D'Alembert

The building in front of you houses not only the neighborhood offices but also the village church, built in the 1960s during a period when the Church was becoming more modern.

In the vintage photo shown here, you can see the first church, built in 1939 with a stone structure, just like 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 area. For this reason, and also due to the absence of farm roads, the settlement has developed in a ribbon pattern, mainly along Route 101. As you travel through the area, be sure to take a moment to appreciate 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 guards, still stands today and is easily recognizable! This residence, one of the first to be built in the area, is a beautiful example of d'Alembert’s characteristic architecture, which is a popular style in Quebec, also known as Quebec Neoclassical or Anglo-American. Originating in the early 19th century, this style has endured and appeared in the region since the early days of colonization.

Originally from Saint-Césaire, guard Chabot was actively involved in the community in addition to her many work-related duties. She was involved in choir, sacristy, schools and religious festivals. 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 draws, paints, and sculpts.

Photo credit: Abitibi-Témiscamingue Cultural Council

1936–1937: The Newbec Mine began operations

After 1937: The Waite Montgomery and Waite Amulet mines began operations; they closed in 1961

1939: Construction of the first church, which was destroyed in 1962

1945: arrival of the telephone service

1951: electrification

1952: opening of the West MacDonald mine, which closed in 1956

Early 1960s: Opening of the Vauze Mine, which operated for several years

1964: Lake Dufault Mine begins operations

1980: Incorporation as a municipality

1986: Introduction of individual telephone lines

2002: Merger with the other municipalities of the MRC