Strolling through the rich historical district of Jonquière

In the heart of Saguenay, Quebec, lies the vibrant neighborhood of Saint-Philippe. The general director of the Cégep de Jonquière, Sylvain Gaudreault, has a special affection for this area, praising its lively atmosphere.

The neighborhood, born in the 1950s due to the expansion of Arvida, an aluminum city founded three decades earlier, is a testament to the modernity of Quebec. Its architecture reflects the optimism of the era, with streets designed for car traffic during the "modern" period and buildings embodying the wind of audacity that blew over Quebec in the 1960s.

One unique anecdote in the neighborhood is a resident who had a nuclear shelter built in their basement last century. While this may seem unusual, it underscores the spirit of preparedness that permeates the area.

However, Saint-Philippe has faced its fair share of hardships. In 1971, a landslide occurred, sweeping away nearly 40 houses and claiming the lives of 31 people. The survivors were initially housed in trailers and later had their houses transported to Saint-Philippe parish.

The parish won a historic judgment by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1984 against the architect, engineer, and contractor responsible for the design flaws that led to the church's condemnation just seven years after its blessing. Despite this setback, the church was rebuilt, only to face another in 2019 when a nursing home needed space for expansion.

The current status of the Saint-Philippe church is not clear from available search results, leaving its fate uncertain.

Despite these challenges, the neighborhood has shown remarkable resilience. It has accommodated and integrated survivors of the major disaster, creating a close-knit community. The grandchildren of the Saint-Jean-Vianney residents, who were relocated to Saint-Philippe following the landslide, now attend the local school, play in the park, and use the sports facilities in the neighborhood.

For Sylvain Gaudreault, a former Minister, the neighborhood is more than just a place; it's a living museum. When he and his partner bought a 1959-built house in the area, they felt like they were stepping back in time.

The old Deschênes creek, which caused a flood in 1996, is now a depression in the ground in the neighborhood. Despite this, the spirit of Saint-Philippe remains unbroken, its residents continuing to celebrate its rich history and vibrant life.