and now acts as the driving force to foster and develop new initiatives and services.