Mont-Joli history

The history of the city of Mont-Joli is inextricably linked to the development of transport in the province of Quebec. Unlike many settlements in the region that emerged around agriculture, this city in Canada owes its birth to the technological progress of the late 19th century. Initially, the territory was part of the parish of Sainte-Flavie, but active development began in the 1880s, leading to it officially receiving village status in 1901.

Key Development Factors

The construction of the Intercolonial Railway played a decisive role in the city's destiny. Its geographical position on a flat plateau made this location ideal for creating a major transport hub. The station became a strategic point where the tracks running along the Saint Lawrence River connected with the branch line heading into the Matapédia Valley and further to the Maritime Provinces.

Early Economic Features

From its foundation, the settlement's economy and culture were built around the railway, giving the city the unofficial title of "Carrefour du Bas-Saint-Laurent" (Hub of the Lower St. Lawrence). The main elements of early development included:

• The construction of repair workshops, depots, and a turntable for servicing steam locomotives.
• An influx of skilled workers, engineers, and railway employees.
• The development of the service sector and hospitality industry to cater to transit passengers and crews.

Thanks to this, Mont-Joli quickly acquired the features of a bustling industrial centre, standing out against the background of neighbouring agrarian communities with its dynamism and close ties to the continent's major cities.

Chronology of Development

• 1868: Completion of the Intercolonial Railway section, which gave impetus to the settlement of the territory of the future city of Mont-Joli.
• 1880: Canonical establishment of the parish of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, which became the spiritual and social centre for the first settlers.
• 1901: Official receipt of village status and administrative separation from the neighbouring parish of Sainte-Flavie.
• 1928: Opening of the Saint-Georges Sanatorium, which became the most important medical institution in the region for many years.
• 1941: Creation of the No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School, transforming the city into a significant military site in Canada during the Second World War.
• 1942: Construction of a large-scale paved aerodrome, which is today the key airport of the region.
• 1945: Mont-Joli is granted city status (ville) due to rapid population growth and economic upturn.
• 1946: Transfer of the military airbase to the Ministry of Transport for civil use.
• 2001: Merger of the city with the municipality of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, forming the modern administrative boundaries.
• 2013: Opening of the famous roundabout with a monumental sculpture, becoming the symbolic gateway to the Gaspésie region.

Stages of Urban Transformation

The development of Mont-Joli is a story of transformation from a small railway settlement into a multifunctional regional centre. Each milestone has left a noticeable mark on the architecture, economy, and cultural landscape of this corner of Canada.

• Railway Expansion (Late 19th Century).
  The construction of the station and depot did not merely provide jobs but also defined the urban structure. The city streets were formed around the tracks, and hospitality infrastructure began to develop to serve transit passengers, laying the foundation for the service sector.
• The Era of Sanatorium Saint-Georges (1930s).
  The opening of a large medical facility to combat tuberculosis turned the city into an important medical centre for the region. This attracted doctors and specialists, stimulated housing construction, and expanded the city's social role beyond transport functions.
• Aviation Breakthrough (1940s).
  The creation of the military bombing and gunnery school radically changed the landscape of the city's outskirts. The legacy of this period is the modern regional airport, which today ensures connections with remote areas of Quebec and supports business activity.
• Industrialisation and Metallurgy.
  The development of foundry production (specifically the Fonderie de Mont-Joli plant) allowed for the diversification of the economy. The emergence of heavy industry provided stable employment for the population and reduced dependence on seasonal fluctuations in the transport sector.
• Extension of Highway 20.
  Connecting the main Trans-Quebec highway to the city finally secured its status as the "Gateway to Gaspésie". This improved logistics for local enterprises and simplified access for tourists to the peninsula, strengthening the city's role as a key transit point.
• Cultural Project "Whispers of the City" (Les Murmures de la Ville).
  The creation of a route of monumental frescoes on building walls became an important stage of cultural revitalisation. This project turned the city centre into an open-air museum, preserving historical memory and attracting travellers interested in art.

The architectural appearance of Mont-Joli was formed under the strong influence of its initial function as the region's main transport hub. Unlike many old towns in the province of Quebec, which grew in concentric circles around church parishes, the layout of this city was dictated by the strict logic of the railway. Streets were built parallel or perpendicular to the tracks, creating a clear and functional structure characteristic of industrial settlements of the early 20th century.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In the city's built environment, one can trace the evolution from the time of the first settlers to the present day. Urban development reflects the transition from utilitarian wooden structures to more substantial architecture:

• Vernacular Architecture (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): Traditional wooden residential houses for Canada. Buildings with mansard roofs and wide verandas are often found, adapted to the severe climate and reflecting the tastes of the middle class of that time.
• "Boomtown" Style: Characteristic of commercial buildings during the period of rapid growth. Buildings have simple gable roofs hidden behind high rectangular false facades, which gave the streets a more "urban" and imposing look with minimal expense.
• Bourgeois Eclecticism: Represented by the mansions of wealthy citizens, combining elements of Victorian style and Neoclassicism, which emphasised the status of the owners during the heyday of the railway.

Landmark Buildings

Several key objects form the recognisable silhouette of the city and serve as landmarks for tourists:

• Château Landry: A gem of local architecture, built in the early 20th century. This mansion with turrets, dormer windows, and complex roof geometry embodies features of the Queen Anne style. Today, the building serves as a cultural centre and is a beautifully preserved example of a residence of the local elite.
• Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes: A monumental religious structure dominating the low-rise surroundings. Its strict yet majestic appearance of brick and stone serves as the visual centre of the community's spiritual life.

Modern Urbanism: Walls That Speak

A distinctive feature of Mont-Joli's modern urban appearance is the unique project "Whispers of the City" (Les Murmures de la Ville). This is a route comprising dozens of large-scale frescoes painted on the blank walls of buildings in the centre. The murals do not merely decorate the urban space but also integrate historical context into modern architecture, turning a walk through the streets into an excursion through an open-air art gallery.

Famous Natives and Residents

The city of Mont-Joli has become the birthplace of many talented individuals who have achieved success on a national and international scale. From aviation heroes to creators of art, these personalities have left a bright mark on history.

• Robert Piché
  Civil aviation pilot, national hero
  A native of the city who became famous worldwide in 2001. The captain of Air Transat Flight 236 performed a miracle by landing a plane with failed engines in the Azores. Thanks to his skill and composure, the lives of 306 people were saved, setting a gliding record for jet liners.
• René Dupéré
  Composer and musician
  A world-renowned music author born in this city. He created unforgettable soundtracks for Cirque du Soleil shows, including the legendary production "Alegría". His work played a key role in popularising the culture of Canada on the international stage.
• Maurice Lamontagne
  Economist, senator, and politician
  A prominent statesman of the mid-20th century. He held important posts in the federal government and the Senate, exerting significant influence on the formation of the country's economic and cultural policy during an era of change.
• Joseph-Adalbert Landry
  Entrepreneur and public figure
  A significant figure in the city's early history. He built the famous "Château Landry" mansion, which is today an architectural gem of the region. Landry actively promoted the development of social infrastructure and the cultural life of the community in the early 20th century.
• Gaétan D'Amours
  Bodybuilder and sports promoter
  An outstanding athlete who won the title of "Mr. Canada" in 1961. For decades, he was a symbol of physical perfection and a healthy lifestyle in Quebec, inspiring thousands of people to take up sport.
• Micheline Morisset
  Writer
  A well-known author of books for children and adults. Her literary career began in her home region, and her works are distinguished by deep psychology and love for her native land.