By Société d'histoire de la Baie-James
With the support of the James Bay Regional Administration
70 years ago, Chibougamau
In the heart of the boreal forest, in the space of a few years, rows of houses sprang up in a flash, replacing a landscape of scattered cabins. Then, neon lights and cars replaced the lanterns and sled dogs.
The discovery of a copper vein in 1903 had attracted prospectors and developers to Lake Chibougamau in search of fortune for nearly 50 years... The crisis, the war, the distance had long undermined their projects.
In 1954, this space, once invaded by men with Klondike dreams, finally made way for a modern city; to vibrant political, cultural and social life.
The backdrop to this new urban life remains the same as in the days of the copper prospectors: the forest.
The forest shapes Chibougamau's identity. It is part of the landscape, colors leisure, social, cultural and economic life. Silent, discreet, it is the background of urban daily life. Rubbing shoulders with modernity, it also represents the continuity of history.
This exhibition highlights a selection of exceptional photographs, which allow you to discover from every angle and over the decades, scenes of urban and lively life, landscapes and moments of life in the Nordic city... Always with the boreal immensity which colors and encircles everyday life.
Aerial view of ChibougamauSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
At the gateway to the mountains, a city center is taking shape.
Chibougamau's Main street. (1959-09-01/1959-10-31) by Evan LoweSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
Urban life is organized in a Wild West setting.
Chibougamau's Main street.Société d'histoire de la Baie-James
Gilman Lake beach, ChibougamauSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
The lake in the heart of the city sets the rhythm for summer days.
Making us forget for a while that the city also entered the Cold War.
Canoe racing on Gilman lake, Chibougamau by Classique provinciale de canots de ChibougamauSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
Aerial view on ChibougamauSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
Urban development is rapid, pushing the edge of the forest further and further.
Main Street of ChibougamauSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
And little by little, Chibougamau takes on the appearance of a small Nordic Las Vegas.
Main street of ChibougamauSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
Chibougamau's Main streetSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
Snowmobile racing on the Main street of Chibougamau by Rallye international d'autoneige de ChibougamauSociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
The roar of snowmobiles downtown in winter, however, is a reminder that the forest is never far away.
Aerial view of Chibougamau by Réjean TremblaySociété d'histoire de la Baie-James
And today, as yesterday, the vastness of the boreal dominates urban existence.
Production: Laurance Tremblay-Milord and Marie-Claude Duchesne
This exhibition is produced as part of the Accès-Patrimoine project, Chibougamau component, which aims to facilitate public access to regional archives; thanks to the support of the Baie-James Regional Administration.
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