Banc de Pêche de Paspébiac facts for kids
The Paspébiac Fishing Bank (also known as Banc de pêche de Paspébiac in French) is a special place in Paspébiac, Quebec, Canada. It's a group of ten old buildings that were built a long time ago, between 1783 and 1900. These buildings were put up by fishing companies that came all the way from Jersey, an island near France.
This historic site is located on Chaleur Bay, which is a large bay on the Gaspé Peninsula. It sits on a sandy dune that closes off the Paspébiac lagoon. The biggest building there is called the Entrepôt Lebouthillier (which means Lebouthillier Warehouse). It's about 30 meters (or 98 feet) tall and is a very important symbol for the town of Paspébiac.
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What is the Paspébiac Fishing Bank?
The Paspébiac Fishing Bank was once a very busy center for the cod fisheries. Imagine a place where fishermen would bring in their catches, and workers would prepare the fish for shipping. This site was like a small village dedicated to fishing, with warehouses, workshops, and homes for the people who worked there.
A Look at the Buildings
The ten buildings at the Paspébiac Fishing Bank show us how fishing companies operated hundreds of years ago. They are made of wood and stone, built to last and handle the harsh weather near the sea. Each building had a different purpose, from storing dried cod to repairing fishing boats. The Entrepôt Lebouthillier, the tallest building, was likely used for storing a lot of fish and supplies.
Why is it Important?
The Paspébiac Fishing Bank is important for a few big reasons:
- History: It tells the story of how fishing shaped the lives of people in this part of Quebec for over a century.
- Economy: It shows how important the cod fishing industry was to the economy of the region.
- Architecture: The buildings themselves are great examples of how people built structures for fishing businesses back then.
Protecting a Special Place
Because of its unique history and importance, the Paspébiac Fishing Bank has been officially recognized as a heritage site.
Quebec's Cultural Heritage
On July 17, 1981, the Ministry of Culture of Quebec declared the fishing bank a Bien culturel du Québec. This means it's considered a very important cultural treasure for the province of Quebec, and it needs to be protected.
A National Historic Site
Later, on June 15, 2001, the Paspébiac Fishing Bank was also named a National Historic Site of Canada. This honor recognizes its special architecture and its huge importance to the social life, economy, and history of cod fishing in Canada. Today, you can visit the site and learn all about its fascinating past!
