Homes of Cove Fields

A Neighbourhood on the Plains of Abraham

Revisit a part of Québec City’s history with a temporary installation located behind the Plains of Abraham Museum. The installation highlights the history of the site, once known as the Cove Fields, and the stories of the families who lived there from 1945 to 1951.

At a time when Québec City was suffering a severe housing shortage, Mayor Lucien Borne requested that former army barracks on the site be used as temporary homes.

In short order, a chapel, a school, a playground, and a police station were built. Some residents also opened neighbourhood businesses on their premises: grocery stores, restaurants, shoe repair, and so on. It was a little village in the heart of the Plains. Cove Fields had up to 1,200 people, including over 700 children.

Living conditions were said to be difficult, and the neighbourhood was given various nicknames like Faubourg de la misère (''the poor suburb''). The last families left the site in 1951, and the barracks were demolished.

Temporary installation

The wooden structures are inspired by the barracks that once stood on the site and served as housing. Inside, you’ll find archival images from the era—including never-before-seen family photos—and excerpts from testimonies of people who lived on the Cove Fields.

Préserver la mémoire des Cove Fields

En août 2023, la Commission des champs de bataille nationaux (CCBN) a lancé un appel de participation afin de recueillir les témoignages de personnes ayant vécu sur les Cove Fields entre 1945 et 1951. Une quantité significative de récits et de photographies ont été recueillis et seront conservés dans les archives de la CCBN.

Témoignages

Vous aussi possédez des souvenirs ou des photos relatives aux Cove Fields? Nous souhaitons les recueillir.

Rendez-vous à l'accueil du Musée des plaines d'Abraham, entre 9 h et 17 h, ou appelez au 418 649-6157.