Doncaster River Park

This park, particularly popular among hiking and snowshoeing enthusiasts, is named after the river that flows through it. The Doncaster River is a small tributary of the Rivière du Nord, passing through Sainte-Adèle and flowing into it by descending a rather steep slope. It carves a path full of eddies, rapids, and splashes over a distance of 1500 meters.

In 1923, the Laurentian Hydro Company purchased the land needed for the construction of a dam and a power plant from Charlemagne Campeau. The site is located at the end of the 10th range of Abercombie Township.

Photo: Dam in Sainte-Adèle, June 1937. Hydro Quebec Archives.

The development of the waterfall at Plateau de Sainte-Adèle is carried out by Laurentides Hydro Electric Limited. In 1927, Gatineau Power manages the distribution of electricity in Sainte-Adèle.

To standardize rates and services offered to Quebecers, René Lévesque, Minister of Natural Resources, proposes to Liberal Prime Minister Jean Lesage to nationalize electricity and buy back private electricity production and distribution companies. On May 1, 1963, eleven companies are merged to form Hydro-Québec.

Over time, the wooden conduit of Sainte-Adèle deteriorated, and the facilities became less profitable, leading to their demolition in 1973. Two years later, the disused building of the Power Station was also destroyed. Since 1979, the site and its developments have been integrated into the Doncaster Park. On the former property of the Power Station, the municipality, in collaboration with Hydro-Québec, has developed a park that follows the path of the river and the infrastructure. Photo: Wooden penstock installed around 1923. Hydro-Québec Archives.

Photo: Penstock path in Sainte-Adèle. Hydro-Québec Archives.

In order to standardize the rates and services offered to Quebecers, René Lévesque, Minister of Natural Resources, proposed to Liberal Premier Jean Lesage to nationalize electricity and buy out private electricity production and distribution companies.

Photo: Sainte-Adèle Power Plant. Hydro Quebec Archives.

The Sainte-Adèle power plant with a view of the Doncaster River.

Photo: Hydro Québec Archives.

A Generator from the Sainte-Adèle Power Plant. 

Photo: Hydro-Québec Archives.