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DATE FOUNDED:
1993
MISSION:
In 1864, three American entrepreneurs established the first black
powder plant in Quebec, at Windsor Mills, on the banks of the Watopeka
River. The plant operated until a violent explosion forced its closure
in 1922. Today, La Poudrière de Windsor has a new vocation
as an interpretive centre for black powder, focusing on the history
of the site, and on the manufacturing process and the work of employees.
Unique in the country, La Poudrière combines tourism with
history, nature, and cultural activities.
PHYSICAL
DESCRIPTION:
a) Atelier de Menuiserie (Old Carpenter's Workshop) (c.1890). Main
exhibition spaces. Reception. Boutique.
b) Le Magasin (The Store). Industrial artifacts.
c) Cafe/Terrace , with panoramic view.
d) Watopeka Park. 6.5 km of wooded walking trails allow visitors
to explore "the Powder Route" along the Watopeka River,
with its archaeological sites (and reconstructions) and interpretive plaques, and to better
appreciate the bio-diversity of the park.
e) Also: Bicycle path. Picnic grounds and games area. Fishing spots.
COLLECTIONS:
Remains of 56 buildings of the Hamilton Powder Company. Artifacts pertaining to the black powder industry. Industrial objects.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Guided tours. Become an employee for a day of the oldest black powder factory in Quebec! Permanent exhibition (Ça va faire Boum!) on black powder industry and the different uses of black powder. Video on black powder. Consult our website for a list of other activities and programmes, including temporary exhibitions.
PUBLICATIONS:
Histoire de la Poudrière de Windsor (brochure): $6.00.
Guide des sentiers d'interprétation sur la biodiversité
du Parc Watopeka: $3.00.
Bulletin (free for members).
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BUSINESS
HOURS:
May-June; September-October:
Wednesday-Sunday, 1 to 5:00 p.m.
June 24-Labour Day:
Monday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Guided tours all day.
ENTRY FEES
/ MEMBERSHIP:
General admission: $7.00. Seniors: $6.00. Children: $4.00. Family:
$17.00.
Trail access only: $4.00.
Fees include a visit to the Centre, as well as access to the trail
system.
Annual membership:
Adults $25.00;
Seniors (55 years and up): $20.00;
Families $40.00;
Corporate $100.00.
Free entry for members.
LANGUAGE
OF SERVICE:
French / English.
HOW TO REACH
US:
Address: 342 Saint-Georges, Windsor, QC, J1S 2Z5.
Tel: (819) 845-5284
Fax: (819) 845-7355
Email: poudriere@bellnet.ca
WEB SITE:
www.lapoudriere.qc.ca
OTHER INFORMATION:
La Poudrière de Windsor was awarded a Grand Prix du tourisme
québécois 1997 - (Public Enterprise).
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