Thetford Mines (Canada 2006 Census population 25,704) is a town in south-central Quebec, Canada. It is the seat of Les Appalaches Regional County Municipality. Thetford Mines was founded in 1876 after the discovery of large asbestos deposits in the area, and the city became a hub for one of the world's largest asbestos-producing regions. In 2001 the city expanded to its current boundaries, merging with Black Lake, Robertsonville, Pontbriand and Thetford-Sud. The current Governor General of Canada, Michalle Jean, originally settled in Thetford Mines, after arriving in Canada from Haiti. The citizens of Thetford Mines truly embrace the region's four distinct seasons with a plethora of outdoor activities Given the abundance of snow for several months in winter, it is a popular area for snowmobiling and four-wheel drive vehicles as well as for downhill and cross-country skiing. Hockey is also a passtime of many and Thetford Mines was chosen as a top-five finalist for Kraft Hockeyville... ...
