The story of French River is one of resilience, ingenuity, and deep-rooted traditions—one that deserves to be safeguarded for future generations. As our municipality continues to grow and evolve, it becomes increasingly important to preserve the memories and experiences of those who have witnessed its transformation.
This is why we embarked on a special project to capture the institutional memory of long-time resident and Councillor, Dean Wenborne, now 93 years old. His wealth of knowledge and firsthand accounts of our community’s evolution inspired the creation of a 15-minute documentary in partnership with MCTV, ensuring that his stories—and the history of French River—are not lost with time.
Watch the Documentary: An In-Depth Look at Life and the History of the French River
Through Dean’s eyes, we are transported from the early days of horse-and-buggy travel to today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. His reflections offer a vivid picture of French River’s past—its logging industry, tourist camps, and farming settlements—all leading to the strong and thriving municipality we know today.
History is not just about the past; it is a guide for the future. By preserving and sharing the lived experiences of community leaders, elders, and residents, we ensure that younger generations understand their roots and the values that continue to define French River. The spirit of perseverance, community, and adaptation that shaped our town remains a lesson for us all.
We extend our deepest gratitude to MCTV, whose dedication, and passion for this project has allowed us to document and celebrate French River’s legacy.
This documentary stands as a tribute to our past and a gift to our future—a lasting reminder of the people and moments that have shaped French River into the community it is today.
Mayor Gisèle Pageau