Perreault East Street

Rue Perreault developed thanks to its proximity to the first commercial area at Pointe Dumulon, which included the general store, the post office, the Osisko Hotel, and the butcher shop. The arrival of the train in 1927 spurred the commercial development along the new streets. Rue Perreault, along with rue Principale, thus gave life to downtown Rouyn.

In the late 1920s, horses and automobiles shared the street. During the 1940s and 1950s, the economy was stimulated by the arrival of businesses and immigrants. Several banks and theaters (cinemas) were added to the street.

Take a closer look at the photograph taken in 1928, which shows dirt roads, horse-drawn carts, automobiles, and wooden sidewalks all together.

Thanks to the economic boom caused by the Second World War, the commercial street regained its prosperity until the arrival of shopping malls in the early 1970s. Despite the varied facade, one can discern a rhythm in the openings, alignments, and cornices of the architectural styles, originally associated with commercial functions. Rue Perreault is interesting for having survived through the different phases of the city's development!

Rue Perreault has come a long way in just 20 years! See how it's changed by comparing this photo to one from 1928. The wooden sidewalks have been replaced with concrete ones, and the street, though still unpaved, seems much more passable.

An interesting detail to note is the presence of the utility poles on the street rather than in the alley. It wasn't until years later that these poles were relocated to beautify the downtown area. Notice how the streets surrounding it are still lined with these poles, whether right on the sidewalk or in the middle of a curbside parking.