Over
time, the settlements grew
into the villages known as
Hanmer, Val Therese, Val
Caron, Blezard Valley,
Guietteville, and McCrea
Heights. These villages were
were amalgamated in 1968 and
became the Township of
Valley Eas...t.
With the advent of
Regional Government in
1973, we became known as
the Town of Valley East.
In 1998 we were
officially incorporated
as the City of Valley
East. That distinction
was short-lived as in
2001 we were amalgamated
with the municipalities
of Walden,
Rayside-Balfour, Nickel
Centre, Capreol,
Sudbury, and Onaping and
became the City of
Greater Sudbury.
Many people will tell
you that the opening of
the Centennial Arena in
1971 basically threw the
Township of Valley East
into a bitter battle
with the residents of
Val Caron and Blezard
Valley upset that the
new arena was built in
Hanmer.
Regional Government
brought us back together
on January 1, 1973 when
we became known as the
Town of Valley East, and
then Mayor Raymond
Plourde helped ease the
rivalry when he
convinced Council in
1974 to build the
Confederation Arena,
which is now named the
Ray Plourde Arena.
Bev McIver, the Town
Recreation Director, was
also instrumental in
creating a feeling of
unity between the
various segments of the
community when he
created a united minor
hockey system with
players being drawn from
Hanmer, Val Caron and
Blezard Valley. That was
the beginning of a
community that has grown
together ever since.
In 1975 the first Valley
East Days was held to
celebrate the community
that was known as the
Town of Valley East and
to recognize the spirit
that had been created at
that time. Every year
since we have come
together at the
beginning of September
to remember our past and
celebrate our community.