Baie-James
On July 24, 2012, the Quebec government signed an accord with the Cree that would result in the abolition of Baie-James and the creation of a regional government known as Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory.
The hydroelectric power plants of the La Grande Complex were all located within the municipal boundaries of Baie-James, making the municipality strategically important to Quebec's energy policy. Other important economic sectors are mining, softwood logging, forestry, and tourism.
History
The municipality was created in 1971 and was run by the board of directors of the Société de développement de la Baie James. It managed the territory of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement between the 49th and 55th parallel, with the exception of the Cree Category 1 lands and the enclaves of Chapais, Chibougamau, Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Matagami.
In December 2001, the municipal council was reformed. It became a municipality of a special type directed by the mayors of the four enclave towns, as well as the chairpersons of the local community councils of Radisson, Valcanton and Villebois. An eighth seat is reserved for a representative coming from the non-urban territory. The municipality gained additional authority and can exert certain powers as a regional county.
Under the terms of the Agreement on Governance in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory of July 24, 2012, the municipality ceased to exist and was replaced by a new regional government called Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory.
Communities in Baie-James
- Beaucanton
- Desmaraisville
- Joutel
- Miquelon
- Radisson - northernmost non-native town in Quebec.
- Val-Paradis
- Valcanton
- Villebois
Demographics
2011 | |
---|---|
Population | 1,303 (-6.5% from 2006) |
Land area | 297,332.84 km (114,800.85 sq mi) |
Population density | 0.0/km (0/sq mi) |
Median age | 44.8 (M: 45.6, F: 43.4) |
Private dwellings | 701 (total) |
Median household income | $61,770 |
References: 2011 earlier
Transportation
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Municipality_of_James_Bay.jpg/220px-Municipality_of_James_Bay.jpg)
The primary roads to and within Baie-James are:
- Route 109 - provincial highway to Matagami
- Route 113 - provincial highway from Val-d'Or to Chibougamau
- Route 393 - regional highway to Val-Paradis
- James Bay Road - road from Matagami to Radisson
- North Road
- Trans-Taiga Road - access road to hydro-electric stations of the James Bay Project
Air transportation is through the La Grande Rivière Airport near Radisson, which provides scheduled air service to Montreal and Puvirnituq.
Geography
Nearby lakes include Lake Naococane.