D'Alembert

The building in front of you houses not only the district offices but also the village church, built in the 1960s during a period when the Church was embracing modernity.

In the vintage photo shown, you can see the first church built in 1939 with a stone structure, similar to the one in McWatters. It was demolished in 1962 to make way for the current church.

D'Alembert is located on the immediate outskirts of the urban core. Because of this, and also due to the absence of agricultural fields, the housing developed in a ribbon pattern, mainly along Route 101. On your way, be sure to take note of this unique feature!

Photo source: Bélanger family collection

St-Vincent School around 1940.

Photo source: Bélanger family collection

This house located at 6020 Route d'Aiguebelle, which once served as a dispensary for the guard, still exists and is quite recognizable! This residence, one of the first to be built in the area, is a fine example of d'Alembert's characteristic architecture, which is of the popular Quebec style, also known as Quebec neoclassical or Anglo-American. Born in the early 19th century, this style has endured and appeared in the region from the early days of colonization. 

Originally from Saint-Césaire, the guard Chabot, in addition to her numerous work-related tasks, was involved in the community. She contributed to the choir, the sacristy, the school, and religious celebrations. She left the village in 1951 and passed away in June 1966, at the age of 74. 

“In the heart of D'Alembert, from one hill to another, the arrival of the unique telephone line quickly managed to combine the useful with the pleasant. The rings, although distinct, do not prevent us from catching up on news from you to me, to them. 

… from one ear to another, it’s not just the delights of nature that color the days, nourish the everyday…” Carole Héroux 

Artist: Carole Héroux 

Year: 2016

Materials: acrylic on UHD panel 

Carole Héroux is a visual artist who works with drawing, painting, and sculpture.

Photo credit: Conseil de la culture de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue

1936-1937: Newbec mine begins operation

After 1937: Waite Montgomery and Waite Amulet mines begin operation, closed in 1961

1939: Construction of the first church, destroyed in 1962

1945: Arrival of telephone service

1951: Electrification

1952: Opening of the West MacDonald mine, closed in 1956

Early 1960s: Opening of the Vauze mine, which operated for a few years

1964: Lake Dufault mine begins operations

1980: Municipalization

1986: Arrival of individual telephone lines

2002: Merger with other municipalities in the MRC