Rouyn-Noranda

Rouyn and Noranda merged to form a single city in 1986. But, in some ways, they’re still two very distinct towns.  

Noranda was founded first. 

It was an exercise in organized diversity: straight avenues, numbered by the urban planners at Noranda Mines; identical duplexes (with the bathroom at the top of the stairs); and miners from all over the world: China, Eastern Europe, Italy, etc. And over time, it’s become a destination for artists, its narrow streets perfect for all sorts of street performances, art installations and murals. It’s a city that goes quiet at certain times of the year, that toils in the stifling heat of the foundry, that buzzes with the excitement of the convention centre, and that suddenly surprises with original activities. It’s a city whose streets fill with cars when the Huskies* are playing at home. It’s home to great hockey players, badminton players and curlers. Nestled next to the lake, Noranda—with its diversity, creativity and championship medals—is pure emotion set against the backdrop of the mine.  

Rouyn emerged from the chaos of the prospectors who squatted* on the land, drilling their mine shafts* everywhere. 

It’s a city of merchants who settled there to attract the miners from across the lake. It’s a commercial city, a student city, an industrial city. This lakeside town is driven by entrepreneurship, invention, learning and innovation. Its businesses flourish along rue Principale, rue Perreault and rue Gamble, and the university is just a few steps away from downtown. Within four blocks, you’ll find a chocolate shop, a microbrewery, several restaurants, a bakery, and plenty of spots to enjoy a drink, an ice cream or some window shopping. 

And then, there’s Rouyn-Noranda. 

A unique city, next to a lake and surrounded by forests, that’s constantly reinventing itself. Rouyn-Noranda is both “country” and “city” at the same time. It’s a bike path linking the two shores of Lac Osisko and meandering wooded trails. It’s a culture so vibrant that it echoes into the surrounding rural areas. It’s a variety of eclectic festivals that celebrate both winter and summer. It’s ending each day with the privilege of watching the sun sink into the waters or crystallize in shades of red, orange and pink on the ice-covered lake. 

Living in Rouyn-Noranda

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