Mont-Brun

Your stop at the Mont-Brun Coop grocery store is the perfect time to stock up on a few supplies. There, you’ll find a grocery store with a Maison des Viandes meat counter, a homemade pastry shop, an SAQ liquor store, and even fishing supplies and an ATM!

Above is a general view of the village of Saint-Norbert-de-Mont-Brun in 1943, where you can see the first church, which was destroyed by fire on March 31, 1965.

If there’s one thing that stands out about Mont-Brun, it’s that its residents stick together and don’t hesitate to rally when needed! Whether it’s to prevent a school closure or save a building that’s close to their hearts, the residents of this neighborhood are always ready to step up! You’ll notice this passion and determination in the people you meet there!

Photo source: BAnQ

Forest workers on the Kinojévis River in Mont-Brun.

Photo source: BAnQ

The Mont-Brun hearse carrying a coffin. It was brought from Château-Richer by Father Vézina in 1938. Pulled by horses, the cart was lavishly decorated with remarkable woodwork. Take a close look at the details!

Photo source: BAnQ

The settlers arrived via the Kinojévis River. At that time, it was the only means of transportation. The bridge was built over the river to further the parish’s development, increase the population, and facilitate transportation.

The trees represent the virgin forest as it stood when the pioneers arrived, providing the wood they needed to build their first homes. In doing so, they cleared their land to make it suitable for farming. The church represents the parish of Saint-Norbert-de-Mont-Brun. At the beginning of colonization, there was no municipality. The footbridge built in Aiguebelle Park symbolizes the watershed.

Artists: Jean-Claude Gagné and Dominique Caron

Year: 2016

Materials: Bas-relief and acrylic on UHD panel

Jean-Claude Gagné is a sculptor and cabinetmaker with more than 15 years of experience in these fields.

Photo credit: Abitibi-Témiscamingue Cultural Council

1920: Land clearing by logging companies

1936: Opening to settlement under the Vautrin Plan and founding of the Saint-Norbert parish

1950: Introduction of telephone service

1960s–1970s: Difficult years for dairy farmers due to an aging population, a lack of successors, the cost of equipment, and stricter hygiene standards

1974: Protest against the permanent closure of the school, seen as a symbol of the village’s decline

1978: Incorporation as a municipality

2002: Merger with the other municipalities of the MRC

Feel free to explore the other routes of the Immersion Douce Rebelle network. Looking for another activity to do in Rouyn-Noranda? Visit tourismerouyn-noranda.ca