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1939 first crossing
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4 generations
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6 ferries
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2 icebreakers
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~50 employees
A family-based company
Maurice and Colette’s two sons, Alain and Luc, took an interest in the family business at a young age and contributed to its growth and success.
Today, Luc and Maurice oversee a fleet of six ferries and two icebreakers, with a workforce of around fifty employees. Traversiers Bourbonnais prides itself on providing fast, efficient service. The family business has successfully adapted to meet the demands of its clientele.
The fourth generation is actively involved and will be ready to take the reins in the coming years.
History
From the past tu the future-
1939
The beginning of a great story
The company started in 1939 when Mr. Léo Séguin acquired the ferry boat linking Montebello and Lefaivre. At that time, the ferry boat with gate had the capacity to transport three vehicules, and the crossing cost 50 cents.
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1947
Mr. Eugène Bourbonnais
In 1947, Mr. Eugène Bourbonnais purchased the Montebello ferry service.
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1960
First ferry boat made of steel
In 1960, Mr. Eugène Bourbonnais built his first ferry boat made of steel, which could hold eight automobiles, a first in the region.
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1963
Masson-Cumberland ferry
In 1963, together with Mr. Hector Bourgeois, Mr. Eugène Bourbonnais purchased the Masson-Cumberland ferry service from the Lamarche brothers, André and Achille.
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1968
Maurice Bourbonnais
Some years later, in 1968, Maurice, Eugène Bourbonnais' son, quit his job as a police officer in the Sûreté du Québec, to go into business. He purchased his father's shares and became responsible of managing the business with Hector Bourgeois.
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1969
2nd ferry boat
In 1969, the company added a second ferry boat to better meet the needs of a growing clientele.
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1975
Maurice Bourbonnais, new owner
In 1975, Maurice Bourbonnais purchased Mr. Bourgeois' shares and became sole owner.
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1977
Les Ateliers Maurice Bourbonnais Ltée
1977 marks the founding of "Les Ateliers Maurice Bourbonnais Ltée". This new company specializes in the construction and maintenance of ferry boats.
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1978
A third ferry boat is added to the fleet
Innovation in 1978: a third ferry boat is added to the existing fleet. This ferry boat enables vehicules to enter from one extremity and to exit from the other, which greatly accelerates the efficiency of its service.
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1982
Installation of an air-bubbling system
The installation of an air-bubbling system in 1982, up to 1987, enables the ferry boats to ply between the two banks 24 hours a day, 12 months a year. Afterwards, this system was replaced by two icebreakers, which maintain and keep open the channel throughout the winter months.
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Today
Six ferries, two icebreakers, and about fifty employees provide the connection between Masson and Cumberland, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
