[0:00]We are in the year 1909. In order to displace workers of Chinese, Japanese and seek descent, the Fraser mill sent representatives to Quebec to recruit skilled lumber workers. This is the story of how these French-speaking people came to Coquitlam. The Quebecois did not know they were being recruited to replace the workers. They packed their bags, their music, their recipes, they brought their language and their religion. They stepped onto the train to pursue their dream.
[1:19]After a week's journey, they arrived at the Fraser Mills train station. Work at the mill started immediately. Plus building a home and planting a garden, there was much to do. The whistle blew at 6 a.m., time to get to work.
[3:09]By 1910, the first church was built, Our Lady of Lourdes. Father Maillard presided over the community which was named after him. By 1911, the school Our Lady of Lourdes was built. Sister Marie Amelie Superior was sent from France to teach the children. Walking by, you could hear the children singing the old songs of home.
[3:47]80 acres of land was purchased by the mill for the workers and their families. It was divided up in half-acre plots, enough for a house and a garden. The church and school were the heart of the little community. They were located in the center, now known as Laval Square. Though much has changed in the past 100 plus years, the courage and determination of those early French speaking pioneers is matched by the passion and determination of present-day champions working to preserve their heritage.
