Arntfield

The train tracks are seen from rue D'Arntfield, with what is now Boulevard Rideau just behind it—which is the road you’re on as you stop to read the interpretive sign in front of the restaurant.

With the Kékéko Hills, Mont Kanasuta and Chaudron and the Dasserat and Opasatica lakes all nearby, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find plenty to enjoy in Arntfield.

Photo source: BAnQ

The Saint-Famille Church in Arntfield before it was damaged by two disasters. Note the bell tower on the roof. It has since been replaced by a cross leaning against the facade, behind where the bell has been installed.

Photo source: BAnQ

Take a look at the church, which no longer has its square shape after the 1945 hurricane. Major repairs were subsequently required to straighten the building and reinforce its structure.

Photo source: Le Droit, August 4, 1945 edition

As misfortune never comes alone, a fire partially destroyed the interior and roof of the church in 1964. It was following this fire that the decision was made to move the bell to the front of the building rather than leave it on the roof, whose structure had been severely damaged.

Photo source: Souvenances, Arntfield, 1924–1984

Did you know? It was in the village of Arntfield that Gilles Carle’s very first screenplay came to life in 1959! Directed by Raymond Le Boursier, the short fiction film Tout l’or du monde starred, among others, Hélène Loiselle and René Caron. Local children also played a major role in the film!

This fictional story takes place in Arntfield, which is portrayed as a small town abandoned by a mining company, where the children of this ghost town recreate, just for fun, a society tailored to their own needs.

Whether you want to take a trip down memory lane or discover the village as it was back then, the film is available on the ONF’s YouTube page.

“The riches above and below ground run like a vein of gold through the human heart and guide the world.”

Artist: Karine Berthiaume

Year: 2016

Material: digital print on aluminum

Karine Berthiaume has been active in various artistic fields for the past decade. After earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the Université du Québec in Montréal, she returned to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, her native region, in 2003. As an artistic director, set designer, and multidisciplinary artist, she has participated in several major projects, including the urban set designs created for the Festival de Musique Émergente since 2010.

1925: Toronto native Frederick S. Arntfield discovers a gold deposit that will bear his name, and the Halliwell Mine opens

1926: Francoeur Gold Mines Ltd. opens

1932: The Aldermac Mine opens

1934: Opening of the Arntfield Mine and closure of the Aldermac Mine

1935: Opening of the road to Kirkland Lake

1936: Opening of the Wasamac Mine

1938: Founding of the Sainte-Famille parish

1942: Closure of the Arntfield Mine and decline in population

1946: Electrification

1947: Launch of the road maintenance service

Since 1950: Gradual closure of mines and businesses

1979: Inauguration of the local fire department

1980: Incorporation as a municipality

2002: Merger with the other municipalities of the MRC