Township (Quebec)

In Quebec, "Township" refers to a historical and administrative division of land distinct from a "seigneurie" (seigneurial system landholding). The Township system was primarily implemented in regions of Quebec settled after the British conquest in 1760, notably in the Eastern Townships (Estrie) region. These areas were surveyed and divided into square or rectangular lots based on the English land tenure system, unlike the seigneurial system which followed a different, more feudalistic model of land ownership.

The term "Township" can refer to:

• Geographical Area: A defined area of land surveyed under the Township system. These townships were typically six miles by six miles in size, although variations existed.

• Historical Significance: Representing a shift in land management practices in Quebec, reflecting British influence and attracting settlers from Great Britain, the United States, and other parts of Europe.

• Cultural Identity: For some communities, especially in the Eastern Townships, the term carries a cultural significance relating to the history and heritage of English-speaking settlers in the region.

It is important to note that "Township" as a legal or administrative entity with specific powers is largely defunct in Quebec today. Municipalities have generally replaced the original Township boundaries, and the term is primarily used in a historical or geographical context. Some place names retain "Township" as part of their name, reflecting the area's historical origins.