Constant Rise 1910

In 1910, after only 12 years of activity, the Compagnie de pulpe de Chicoutimi raised to the forefront of Canadian pulp producers; three quarters of its clients were among the largest English producers of paper. The First World War and strikes in the Scandinavian mills contributed to an increase in demand, which is why, in 1912, they undertook the construction of a third mill adjacent to the first.

1912

In 1912, they built the third mill, and, in 1919, they expanded the building built in 1903. At the beginning of the 1920s, the company employed 2 000 men from a total population of 8 000 people. In 1921, the Compagnie de pulpe built an imposing mechanical repair workshop, and it is in this building that we find the regional museum today.

The Decline 1921

Starting in 1921, business spiralled. The economic situation was no longer the same: prices began to plummet. With all its expansion projects, the company went into debt. In 1923, the soul leader of the company, Julien-Édouard-Alfred Dubuc, resigned. In March 1924, the Compagnie de pulpe de Chicoutimi liquidated all its assets. In 1930, despite significant reorganization, the decrease in orders and price brought permanent closure to the mills.

At the end of the 70s, the old buildings were saved from the axe of demolition contractors. They have gradually been restored and now contribute to the tourist and cultural calling of the area.

Threatened by torrents 1996

In 1896, the volume and water-flow of the Chicoutimi River encouraged the directors of the Compagnie de pulpe to build their factory on the river banks in order to benefit from its driving force. A century later, heavy rains have overflowed the river, causing it to rush over a significant part of the Pulperie. Its flow was 11 times higher than normal.

In its unchained course, the water destroyed hundred-year-old stone walls, landscaped facilities as well as service and performance grounds. Within just a few hours, several years of restoration work on the Pulperie de Chicoutimi site was ruined.

2002

In June 2002, the Pulperie de Chicoutimi reopened its doors.