Final week to choose top seven regional wonders

Have you decided if the Base de plein air des Cèdres, or the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Regional Museum should beat out the Hudson Village Theatre or the Soulanges Canal as the top ambassador location that best represents the region?

Do you think the Saint-Michel Church of Vaudreuil should win over Pointe-du-Moulin historic park, or the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site as the Vaudreuil-Soulanges venue with the richest history?

There is just a little over a week left in an inaugural contest seeking to determine the seven wonders of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region.

Voting began earlier this month and will end on May 31, in Les 7 merveilles de Vaudreuil-Soulanges contest in which those who cast ballots can choose from 50 natural or man-made places that were submitted for consideration in the contest by residents or municipalities.

There are eight different voting categories.

Voting is taking place online at: www.7mvs.com, while contest brochures that were mailed to homes across the region can still be returned to one of several Vaudreuil-Soulanges caisses Desjardins banks. In addition ballots will be printed until May 31 in L’Étoile and Première Édition newspapers. Completed newspaper forms can be left at participating caisses Desjardins banks, or faxed to 450 424-1901.

Nominees in the (for profit) Ambassador of the Region category, for example, include: Auberge des Gallant in Ste-Marthe; Chapelle émaillée Bernard Séguin Poirier, in Les Cèdres; Vaudreuil-Dorion’s Château Vaudreuil; Chez Maurice, in St. Lazare; Gîte du passant La PerrotDamoise, in Notre-Dame-de-l'Ile-Perrot; Finnegan's Market, in Hudson and Sucrerie de la Montagne, in Rigaud.

Other categories include: panoramic routes, charming village centres, interesting natural zones and historic attractions and buildings.

In addition to highlighting many as yet unknown jewels in the region, organizers say they want to get municipalities and locals excited about the many wonders that can be found in the immediate area.

And considering the current price of gasoline, spending some time exploring wonders found right in our backyards might be a good thing.

Voting will continue until May 31, while the winners will be announced on June 19. For information, bios and pictures of the nominees, or to cast a vote go to: www.7mvs.com