Destor

Built in 1957, the church you are standing in front of was deconsecrated in 2018 and sold to the City of Rouyn-Noranda, which converted it into its neighborhood offices and the village library. The plans were drawn up by architect Maurice Girard, who was active in Rouyn-Noranda between 1950 and 1960. 

If you compare the vintage photo with the building before you, you’ll see that very little has changed. Although the windows were replaced in recent years, this was done with care to preserve their original shape and the cross-shaped design they feature. Note that the school disappeared from the landscape in 2008 following a fire. 

Located along the Porcupine-Destor geological fault, several mines have operated in Destor and contributed to the village’s development. Interestingly, and quite unusual, the Highway 101 crosses the neighborhood’s territory but not the village itself, which is set back from the road, just like the districts of Cléricy and Mont-Brun. Keep an eye out for this during your drive! 

Photo source: BAnQ

Residents of Destor on the steps of the first church, during a religious ceremony. 

The first women's farmer’s circle, posing proudly in front of the church.

The Émile-Boutin Road is named after the village's first colonizing priest, who served in Destor from 1936 to 1946. Born in Saint-Isidore-de-Dorchester in 1902, was ordained in 1928 and passed away in 1984. 

Check out the highlights section on the interpretive panel to learn more about this person who was highly respected in his community. 

This painting depicts the early days of the Destor community, featuring a trapper and a woman in her garden, behind whom a stack of hay can be seen. The presence of a mining building also hints at a more recent era that contributed to the village’s economy. Finally, the present day is evoked by the old church converted into a community center and Aiguebelle Park, with the suspension bridge over Lake La Haie.

Artist: Virginia Pésémapéo Bordeleau

Year: 2016

Material: acrylic on UHD panel

Born in Jamésie, Virginia Pésémapéo Bordeleau is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary artist of Cree descent. Her work encompasses visual arts, novels, poetry, and storytelling, which is read in both French and English.

Photo credit: Christian Leduc

1935: Arrival of the first settlers

1940: Opening of the Coton Mine

1943: Opening of the Destor and Thurbois Mines

1950: Electrification

1957: Merger of Reneault and Destor, followed by the construction of a new church

1980: Incorporation of Destor and Reneault as a municipal corporation

1985: Construction of the water system and request for rezoning of Reneault

1988: Construction of the municipal garage

1992: Adoption of a master plan

2002: Merger with the other municipalities of the MRC