Laurentians • Quebec

La Macaza

A village shaped by forests, rivers, and builders.

Panel ‘Split‑Rock Falls / Chute de la Roche‑Fendue’
Split‑Rock Falls — cradle of the village—sawmill, Reel Fren’s Inn, and tales of log drivers.

Split‑Rock Falls

The falls witnessed the rise of a vibrant community: pioneer families, schools, lodging, and athletic feats (they even trained Olympic swimmers here!). Use this block for an 80–120‑word summary from the board, in a concise, caption‑style narrative.

  • Sawmill and forest camps around the Laurentian Shield.
  • Village school and swims in the clear waters.
  • Toponymy: “Macaza” means the fighter (Algonquin).
Panel ‘Historic businesses in the Macaza village core’
Historic businesses — corner store, inns, garages, post office, general store—the beating heart of the hamlet.

At the village core

List 6–8 notable businesses with key dates (e.g., 1916–1984, “Hôtel du Village,” “Magasin Chagnon,” “Topolinski,” etc.).

  1. c. 1906 — first company store / convenience shop.
  2. 1918 — Auberge de l’Espérance (forestry).
  3. 1950–1960 — mechanic garages & service station.
Panel ‘Pont Macaza — Heritage Monument’
Pont Macaza — covered bridge (1904) designated a Heritage Monument; repainted, reinforced, and celebrated by the community.

Through the years

Select 6–10 milestones (1903 petition, 1904 construction, 1989 toponymy, 1991 SQPC plaque, 2006 restoration, etc.). Keep dates crisp for a “timeline” read.

Old school of La Macaza
The village school — Even today, the old school remains a symbol of education, solidarity, and shared youth.

The Village School

From the late 19th century, the school played a central role in community life. Children often walked there—sometimes after helping in the fields—and the bells set the village’s rhythm.

  • 1897 — first school built by Léon Ouellette.
  • 1903 — school building blessed by Mgr Duhamel.
  • 1950s–60s — students’ swims at the nearby falls.

Even today, the old school remains a symbol of education, solidarity, and shared youth.

Notre‑Dame‑du‑Divin‑Pasteur

Church erected in 1903: donated bell, organists, processions, cemetery, and major phases (construction, sacristy, arrival of the sisters, closure & preservation). Include 4–6 local names (organists, volunteers, parish priests) for a human touch.

  • 1903 — solemn blessing.
  • 1930 — sacristy built.
  • 2018 — church reopened.

La Macaza Cemetery

Near Notre‑Dame‑du‑Divin‑Pasteur, the cemetery is a walk through time. The headstones bear the names of pioneer families who built the village.

Strolling the paths feels almost like traveling through Europe, as the diversity of surnames reveals settlers’ varied origins. Every epitaph tells a story rooted in La Macaza’s memory.

  • Address: 62, rue des Pionniers
  • Right beside the village church
  • Funerary heritage reflecting cultural diversity

The Village Whirlpool

On the Rang Double bridge, a unique spring phenomenon draws attention. Three waterways meet: the Warm and Cold brooks join the Macaza River, creating a spectacular boil.

Seasonal freeze‑thaw reshapes the landscape. Powerful currents and moving water offer visitors a striking panorama—a vivid display of nature’s force.