Banc de Pêche de Paspébiac facts for kids
The Paspébiac Fishing Bank is a special collection of ten old buildings located in Paspébiac, Quebec, Canada. These buildings were constructed a long time ago, between 1783 and 1900, by fishing companies from a place called Jersey. This historic site is found on Chaleur Bay, right on a sandy strip of land that closes off the Paspébiac lagoon in the Gaspé Peninsula.
The biggest building at the site is called the Entrepôt Lebouthillier, which means Lebouthillier Warehouse. It stands about 30 meters (or 98 feet) tall. This impressive building is a main symbol of Paspébiac and shows how important fishing was in the past.
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What is the Paspébiac Fishing Bank?
The Paspébiac Fishing Bank is not just a bank where you keep money! In this case, a "fishing bank" refers to a place where fish were caught, processed, and stored. It was a busy hub for the cod fisheries, which means catching and preparing cod fish. Companies from Jersey, an island near France, set up this large operation to handle their fishing business in Canada.
A Look at the Historic Buildings
The ten buildings at the Paspébiac Fishing Bank show how people worked and lived during the fishing boom. They include warehouses, where fish were stored, and other structures needed for the fishing industry. These buildings are like a window into the past, showing us how important fishing was for the economy and daily life in this region.
The Lebouthillier Warehouse
The Entrepôt Lebouthillier is the most famous building here. Its large size tells us about the scale of the fishing operations. Imagine how much cod fish could be stored inside! It's a landmark that helps people remember the rich history of Paspébiac.
Becoming a Special Place
Because of its unique history and architecture, the Paspébiac Fishing Bank has been recognized as a very important heritage site.
Quebec Heritage Recognition
On July 17, 1981, the fishing bank was officially classified as a Bien culturel du Québec. This means it was recognized as a cultural property of Quebec by the Ministry of Culture of Quebec. This classification helps protect the site and its history for future generations.
National Historic Site of Canada
Later, on June 15, 2001, the Paspébiac Fishing Bank received an even bigger honor. It was named a National Historic Site of Canada. This important title recognized both the amazing architecture of the buildings and their huge social, economic, and historical importance. It played a key role in the cod fisheries and the development of the region.
