Is it possible to live an existence of Citroëniste in Canada when the last Citroen was sold there in 1974?

It is the question Fabienne Thurler from Switzerland raised as of her arrival in this country. 2CV addict, she never failed to join the 2CV meetings in its native land. In the year 2000, she decides to act and organizes the first meeting of Ottawa to the farm that she and her husband exploits in Winchester. Knowing few epople, the promotion of this first meeting is done quite simply thanks to words of mouth among a network of limited contacts. Fabienne hopes to gather ten cars. It is with great surprise that, the said day, more than 25 Citroen and more than sixty people are there! The weekend is memorable! A new circle of Citroënistes is created then spontaneously places from there, and Fabienne organizes the second meeting in 2001.

The farm of Thurler is perfect for this kind of weekend. It is located not far from Ottawa, capital of Canada, but also nearby the border of the United States. This charming residence, with the typical stone walls, have immense, perfect fields to camp and gather cars.

Friday August 10, 2001, as of the afternoon, the site is thus opened for Citroënistes of all Ontario, Quebec and the United States. After a cordial greeting by the mistress of the place, with gift of welcome, the reunion and the discussions can go.

The following day, all those people rises at the same time as a resplendent blue sky. An impressive collection of Citroen aligned is offered to them, including more than one half-dozen of 2 CV, two Dyane, and even Méhari. Regarded as a true scarcity in Canada, Jerome Boutin made more than 500 kilometers since Lake-Etchemin. One finds also several DS and SM, a GSA Break and a Traction Before 1953.

Unfortunately, four owners of 2 CV from Ottawa could not come, but they promised to be caught up with for the third edition of this meeting in June 2002.

The morning is under the sign of the friendship and passion. The participants, avid to know some more, show a keen interest at the time the presentation in detail of each one of the Citroen present. About midday, the cars leave in convoy for a long walk of about fifty kilometers with Merrickville as final destination. Today famous for its typical craft industry, this village located on a channel was built to make safe navigation and to defend Canada of possible attacks from the United States. The channel is famous to be a historical inland waterway, but also for its bucolic landscapes. The convoy of the Citroen does not pass unperceived to the villagers and from the tourists! After a friendly meal, the merry gang spends its afternoon to visit the agglomeration and shopping in town.

At the end of the afternoon, the participants turn over to the farm in Winchester by taking the path of their choice. The dinner, envisaged under the tent and with beautiful star, prepares actively. A little later, around the campfire, the conversations, laughter, songs and music are prolonged very late in the estival night.

All our small gang is found gathered Sunday morning around a light breakfast, to fill themselves with energy in forecast of the "Olympic Citroen Games". After having formed the groups, the participants see themselves proposing a test of identification of spare parts. Then, they must recognize, only by the touch, a part which they cannot see. But the most awaited test is the slalom. Each crew must then drive on a circuit arranged in a field with obstacles to avoid. The conductor which has the eyes bandaged directs only thanks to the indications of its fellow-member. This play is without any doubt the nail of this weekend, some even ask for some more !

All good thing having an end, this Canadian meeting is completed by a ceremony with prices. Fabienne particularly thanks Lance Hellman and her daughter Michaela who drove more than 600 kilometers from Boston (the United States), The most cordial applause goes to Jack Irwin which, at 79 years old, receives the price "spirit of youth" to reward it to have carried out 300 kilometers from Belleville in its 2 CV 6, but also for its enthusiastic participation in all the activities.

The meeting thus ends in the traditional one but always appreciated group picture and, with regret, each one finally go back home promising to meet again the next year.