Matthew Farfan

A major section of Autoroute 55, between Stanstead on the border and Drummondville, will be renamed in honour of Joseph-Armand-Bombardier, the Valcourt native who invented the snowmobile and launched a whole new industry.

The Bombardier family. Joseph-Armand stands at right.
(Photo: Courtesy of the Musée J. Armand Bombardier)

The highway will henceforth be designated "Autoroute Joseph-Armand-Bombardier," Quebec's Commission de toponymie announced last week. According to reports in the news media, the Commission reached its decision following the recommendations of Sherbrooke's Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society, the Sherbrooke Chamber of Commerce, and over 7000 residents of the Eastern Townships. The announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of Bombardier's death in 1964.

Representing the Bombardier family, Joseph-Armand's son, J. R. André Bombardier, stated that "we are proud and honoured by this recognition, and wish to thank all those who championed the new name. Despite his success, my father would no doubt never have imagined an autoroute would be named after him."

A number of dignitaries were on hand at the official ceremony held at the Musée Bombardier in Valcourt, including several members of the Bombardier family and Jean Charest, the Premier of Quebec. (Photo: Relet du Lac)