IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• •Location: Mille Roches, Lost Villages, St. Lawrence River, Ontario, Canada
• •Depth: 30 feet (10 meters)
• •Coordinates: Not specified

SITE DESCRIPTION

The underwater site of Mille Roches, part of the Lost Villages submerged during the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the late 1950s, offers a poignant glimpse into a once-thriving village. Before its inundation, Mille Roches was an industrious community, its economy anchored by a renowned paper mill. Today, its remnants rest on the riverbed, attracting divers and history enthusiasts eager to explore its submerged legacy.

HISTORY

The Cornwall Paper Company and Growth

•Established: In 1904, local entrepreneur Michael Davis and Cornwall businessmen founded a stone paper mill on Mille Roches’ eastern side.

•Challenges: Financial struggles led to the company’s sale in 1909 to an American firm from Kalamazoo.

•Transformation: Under American ownership, the mill became the industrial backbone of Mille Roches, producing paper from rags and recycled materials. By the 1930s, it had earned recognition for its safety measures and by the 1940s employed over 100 workers.

Provincial Abitibi Ownership

•Renamed Provincial Paper Company, the mill expanded its operations but faced an uncertain future as plans for the St. Lawrence Seaway began.

•Closure: The mill ceased operations in 1952, relocating to Thorold, where a modern facility was built. The closure marked the beginning of the village’s decline.

Submergence

In 1958, Mille Roches was submerged under the St. Lawrence River as part of the Seaway’s construction. Residents were relocated, and the village became one of the 10 Lost Villages.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The village, including remnants of the paper mill, remains submerged. The site has become an iconic underwater exploration destination, symbolizing the sacrifice of communities for the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Diving Accessibility: The Mille Roches site is accessible to divers and offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore underwater ruins.

•Visibility: Conditions vary, influenced by the river’s current.

•Remnants: Submerged structures of the mill and village can still be identified, providing insight into early 20th-century industrial and residential life.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Lost Villages Museum: Dedicated to preserving the history of Mille Roches and other submerged communities. Lost Villages Historical Society

•St. Lawrence Seaway Development: Information on the Seaway’s construction and impact. St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

•Woofer Bitch’s Dive Video: Highlights the underwater remains of Mille Roches on YouTube.

KEYWORDS

Mille Roches, Lost Villages, St. Lawrence Seaway, Provincial Paper Company, Cornwall Paper Company, underwater dive site, submerged village, Ontario history, industrial heritage, underwater ruins.

CONCLUSION

The submerged ruins of Mille Roches tell the story of industrial ambition, community sacrifice, and the relentless march of progress. Diving into this site offers a hauntingly beautiful look at the transformation of a vibrant village into an underwater relic. Mille Roches remains a testament to the resilience of its former residents and the rich industrial history of Ontario.