A jobsite with deep roots in the region
Nearly half (45%) of the workers who helped to build the Romaine complex are from the Côte‑Nord region. The Mingan residents and Innu have left their mark here, both on the jobsites and in the work camps.
In harmony with my environment
I’m part of Hydro‑Québec’s most recent hydropower project, the Romaine complex. The work of a new generation of hydropower pioneers, I opened my doors to visitors in 2019. I’m in the MRC of Minganie, very close to the charming village of Havre‑Saint‑Pierre. Your tour will begin at Portail Pélagie‑Cormier’s interpretation center, where my guides will invite you to explore Hydro‑Québec’s exhibition on environmental and heritage conservation. I’m sure you’ll find it captivating!
You’ll then take an electric bus to come see me. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll get to:
- walk around on the dam.
- enjoy the breathtaking view of the reservoir and valley.
- go under the penstock and feel the driving force of the water. I have 270 MW of installed capacity, by no means trivial!
- learn more about hydropower generation using the latest technology.
All this in just a few hours–it’s sure to go by fast!
A sneak peek!
Have a look at these pictures for a hint of what your guided tour has in store for you!
Did you know?
Unamen Shipu, river of ocher
The Innu call the Rivière Romaine Unamen Shipu, which means “river of ocher.” Calm and welcoming at its source and mouth yet turbulent in the middle, the river has inspired many legends and stories.
Protecting salmon
When I was designed, an ecological instream flow was added downstream of where I am to provide passage for Atlantic salmon. In winter, my two generating units are used to prevent flow rate variations that could threaten the species.
Better access
To make boating and fishing easier, Hydro‑Québec cleared land around Romaine 1 reservoir and built boat ramps upstream and downstream of the facility. They are open to all!
My history
I’m the second of four generating stations to be commissioned on the Romaine. I’m located in magnificent surroundings, just north of the municipality of Havre‑Saint‑Pierre. I’m ready to welcome you!
1959–1971: Construction of Manic-5 and Daniel-Johnson dam in the Côte-Nord region
1960: Beginning of the Quiet Revolution in Québec
1963: Second phase of electricity nationalization
1971–1981: Construction and commissioning of phase I of the La Grande complex
1999–2008: Archaeological digs in the Romaine valley
The archaeological digs that were conducted at the site of the Romaine complex greatly enriched our knowledge of this territory, which is defined by the river that runs through it and the “people of the river.” Archaeologists identified 78 sites that were occupied by Indigenous groups or trappers from the coast, about 20 of which date back more than 500 years.
In 2010, four sites were excavated in the area of Romaine-1 and Romaine‑2 generating stations, unearthing human occupation areas and artifacts from the prehistoric, historical, modern and contemporary periods (in French only).
Archeological digs prior to the construction of the Romaine complex.
2009: Preparation for construction of the Romaine complex
Before launching this megaproject, Hydro‑Québec conducted extensive environmental impact studies. The components of the physical, biological and human environments that might be affected by the project were analyzed and identified, and mitigation measures were developed in cooperation with the community to protect the ecological balance and make it possible for land users to pursue their activities.
Dock and boat ramp in the Rivière Romaine.
2012: Construction begins
At my jobsite, Hydro‑Québec set a world first: the assembly of generating unit in less than a year! During construction, workers were housed in a work camp that offered all the local services necessary for their well‑being after long days on the jobsite.
Aerial view of the workcamp during the construction of Romaine-1.
2015: Romaine-1 generating station is commissioned
Romaine-1 was the second generating station in the complex to be commissioned. The work to build all the structures was completed eight months ahead of schedule! Not bad, eh?
Downstream view of Romaine-1 generating station.
2019: Opening to the public
I’m the 15th Hydro‑Québec facility to open its doors to the public during the summer. In the year I was inaugurated, my guides welcomed 2,919 visitors for guided tours.
A tour guide at the front desk of the Portail Pélagie-Cormier building.
2022: Romaine-4 generating station, the last in the complex, is commissioned
It took close to 20 years to complete the work, from the preliminary studies for the project in 2003 to the commissioning of the last of the complex’s generating stations in 2022.
The Romaine complex will meet Québec’s energy needs for the next 100 years and will provide clean, reliable and renewable energy to markets outside Québec, thereby contributing to the energy transition and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Discoveries can happen at any age!
It’s well worth the trip!
Don’t take our word for it: this is what the people who visited the generating station with our guides had to say.
What a lovely welcome: smiling, polite and kind! An amazing testimony to ingenuity, skill and intelligence! Thank you for the adventure!
We really found the visit to be educational and interesting.
The huge scale of the project was impressive.
Reservations and practical information
Visitors aged 18 and over must present official photo ID.
(Accepted ID: health insurance card, driver’s license or passport)
At a glance
Free admission
Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Length of tour
About 2 hours 30 minutes
Tours start at set times. You must arrive 15 minutes in advance.
New! We’ll take an electric bus to the generating station.
Tour schedule
From mid-June to the end of August
Tour times
Sunday to Thursday at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
School tours
Looking for original tours featuring science, history and technical know-how? Hydro-Québec’s got just the ticket!
Check it out!
Contact information
Portail Pélagie‑Cormier
1010, promenade des Anciens
Havre-Saint-Pierre (Québec) G0G 1P0
Tel. : 1 833 994-3648Tel. : 1 833 994-3648 (between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Get in touch by email.
Know before you go
(yes, really, it’s important!)
Accessibility
A school bus will take you from Portail Pélagie‑Cormier to Romaine‑1 generating station. The tour of the generating station is done on foot and includes about 100 stairs.
Minimum age
The tour is suitable for adults and school‑aged children but is not recommended for children under the age of two, for safety reasons.
Pacemakers and other medical implants
Electric and/or magnetic fields may disrupt operation of pacemakers, implantable automatic defibrillators and processors in cochlear implants. As a precaution, visitors with these types of medical implants may not participate in the part of the tour that takes place inside the generating station.
Those with a neurostimulator must temporarily stop the device before entering the generating station. If they are unable to stop the device, they are advised not to enter.
For regular tours, there is no risk of interference for insulin pumps.
What to wear
Visitors must wear flat, closed-toe shoes and the safety gear provided (hard hat, safety glasses and headphones) inside the generating station.
Part of the tour takes place outdoors, so dress accordingly!
Services
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Picnic tables
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Free parking
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Souvenir shop
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Restrooms
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Campground
Directions
Visitors may not travel to the generating station on their own.
You must go to Portail Pélagie‑Cormier (1010, promenade des Anciens, Havre‑Saint‑Pierre) to take the bus to the generating station.
For additional information
Book your tour!
Free admission
Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Reserve, to visit Romaine-1 hydropower generating station
For any other information, call us at
1 833 994-36481 833 994-3648.
Get in touch by
email.
