It has now been 10 years since the asbestos mine Jeffrey closed for good in Asbestos, plunging the city into an economic slump. But thanks to the determination of its inhabitants, a diversification fund of 50 million dollars and a new name, Val-des-Sources, the municipality changes its image while putting highlighting its mining heritage. Portrait.
It was on social networks that Josée Langlois noticed that a brand new rest area for recreational vehicles was inaugurated in mid-July in Estrie, a region that she was about to travel with her husband. “When we arrived, we had a “wow” effect. We loved it, ”says the vacationer, looking at the mining shaft, almost two kilometers in diameter, which stretches straight in front of her. “We didn’t know that Val-des-Sources is Asbestos! »
The view is unique. The pit is occupied by a brilliant blue lake surrounded by several stories of provided trees. Overlooking the old open-pit mine from the perfect angle to admire the sunset, the nine-seat stopover is free provided that its users install proof of purchases in a local business in their windshield.
“It should set an example for other municipalities. You feel welcomed, safe, says Mélanie Langlois, praising the layout of the premises. And by not paying for a campsite, we will be able to spend our money elsewhere in the city. »
The woman from Granby has just visited the Birster gin distillery, two kilometers away, and pedaled for three hours on “a beautiful bike path” in the region. Judging, however, that she had to travel on less pleasant paths to get there, she suggests that the municipality develop its cycling network.
Just like her resting place neighbours, this fan of vanlife was pleasantly surprised to find that a festival was unfolding in the public square below. A crowd has gathered at Place de la Traversée, set up last summer for Slackfest. Couples and families observe athletes from slacklining — tightrope walking on a strap — practice their art in front of the mining shaft.
“I want to go try it out,” exclaims a little girl before running towards a sand play area, where novices, young and old, can learn about this discipline in complete safety. “It’s the only event open to the public with the practice of high line. The objective is to demonstrate it in a family and light atmosphere,” explains the organizer, Dany Bouchard, who adds that there is still a competitive component.
This event is the idea of one of the co-owners of the local microbrewery, Moulin 7, who wanted to showcase the site. The latter was enthusiastically supported by the municipal administration. During its first edition, four years ago, the organizers had installed a two-kilometre cable above the pit.
“It was a somewhat crazy project, because the biggest high line never installed in Quebec was 300 meters,” said Mr. Bouchard, who himself made the crossing, which lasted two hours at the time.
“For us, it’s a bit like climbing Everest. You live all the emotions that exist in you and you wonder several times why you are doing this. »
Go back up the slope
The mayor of Val-des-Sources, Hugues Grimard, is proud of the current vitality of his municipality. It must be said that the latter has come a long way since 2012.
“With the closure of the Jeffrey Mine and Magnola Metallurgy at the same time, the two [moteurs économiques] principals of our community had passed away. The morale of the population was at an all-time low. People were leaving, the houses weren’t selling, the town hall was in disrepair,” says the man who was already mayor at the time.
The elected officials and the residents of the city fought for their future, he claims. The $50 million relief fund from the provincial government has been fully invested to attract and support businesses from various sectors. The name change, effective since January 2021, has helped to calm the fears of some investors.
With the closure of the Jeffrey mine and Magnola Metallurgy at the same time, the two [moteurs économiques] principals of our community had passed away. The morale of the population was at an all-time low. People were leaving, houses weren’t selling, the town hall was in disrepair.
“Right now, we have exceeded the dreams we had 10 years ago,” says Mr. Grimard, seated at a colorful picnic table in Place de la Traversée, placed between two containers converted into a restaurant and in bars.
The population is growing, he says. But as many positions are now to be filled, the City wants to convince more and more families to settle on its territory. Events such as Slackfest have the primary objective of improving the quality of life of citizens, but also of attracting tourists.
And it seems to work. Originally from other regions, Jean-Gabriel Viens and Jessica Luneau, who form a young couple with children, settled in Val-des-Sources about a month ago. “For a village of a few thousand inhabitants, there is always something to do”, rejoices Mme Luneau, happy to discover the public square.
Many projects are still in the pipeline. By guiding The duty at the scene, the mayor appears to be part of a video game allowing him to recreate his city as he pleases. He imagines a hotel, a zipline, walking trails, interpretation panels, industrial machinery on display, lighting in the mining shaft, paddle boarding in the lake, a glazed restaurant high on the headframe of the mine… For several of these projects, the municipality is waiting for government authorizations regarding the safety of the mine site.
For now, visitors who wish to see mine-related artifacts can take a tour of the Moulin 7 microbrewery, whose beer names have a particular connotation: Mineur, Or blanc, La 1949 (in reference to the year of the asbestos strike), 100 tons (in reference to the size of the trucks that once carried the unloved ore)…