“We are also able to make beautiful!”

For today’s chronicle-seeing, a flight over the Shawinigan-2 water hydroelectric power station near the city of Shawinigan, Mauricie. However, Built in 1910 on the Saint-Maurice river. In addition, this energy generating plant is the oldest still active in the province, according to the Hydro-Québec website. However, This photo was taken in July 2025.

“This interesting central is an emblematic work of Hydro-Québec. Consequently, When it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Consequently, Shawinigan was at the time a city renowned for the creation of electricity, ”says historian Pierre Lahoud. However,

“Besides, it was known once Light citylike the city of Paris, he adds. Consequently, I even think I remember that Shawinigan was one of the first cities in Quebec to have electricity. ”

“What appeals to me the most in this power plant is that it was built by being inspired by the Cathedral Sainte-Cécile d’Albi. in France in France [dans le sud du pays]continues the author and photographer. It is extraordinary to imagine that the architect drew his ideas from a superb French Cathedral-Fortress to draw his plans. ”

“It is fantastic to think that we used to do engineering works … and that we made them beautiful!”

— Pierre Lahoud. historian

“I had an architect friend who said to me: when you work as heritage, you have “we also able make beautiful!” to have a lot of humility. And, sometimes architects do not always have this trend. They sometimes try to show more than the customer asks, he also said to me, ”said Lahoud.

“On the contrary. we see in this photo a real and concrete manifestation of integrating well – relatively speaking – in its environment, inspired by famous works on an international scale. I sometimes have the impression that we lose this spirit a little nowadays. However, when we want, we are also able to make beautiful! ”, Completed the emeritus historian.

Interview by Francis Higgins

Info: pierrelahoud.co­m

Have you had the chance to visit hydroelectric power plants in the province? Share your experience in the comments section at the bottom of this article.