Stroll Through Jonquière's Historic Neighborhoods
In the heart of Saguenay, Quebec, lies the peaceful suburb of Saint-Philippe, known for its architectural jewel - the church of Saint-Philippe. This neighbourhood, born in the 1950s due to the expansion of Arvida, the aluminium city, has a rich history that reflects the era of modernity in Quebec.
The church of Saint-Philippe, a significant architectural jewel, embodied the wind of audacity and optimism that blew over Quebec in the 1960s. Designed by the late Paul-Marie Côté, the church was a symbol of progress and innovation. However, design flaws led to its condemnation in 1971. The parish pursued the architect, engineer, and contractor responsible for the design flaws for 13 years. In 1984, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favor of the parish, setting a precedent in the matter of engineers' liability.
The church was demolished and rebuilt, but its spirit remains. A nursing home expanded onto a portion of the old church's land, necessitating its demolition again in 2019. The neighborhood's architecture, however, continues to reflect the era of modernity, with Sylvain Gaudreault's home, built in 1959, a well-preserved example of Mid-Century-style bungalow architecture.
Sylvain Gaudreault, the general director of the Cégep de Jonquière, lives in the neighborhood and welcomes visitors. He loves the neighborhood for its vibrant community life. Four children's bicycles, recently seen leaning against a local store, remind him of the "good old days."
The decline in religious practice led to a decrease in the number of faithful in the parish. However, families from Saint-Jean-Vianney were relocated to the parish after a landslide in 1971. The survivors were housed in trailers before their houses were transported to the parish.
The streets in the neighborhood are designed for car travel, a testament to the era in which it was built. The Deschênes Creek flooded and split the city in two during the 1996 flood, causing damage and the demolition of the old neighborhood school.
Despite these challenges, the Saint-Philippe neighborhood has weathered the storms and continues to stand strong. Its history is a testament to the resilience of its community and the enduring spirit of progress. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a peaceful suburban retreat, a visit to Saint-Philippe is sure to be an enlightening and enjoyable experience.
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