Site of the Rolland Company in Saint-Jérôme, on the banks of the Rivière du Nord

The parcels of land that Jean-Baptiste Rolland and his sons visited in Saint-Jérôme, at the invitation of Curé Labelle, were the ideal site on which to build the mill. First, they had been offered for sale by a group of citizens for a nominal fee. Second, the water power of the river was ideally suited to their operations. Third, the new rail line promised efficient transportation and communication with Montreal. Lastly, the Rollands were granted a 25-year tax exemption by the town council and Mayor Godefroy Laviolette. All this meant that conditions were perfect to build in Saint-Jérôme.

In 1905, at the request of the Rolland Company, town council granted a further 25-year tax holiday, covering all of the company’s properties.