History of Potton Township

A municipality that will take your breath away!

We are honoured to offer you glimpse into the Municipality of the Township of Potton. With an impressive 264 km2 in size and an equal amount of impressive features, Potton is one of the most prominent areas in the Memphrémagog region. Potton is bordered on the east by Lake Memphrémagog, on the west by the Sutton Mountains, and on the south by Vermont and the American Border. The majestic North- Missisquoi river runs through our territory in a north to south direction offering a valley surrounded by mountains. Potton is home to several mountains with the most important being Owl’s Head with its panoramic views that will surely take your breath away whether it be during the Fall with the foliage or the summer with its impressive view of the lake. In Potton we find several hamlets; Dunkin, Highwater, Knowlton Landing, Vale Perkins and Mansonville. Mansonville is the place that brings a widely diverse and lively community together. The village contains the basic public and institutional services along with several businesses with the most important being the Owl’s Head tourist area. The local economy can also count on the presence of a few industrial and forestry enterprises along with numerous small businesses. Do not miss an opportunity to visit Potton. The beauty of the territory and the warm welcome of the residents along with all the essential services, gives this area a quality of life greatly sought after!

Constitution and administrative information

• Year the Township of Potton was created: 1797
• Date of constitution Municipality of the Township of Potton: July 1, 1855
• Administrative region: Estrie
• Federal electoral district: Missisquoi
• Provincial electoral district: Brome-Missisquoi MRC Memphremagog, changed to Orford in 2012 

Population

• Permanent population in 2011: 1849 (Statistics Canada)
• Seasonal population (secondary residences): between 2000 and 2500 people
• Total population in 2011: more than 4000 people
• Number of residential properties in 2006: 1788 
• Name of inhabitants: Pottoneer

Prior to 1870, the population was primarily Anglophone. Since then the arrival of several French Canadian families, mostly from Dorchester and Beauce Counties, brought a lively francophone presence to the area. Today biculturalism is a part of everyday life in Potton as is multiculturalism as more than twenty different nationalities co-exist in the Township of Potton.