La barriere a peage du chemin Saint-Louis a Quebec, Cornelius Krieghoff, 27 April 1872

The toll gate on chemin saint-louis in quebec, engraving enhanced with colors “in the 1840s, the government of lower canada established barrier road commissions to remedy poor road maintenance. The trustees have the mandate to build and maintain the roads under their control and to establish toll stations to collect fees to cover operating costs. The rate is set by the government. In 1860, there were 19 barrier roads in the suburbs of quebec. Toll booths were one of the favorite subjects of painters of manners like cornelius krieghoff. In jean provencher's web notebook, we learn that david barrette was a "toll-gate keeper" at the saint-louis barrier in quebec from 1871 to 1886 and raised his family there before occupying the same functions at the saint-vallier barrier. This user-pays system existed until the adoption of a special law which abolished commissions, transferred their assets and liabilities to the highways department and assumed their unexpired obligations. By virtue of a proclamation from the lieutenant governor, tolls must cease everywhere on may 1, 1918. " – marc beaudoin, société historique de québec societe historiquedequebec. Qc. Ca. Date: 27 April 1872.