The flume and the Saint-Lawrence

The flume represents the remains of an outdated logging method, but remains the silent witness of a community that grew and lived by and for the forest. Its curvilinear wooden construction stretches for more than a kilometer between the mouth of the Sault aux Cochons River and the wharf.

Several similar infrastructures have been built in the province, but very little remains observable today as is currently the case in Forestville.

The flume begins at the mouth of the Sault-Aux-Cochons River and runs along the shoreline of the St. Lawrence. The timber logs then used this imposing structure, immersed in water, which transported them to the dock where they were loaded in ships and barges.

Construction of the flume base in 1942 along Baie-Verte, where the Baie-Verte campsite is currently located.

The flume was in full swing in 1956. Employees regularly worked to unblock the logs blocking the smooth operation of the transport.

The flume once finished and ready to receive logs previously logged on the Sault-aux-Cochons.

Millions of logs have traded through the flume, also known as the "wet slab" or "flume" of Forestville until the end of its usefulness in 1992.

Picture: The flume and, in the background, Price House, the oldest building still standing in Forestville.

Today, some sections of the flume have been removed to facilitate traffic on 1st Avenue. The infrastructure remains visible along this artery.

This historic structure is classified as a heritage building by the Government of Quebec.

The flume represents the remains of an outdated logging method, but remains the silent witness of a community that grew and lived by and for the forest. Its curvilinear wooden construction stretches for more than a kilometer between the mouth of the Sault aux Cochons River and the wharf.