Beaudry

Very close to the neighborhood’s interpretive sign are the village church and rectory, which have managed to retain their original character over the years. Interestingly, both buildings were designed and built by master carpenter Philippe Levasseur, who worked on the construction of several religious buildings in the Rouyn-Noranda area. Furthermore, the church reflects the general style of rural churches in the Mauricie region, the homeland of many of the village’s settlers. With its Second Empire style—a rare architectural feature in the region—the rectory is no exception!

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Kékéko Hills, rising to a height of 485 meters, offer a network of trails stretching over 60 km! It’s worth noting that the viewpoints these trails lead to are breathtaking! Just 10 minutes from the city, Beaudry has a lot to offer!

The home of the famous Abitibi builder, after it was covered with vertical boards and an annex was added to the rear. Also note the changes to the openings on the facade. The house still retains a very high level of authenticity to this day! It remains a private property and can be viewed at 4833 Rang Valmont.

This is a far cry from the ambulances we know today, but at least it had a heater!

Photo source: BAnQ

Maurice Jalbert and his family were among the first to settle in Beaudry. To earn a living and provide for his family, he worked in several trades: as a road construction worker, a laborer in the mines, but above all, as a dairy farmer—a profession he preferred above all others. In 1954, he was awarded the Order of Agricultural Merit, a rare honor among the pioneers of Abitibi.

Photo source: BAnQ

“The mountain is at the heart of this artwork. It is a major source of energy, a natural treasure where everyone can recharge. Whether through hiking or mountain biking, snowshoeing, birdwatching, picking berries, or simply by its presence alongside us as we travel, Mount Kékéko is an exceptional gem that shines throughout the seasons and the weather.

On a symbolic level, the artwork features a bird (the sparrowhawk), which symbolizes freedom; its call inspired the name “Kékéko.” The conifer represents the presence of trees and the importance of preserving them. The heads of a fox, a wolf, and a deer represent the animals of the forest. The stag is often compared to the tree of life because of its antlers, which are constantly renewing themselves. The silhouettes of a man and a woman represent the ancestors—those early settlers who cleared the land and built. Then, two younger faces suggest renewal and evolution. At the center of the work, an opening in the rough stone—a path between two cliffs: the belly of the mountain. The forms suggest an ascent, a climb that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.”

Artist: Diane Auger

Materials: Cellulose fiber relief on wood covered with polyester resin and fiberglass

2016

Diane Auger was born in Barraute, in Abitibi. She spent her childhood there and moved to Quebec City to study at Laval University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a certificate in visual arts education. She returned to Abitibi, settling in Rouyn-Noranda, in 1982.

Photo source: matieres.ca

1932: Settlers occupied the lands surrounding Lake Montbeillard

1935: The core population settled there under the Vautrin Plan

1936: Founding of the Saint-Clément parish

1937: Construction of the road connecting Beaudry to Rouyn and the building of the church and rectory

1938–1939: Improvement in the economic situation thanks to the sale of firewood in Rouyn and Noranda

1940: Construction of the rectory and installation of telephone service

1945: Construction of a cooperative butter factory and a convent for the Sisters of Our Lady Help of Christians

1979: Incorporation as a municipality

2000: Merger with Rouyn-Noranda

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.