Description of Historic Place

Located right in the middle of Saint-Quentin, more specifically at 234 Canada Street, at the corner of Mgr. Martin Street, the J. B. Rioux Building is a two storey building made of brick.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the J. B. Rioux Building as a local historic place resides in the fact that it is representative of the 1939-1945 post-war economic boom and buildings with multiple uses. Erected by Jean-Baptiste Rioux, it was the first brick commercial building in Saint-Quentin. It housed the police station, the Provincial Bank of Canada, and the furniture store owned by Jean-Baptiste Rioux. Three housing units were located on the second floor.

The value of the J. B. Rioux Building also resides in the importance of its association to its original owner. Jean-Baptiste Rioux (1899-1970) was the owner of the Saint-Quentin buttery; he was also a businessman, industrialist, and farmer. Involved in parish activities, Mr. Rioux headed the first council of the incorporated municipality of Saint-Quentin from 1947 to 1949. Rioux Street was named in his honour in 1949.

Source: Société du Patrimoine de Saint-Quentin, N.B.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the J. B. Rioux Building
include:
- its location in the centre of the town at the corner of Canada and Mgr. Martin streets;
- concrete block structure clad in bricks;
- attached garage;
- entrance at an angle to the street corner;
- small balcony overhanging the angled entrance;
- businesses on the first floor;
- three housing units on the second floor.