Earthquakes Canada has reported a 3.9-magnitude earthquake occurring north of Shawville, Que., during early Tuesday afternoon. Residents in areas such as Ottawa, Maniwaki, and Pembroke felt the tremor at around 12:36 p.m., with most describing it as mild shaking. According to Earthquakes Canada, earthquakes of this magnitude are commonly felt in the region but typically do not result in significant damage.
Historical government records show that the strongest local earthquake in the past 127 years was a 5.6-magnitude quake in September 1944. Events in 2010 and 2013 registered around a magnitude of 5, while major earthquakes are classified as magnitude 7 and above.
Briony Baxter, a Pembroke resident, shared her experience of feeling her house shake during the earthquake while having lunch. Her pets also reacted to the tremors. Although nothing fell from the walls, Baxter was certain it was an earthquake, distinguishing it from the usual military activity in her area. The quake occurred in a seismic zone in western Quebec, where a similar 5.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded in 2013, as confirmed by seismologist Michal Koraj, who noted that significant damage typically begins at around a magnitude of 5.