These hydro ruins are located in the township of Sainte-Agathe-Des-Monts.
In 1911, the Préfontaine family sold the aqueduct and electrical network to the City of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. The city took over operations, making it a municipal utility. This period saw steady growth in the region's tourism and population, with Sainte-Agathe becoming known as a health and recreation destination (e.g., for its fresh air and lakes like Lac des Sables and Lac Brûlé), which increased demand for reliable electricity. Key upgrades included:
The Barrage Brûlé, located at Lac Brûlé's outlet on the Rivière du Nord, played a supporting role in regulating water flow for downstream operations like this plant. Built and maintained by the Quebec government (officialized in 1973, though likely earlier origins), the dam ensured consistent water levels, aiding hydroelectric generation while also serving flood control and ecological purposes. The name "Brûlé" (meaning "burned") reflects historical fires or land-clearing practices in the area, common in Quebec toponymy since at least the 1860s. Transition to Hydro-Québec and Decommissioning (1960s)By the mid-20th century, Quebec's electricity sector was consolidating under Hydro-Québec, the provincial Crown corporation founded in 1944 to nationalize and expand power production. In 1965, the City of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts sold its local electrical network, including the power plant, to Hydro-Québec as part of this broader integration. The plant was decommissioned in November 1966, as larger, more efficient facilities (like those in the James Bay Project or Bersimis developments) rendered small local plants obsolete. The site fell into disuse, with structures gradually deteriorating into what are now considered ruins—remnants of the dam, conduits, and turbine housing along the riverbank. Note: This location is being rehabilitated as of 2024. Location ID #BR0140
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