What is Memory Lane?





A distinctive theme that recalls our evolution


"Saguenay reveres its bygone memories and the communities who contributed to them. On the other hand, today's City of Saguenay represents its future memory. As a result, the City is vigorously writing its history of tomorrow and preparing its future with every passing minute." These were the exact words that led to the overall theme for Memory Lane, around which will revolve "Saguenay, 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada". This theme is in fact a celebration of the past, present and future Saguenay and all the official program projects will carry a hint of this spirit. In some cases, the activities will be directly inspired by Memory Lane, while others will incorporate a subtle but symbolic reference to the theme. In one way or another, Memory Lane will allow you to explore the entire program and experience an extraordinary year of festivities.

Furthermore, in the context of our amalgamated city, this theme both unifies and respects the unique identities of the city districts. The City of Saguenay, born in 2002 from the merger of four former cities (Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie and Laterrière) and three towns (Canton Tremblay, Lac-Kénogami and Shipshaw), benefits today from a rich combined history from all of them. Over time, each sector within Saguenay has played its role in the development of our present-day city. Each role is unique, specific and complementary.



The Site of Discovery


At the confluence of the Saguenay and Chicoutimi Rivers, at a prehistoric encampment used as a departure point for the portage trail, a trading post was set up in 1676, which would become the most profitable one in Canada during the years to come. From the outset, Chicoutimi emerged as a place of exchange and commerce. Peter McLeod and William Price continued in this direction by establishing sawmills in the area surrounding the Moulin and Chicoutimi Rivers. The Compagnie de pulpe de Chicoutimi was one of the flagship businesses of this entrepreneurial spirit. Its role as a city of exchange and commerce still characterizes Chicoutimi today. On that account, in 2010 this district will celebrate the themes of cross-cultural and commercial exchanges, along with the past and existing presence of First Nations and Métis.



The Site of Foundation


It was in Grande-Baie, the present-day district of La Baie, that our territory was opened up to colonization with the arrival of the first 21 settlers (Société des 21). For this reason, La Baie hosts the annual Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Anniversary. This location was also the birthplace of the first large-scale historical show in Quebec: "La Fabuleuse histoire d'un Royaume", which is now called "Les aventures d'un Flo". The residents of La Baie, proud of their past, have always played a major role in the production of this great epic. This founding role greatly marks the feeling of belonging and identity in this district. The first settlers arrived by water, and this rich natural resource continues today to be an integral component of this city sector. In 2010, the La Baie district will celebrate the themes of a founding town, the arrival of the first settlers as well as the predominant role of water in our development.



The Site of Industrial Expansion


Jonquière is strongly associated with the arrival of major industry. Founded in 1912, Kénogami was the first company town in the region. The construction of a model North American city named Arvida followed in 1926. Alcan (now Rio Tinto Alcan) played a leading role in the region's development (building of dams and power plants, arrival of the military base, etc.) This dominant role of major industry has left its mark on the territory and the population's character itself, which is often regarded as "tightly knit" and driven by a strong sense of community. For the district of Jonquière, 2010 will celebrate the themes of modernity, openness towards the world, the working class and the contribution of anglophone and multicultural communities to the area's economic development.



Memory Lane: a tangible part of our city


When visiting the city today, we can understand the complementary roles that each sector played throughout history. These various roles can be seen in the territory's habitation, in the nature of its citizens and in their way of identifying with their city. Saguenay's nomination as Cultural Capital of Canada represents a wonderful occasion to rediscover the unique importance of each city sector and to contemplate the unity that has emerged out of our common past.



Memory Lane: a visible trace throughout time


Lastly, it is by studying our past that we will better understand our present. By recognizing the specific functions of our communities, we can appreciate the value of our heritage and our culture. This sense of identity which defines us is enriched by a distinctive cultural and artistic life which attests to the vitality of our society. Our present is already the history of our future. That being so, Memory Lane is visible in the past, the present and the future.