Boréalis - History centre of the paper industry - Trois-Rivières

A Great Industrial Adventure

Since the time of Native Americans, the geographical position of Trois-Rivières – at the crossroads of major rivers – made this location an important trading post and an ideal place for commerce. Because of this advantage, in the mid-19th century Trois-Rivières was the site of several mills, which were a new symbol of economic prosperity in the Mauricie Region. Then came the 20th century and the arrival of the pulp and paper industry, propelled by the growing demand for newsprint. This history belongs to the people of the Mauricie. Through BORÉALIS, these are some of the pages of our collective memory that will be highlighted. In a unique setting, visitors will have the opportunity to go back in time and live the story of the pulp and paper industry. They will be introduced to the main emblems of our identity: The Saint-Maurice River, the forest and the enormous paper industry.

A Designation by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

On August 3, 2006, the Government of Canada designated Quebec’s pulp and paper industry a National Historic Event in Canada. The plaque commemorating this event was unveiled at the harbour park last May. Quebec’s pulp and paper industry joined the ranks of Canada's national historic events like the Arrival of Jacques Cartier at Gaspé, Shipbuilding at Quebec City, the Fur Trade at Lachine, The Great Peace of 1701 and the Arrival of the Ursulines in Trois-Rivières. This National Historic Event can now be interpreted as being an important part of our heritage: 3ORÉALIS.

A Building Filled with History

The filtration plant of Canadian International Paper (CIP) was built in the early 1920s. At the time it was used to pump, filter and store water used daily by the paper mill. In the mid-50s, it could handle more than 20 million gallons of water each day, and ensure the production of 1,000 tons of newsprint per day.

As its architecture and its internal mechanisms have been preserved over the years, it has retained a high level of authenticity. In addition, the filtration plant is one of the few remaining buildings to testify to the birth of pulp and paper in Trois-Rivières. In 2006, it was designated by the City of Trois-Rivières as heritage site.