Sainte-Foy’s assertion as a municipality of its own became evident as major thoroughfares were built. Before the 1950s, the only transportation link between the Québec Bridge and downtown Québec was Saint-Louis Street. The opening of Laurier Boulevard turned this rural area into a residential, commercial and institutional sector. And so began the era of the motel! These accommodations sprung up rapidly near the bridge.

1950 - 1950

Life in Sainte-Foy in the 1950s

The town of Sainte-Foy dates back to the days of New France and remained a peaceful agricultural area on the outskirts of Québec City until the mid-20th century. Starting in the 1950s, post-war prosperity rapidly transformed the rural landscape. Roads, houses and cars multiplied, and the town quickly turned into a city suburb. Sainte-Foy’s population grew from 3,000 to 70,000 in 30 years. This album bears witness to the area’s explosive urban growth. Do you have any memories of that time? Share them with us!

Sainte-Foy motels

Auteur inconnu Sainte-Foy’s assertion as a municipality of its own became evident as major thoroughfares were built. Before the 1950s, the only transportation link between the Québec Bridge and downtown Québec was Saint-Louis Street. The opening of Laurier Boulevard turned this rural area into a residential, commercial and institutional sector. And so began the era of the motel! These accommodations sprung up rapidly near the bridge.

Chronoscope Can you name the buildings in the image? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1950

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: circa 1950

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