Quebec Bank

The Quebec Bank building opened its doors in Thetford Mines in 1899. It was a branch of the bank of the same name, founded in 1818 in the Quebec region. This bank opened in Thetford Mines to take advantage of the rapid development of the mining industry in the area. 

However, the Quebec Bank's expansion efforts were hindered by a delayed expansion compared to other banks. Competition posed a new challenge in attracting savers. The economic slowdown experienced by the region during World War I exacerbated the financial difficulties of this bank.

The Quebec Bank printed its own money, including $4 bills. However, this bank only operated for a few years in Thetford Mines.

The Royal Bank of Canada acquired the Quebec Bank in 1917, using the opportunity to strengthen its presence in Quebec. 

In the 19th century, the workforce in banks was predominantly male. Women gradually began working there from the early 20th century, most often as stenographers.

Equipped with their typewriters, they were responsible for ensuring the clarity of banking documents by transcribing handwritten pieces and messages dictated to them by other employees.

The Royal Bank of Canada provided banking services in the Notre-Dame Street building until the late 1970s, before moving its operations to Carrefour Frontenac. 

The downtown building changed owners and functions several times thereafter. It housed the restaurant La Banque du Spaghetti, the Amadeus restaurant, and then became an office building.

The eclectic style building with Empire influences is representative of the banks of that era. Its ornamentations make it a structure of great architectural richness. Its pilasters, entablature, and decorative pediment are some of the elements that set it apart.

Looking up at the façade, you can still see the name of the Quebec Bank engraved in the stone today!