Lanthier Village
Description
The beaches on the shores of the Ottawa River were an ideal site for vacationers, and Noé Lanthier quickly understood the need to build small cottages. Around 1960 he sold those cottages and built a dozen grey cabins in front of his home on the south side of Bay Road. The interiors were very rudimentary: no bathroom and an icebox served as a refrigerator. Tenants could enjoy the Lanthiers’ beach by an access road west of Noé’s house. Noé had also set up an amusement park at the west end of the cottages where young and old could play horseshoes, baseball, and use six big swings plus a revolving platform. Life was relaxing for children and adults alike. Every Saturday, Mass was celebrated in a gazebo in the courtyard of the main house. Nearby, was the small Sarault Restaurant where delicious quick meals were served, and became a meeting place for local youth as well.
Over time, some tenants bought their cottages and converted them into permanent homes. In 2021, only three original chalets remain.
Yet even today, when we speak of the significant number of dwellings in the vicinity of 2370 Bay Road, we still refer to it as Village Lanthier.
