Place du Curé-Labelle

This place to meet and relax was established in 1905 on the lot left vacant by the demolition of the village’s first church, built from 1837 to 1839, the presbytery, and the convent. The development of nearby homes and businesses made it the village centre until the end of the 19th century.

Today, the park is home to eight rows of trees and a statue of François-Xavier Antoine Labelle at its very centre. 

Inaugurated with all pomp and circumstance on October 20, 1924, the monument pays tribute to the famous priest, known as the “father of colonialism”. He was convinced that the development of the Northern Townships, with their unlimited potential, depended on the construction of a railroad. Known for his lively personality, he was seldom tongue-tied when the time came to present his arguments.

Sculptor Alfred Laliberté chose to immortalize the priest and his imposing, 6-foot-2-inch, 333-pound stature with his right hand pointing north, to reflect his desire to develop the land. 

Standing 26 feet tall, the bronze-cast sculpture rests on a granite pedestal. There are also low reliefs of a settler at work and his wife, along with a statue of a pioneer. Coats of arms and the motto Pater meus agricola (my father, the farmer) feature at the priest’s feet. It is one of many works inspired by Curé Labelle.