La Tabatière is one of the larger villages of the Lower North Shore, not only in population, but also in size.

The well-kept homes are fairly spread out within the village with a network of gravel and dirt roads connecting everyone.

Mecatina School is located at the heart of the village close to the Catholic church*, the outdoor hockey arena, the community hall, the radio station, the municipal office and library. The school also has close links with the Scouts Canada and Junior Rangers organizations, both available to the youth in the village.

The school is staffed by a group of nine devoted teachers, two janitors (one full-time and one part-time), and a school secretary. It also houses the center for adult education.

The school dispenses pre-kindergarten through secondary 5 education. Staff and students benefit from a well equipped and organized library, a computer lab, and a spacious gymnasium. The school yard (which is fenced off) is a playground for the children of Mecatina School.

In this close-knit community the school becomes an extension of the family. Everyone knows everyone else. The children have known each other since birth and so it is with everyone within the community. The newcomer must establish a balance between his/her own identity and the identity of the community.

Cable T. V. (and before it, satellite dishes) has opened the village eyes to the outside world. T. V., along with the coming and going of the population, has allowed some aspects of city culture to seep into part of the lifestyle. Nonetheless, community living and values have remained traditional over the years.

The community depends upon the local fish plant for employment. Some choose to leave the village temporarily to seek employment during the spring, summer and fall. Most return to their village to enjoy the winter months which hold opportunity for snowmobiling between villages, ice-fishing, carnival activities, and hockey, broom ball or dart tournaments.

The airstrip is a five minute drive from the village itself. Upon arriving unexpectedly, obtaining a lift to the village by snowmobile, car, truck or any other A.T.V. is not difficult. People are always willing to help or accommodate strangers in this pleasant village.

An attraction within very short walking distance of the Anglican church is Old Post where you can still see the remains of an earlier village. Here mail was delivered and trade was carried on. Also located just outside the village, on the road that connects to the village of Mutton Bay, is the scenic lookout and trails of Pointe-aux-Neiges, which offers a breath-taking view of the St. Lawrence River and Shoreline.

Within the village itself, you can see the wharfs and "stages" where the Robertsons once carried on their seal processing activities.

Within the village you have many conveniences and opportunity for much outdoor activity. You have the choice of three general stores (two have gasoline pumps, and attached garages for car repairs), a hardware store, a gift shop, a tanning salon, a hairdresser, a medical clinic with a helicopter landing pad, a branch of the Caisse Populaire Desjardins, a post office, a bar and restaurant, and a boarding home which is always open for business. Outdoor activity is seasonal and abundant. It ranges from fishing to cross-country skiing.

In all, this is a village with much to offer in terms of hospitality and history!

* The Anglican church is in a part of the village close to the spot where the original village school, St. Andrew's School, used to stand.

(March 2004)