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The LFC at 50

The Laurentian Forestry Centre (LFC) in Quebec City is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since it opened in 1960, many notable events have enriched its history. Read our various historical vignettes to learn more about the presence of the Canadian Forest Service in Quebec and the history of the LFC.

Photo history of the LFC

Milestones in the creation of the Laurentian Forestry Centre (LFC)

The Laurentian Forest Research Centre* was founded in February 1960 when the Quebec regional office of the Dominion Forestry Service of the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources joined with the Forest Biology Division of the federal Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources had existed since the beginning of the 1930s, with headquarters at the Valcartier Forest Experimental Station near Quebec City.

Cutting operation in 1934 in the Cartier block at the Valcartier Forest Experimental Station. (Photo R.G. Ray)

Administration building at the Valcartier Forest Experimental Station in May 1937. (Photo R.G. Ray)

The Valcartier Forest Experimental Station as seen from the camp in 1939. (Photo R.G. Ray)

The Forest Biology Laboratory had been established in 1952 following a decision by Dr. K.W. Neat by, Research Director of the federal Department of Agriculture, and strongly seconded by the Office for the Extinction of Insects Harmful to Forests. The federal Department of Reconstruction and Supplies created this organization in 1945. Its nine members represented the provinces, the federal government, and the forest industry. The main objective was to find a way to stop, or at least to minimize, damage caused to forests by insect pests, and mostly the well-known spruce budworm, which accounted for severe wood losses in eastern Canada over several years. Before being dismantled in 1953, the Office had successfully promoted the creation of several new laboratories and reorganized and updated those already in existence.

Lionel Daviault, 1952-1970

In the beginning, the Laurentian Forest Research Laboratory included only five scientists and seven technicians under two divisions. One division was tree pathology headed by René Pomerleau; the other, studies in entomology, was under the direction of Lionel Daviault. At first, both divisions were independent, but after a few months, Lionel Daviault was appointed General Director.

All laboratory personnel were in cramped quarters near the regional forest office in the Faculty of Forestry and Geodesy at Université Laval. During the first few years, the laboratory budget was very modest. Fortunately, the financial situation gradually improved, personnel were added and by the end of 1958, there were 22 scientists in various disciplines, 24 permanent assistants, 22 to 25 temporary aides during the summer, and 10 other employees in administration and maintenance.

The greenhouses (1954) were already in place and completed the forest research laboratory complex. An insectarium was also established in 1955. (Photo R. Gagnon)

Front of the forest research laboratory in October 1959. (Photo R. Jackson)

With the addition of personnel and programs, the first premises became much too small. In 1954, this problem was partly solved with the construction of an insectarium that included several offices and rooms for insect breeding and collections. Also added was a pavilion housing some small laboratories and two adjoining greenhouses for an all-season supply of plants for various experiments. However, the housing problem was solved for both the forestry unit and the biology laboratories only when a large complex was built close to the university campus. This particular site had been selected because of the advantages of having several disciplines gathered in one place and the well-stocked libraries of Université Laval nearby.

On a bright and sunny day, February 13, 1960, the complex was inaugurated jointly by the Honourable Alvin Hamilton, Minister of Northern Affairs and National Resources and the Honourable Douglas Harkness, federal Minister of Agriculture, in the presence of Monsignor Marie-Alphonse Parent, Dean of Université Laval, and several university, government, and forest industry representatives. The next day there was an open house for the general public, who had been invited to visit the various facilities of the new research centre.

The Centre then included 30 professionals, 14 entomologists, 8 foresters, several technicians, and during the summer months, a varying number of students as well as administrative personnel and maintenance staff.

* In April 1986, the name of the Laurentian Forest Research Centre was changed to the Laurentian Forestry Centre (LFC). This change reflected the new image of the Canadian Forestry Service (CFS) and the word "Forestry" indicates the position of the CFS in relation to its objectives concerning forest management and the use of forest resources.