Already threatened by the sea, the Dubuc castle, cited as a heritage building in Gaspésie, was ravaged by Fiona on Saturday.
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Part of the building steeped in history was washed away by the waters, which first attacked the unprotected banks.
A video of the castle succumbing to the powerful waves has been posted on social media, raising the ire of Gaspesians and some politicians.
The Parti Québécois planned to make an announcement during its next visit to Chandler to save the building. Dozens of curious people then went to the site to see the extent of the damage.
Built in 1916 by Julien-Édouard-Alfred Dubuc, a well-known businessman, Château Dubuc represented a good part of the industrial history of the municipality. In recent years, the Municipality has fought to save the heritage building from destruction.
Photo QMI Agency, Nelson Sergerie
Cry of the heart
Chandler’s former mayor, Louisette Langlois, gave a heartfelt cry last May in hopes of saving the castle from being washed away by the sea.
This long fight to restore the building began during the high tides of 2016 and 2017, when the castle’s protective wall was damaged, making it more vulnerable to bad weather.
Photo QMI Agency, Nelson Sergerie
Later, in February 2021, the wall finally gave way, leaving the castle exposed. It was only a matter of time before the building was destroyed.
“It is a symbol of government inertia. The outgoing CAQ government injected $22 million to save Villa James [de Percé, le bâtiment désigné Espace bleu pour la Gaspésie], but here, we laughed at the world by offering $40,000 to save this villa which was of great importance. It’s a shame,” said Jean-Marie Fallu, president of Patrimoine Gaspésie.
For many, the destruction of Château Dubuc represents the collapse of a part of Chandler’s history.
Photo QMI Agency, Nelson Sergerie
“It is the loss of an important heritage asset. It was the last physical vestige of the great industrial epic [de la ville] “, lamented Mr. Fallu. Maurice Rehel took care of the upkeep of the château for around twenty years.
Today, he struggles to achieve the destruction of it. “Ten years ago, we could have saved [le château], but with governments it is too heavy,” he admitted. “It’s part of the Chandler story that’s gone,” Mr. Rehel added.
– With the collaboration of Nelson Sergerie, QMI Agency