Drummondville, Quebec
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| Drummondville, Quebec | |
|---|---|
| Name | Drummondville |
| Settlement type | City |
| Coordinates | 45, 53, N, 72... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Canada |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Quebec |
| Subdivision type2 | Region |
| Subdivision name2 | Centre-du-Québec |
| Subdivision type3 | RCM |
| Subdivision name3 | Drummond |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1815 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date1 | 1888 |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Stéphanie Lacoste |
| Area total km2 | 246.9 |
| Population total | 79,258 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | Postal code(s) |
| Postal code | J2A to J2E |
| Area code | 819 |
| Website | www.drummondville.ca |
Drummondville, Quebec. It is a city located in the Centre-du-Québec region, serving as the seat of the Drummond Regional County Municipality. Founded in 1815, it has grown into a major industrial and cultural hub, known for its vibrant Francofolies de Drummondville festival and its historical connection to the Saint-François River. The city is a key economic driver in central Quebec, blending rich heritage with modern development.
History
The city was founded in 1815 by Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick George Heriot under orders from the Duke of Wellington to establish a settlement for British soldiers following the War of 1812. Its strategic location on the Saint-François River was intended to guard against potential American incursions. The settlement was named after Sir Gordon Drummond, the Administrator of the Government of Upper Canada at the time. Early development was driven by the timber trade and the construction of water-powered mills, with the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in the 1850s spurring industrial growth. The city was officially incorporated in 1888. A significant event in its cultural history was the founding of the Mouvement Desjardins in nearby Lévis, which influenced the local cooperative economy. The 20th century saw expansion with major textile and manufacturing plants, including those of the Dominion Textile company, solidifying its industrial character.
Geography
Drummondville is situated on the banks of the Saint-François River, approximately 100 kilometers east of Montreal. The city lies within the fertile lowlands of the St. Lawrence River valley. Its topography is generally flat, conducive to agriculture and urban development. Major waterways include the Rivière Saint-François and the Rivière Nicolet, which flow through the region. The city's landscape is marked by several parks, including the extensive Parc Woodyatt and the recreational paths along the Saint-François River. It is centrally located within the Centre-du-Québec region, with easy access to major transportation routes like Quebec Autoroute 20 and Quebec Route 122.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Canadian census, the population was 79,258, making it one of the largest cities in the region. The vast majority of residents are French-speaking, with French as the first official language spoken by over 95% of the population. The city has a small but growing anglophone community and an increasing number of immigrants, contributing to its cultural diversity. Religious affiliation is predominantly Roman Catholic, reflecting the historical influence of the Catholic Church in Canada, though secularization has increased. The Institut de la statistique du Québec notes the city has a slightly older demographic profile compared to the provincial average.
Economy
The economy has historically been based on manufacturing, particularly in the textile industry with companies like Dominion Textile and Syntex Inc.. While manufacturing remains significant, the economy has diversified into sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and food processing. Major employers include Amiantec, a manufacturer of asbestos-free materials, and the Cascades Inc. paper products plant. The service sector and retail are also vital, anchored by shopping centers like Carrefour Drummond and the Drummondville Power Centre. The city is a regional hub for health care, centered around the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec.
Culture and attractions
Drummondville is renowned as the home of La Maison de la culture de Drummondville and the internationally famous Francofolies de Drummondville music festival. A major cultural landmark is Village Québécois d'Antan, a living history museum depicting 19th-century Quebec life. The city hosts the Mondial des Cultures, a world festival of folk music and dance. Performing arts are showcased at the Maison des arts Desjardins Drummondville. Sports are central to community life, with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playing at the Centre Marcel Dionne. The city also celebrates its heritage during events like the Fête nationale du Québec.
Government
The city operates under a mayor-council system. The current mayor is Stéphanie Lacoste. The municipal council is composed of elected representatives from the city's districts. Drummondville is the administrative seat for the Drummond Regional County Municipality. At the provincial level, the city is divided between the electoral ridings of Drummond–Bois-Francs and Johnson (electoral district), represented in the National Assembly of Quebec. Federally, it is part of the Drummond (electoral district), represented in the House of Commons of Canada. The city provides services through various departments, including the Service de police de la Ville de Drummondville and the Service des incendies de Drummondville.
Category:Cities in Quebec Category:Populated places in Centre-du-Québec