Provincial Paper Factory Basement

1 min read

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

#

Location: Mille Roches, Lost Villages, St. Lawrence River, Ontario
Depth: 30 feet (10 meters)

SITE DESCRIPTION: #

Beneath the waters of the St. Lawrence River, the remnants of Mille Roches lie as part of the Lost Villages, a collection of communities that were submerged in the late 1950s due to the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Mille Roches was once a vibrant village, heavily influenced by its industrial operations, particularly the paper mill that defined its economic activity.

HISTORY: #

In 1904, Michael Davis, a local entrepreneur, along with a group of businessmen from Cornwall, Ontario, established a stone paper mill on the east side of Mille Roches, named the Cornwall Paper Company. Despite their efforts, the company encountered severe financial difficulties, leading to its sale in 1909 to an American company from Kalamazoo.

Under new management, the mill became the cornerstone of Mille Roches’ industrial base. The American owners, known for their dedication and expertise, not only revitalized the mill but also garnered industry recognition in the 1930s for their safety measures. By the 1940s, the mill was a significant employer in the village, with over 100 millhands on the payroll. The mill eventually came under the ownership of Provincial Abitibi, who continued to grow the operation, focusing on producing paper from rags and recycled materials. The mill was later known as the Provincial Paper Company.

However, as plans for the St. Lawrence Seaway progressed, uncertainty over the village’s future forced the company to shut down operations in 1952. The plant was relocated to Thorold, where the company operated a more modern facility. The closure of the mill was a significant blow to the village, contributing to its eventual submergence under the waters of the St. Lawrence River.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

Today, the site of Mille Roches lies underwater, part of the eerie and fascinating Lost Villages. The remains of the village, including the paper mill, attract divers who explore the submerged structures that once formed a bustling community.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #

The site is accessible to divers and serves as a unique underwater historical site, offering a glimpse into the past life of Mille Roches before it was submerged. The visibility can vary due to the river’s current, and divers should be aware of the challenges posed by exploring this site.