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Victoriaville
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Victoriaville
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Victoriaville (French pronunciation: [viktɔʁjavil]) is a town in south-central Quebec, Canada, on the Nicolet River. Victoriaville is the seat of Arthabaska Regional County Municipality and a part of the Centre-du-Québec (Bois-Francs) region. It is formed by the 1993 merger of Arthabaska, Saint-Victoire-d'Arthabaska and Victoriaville, the name of the last being used for the merged town.[5]

Key Information

Description

[edit]

Victoriaville's size and location have earned it the title Capitale des Bois-Francs, referring to the Bois-Francs region of the province. Victoriaville produces numerous hardwood products, including furniture, caskets, and hockey sticks.[6] The town was home to the famous Victoriaville hockey company.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Museum

The Parc-Linéaire Des Bois-Francs bike trail traverses Victoriaville. There are many paths for cyclists throughout the town, including ones leading to the summit of Mont Arthabaska, at the southern limits of the town. The Laurier Museum is located in the home of former Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier, which is designated Wilfrid Laurier House National Historic Site.[7]

Many festivals are held throughout the year including the Week-end En Blues series of concerts, the Festival International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville (FIMAV) in the spring, and the Exposition Agricole in the summer.

Investment in the industrial park has buoyed the town and spurred new residential and commercial development. It is the home of a prominent Lactantia dairy factory, two shopping malls ("La Grande Place des Bois-Francs" and "Le Carrefour des Bois-Francs", this one has been renamed and became "le Centre de Victoriaville"), the Cégep de Victoriaville, and a quaint yet vibrant downtown core/shopping area on Rue Notre-Dame. Victoriaville Airport, located at the town's northern limits close to Route 116, is a regional airport that receives business flights and light private planes.

The current mayor of Victoriaville is Antoine Tardif who was elected as mayor of Victoriaville in the 2021 mayoral election.

Victoriaville is the seat of the judicial district of Arthabaska.[8]

History

[edit]
Victoriaville railway station in 1909
Cross on top of Mount Arthabaska remade in 1929.

The Victoriaville area was known to the native Abenaki peoples as Arthabaska or Awabaska, meaning "place of bulrushes and reeds". The area was first claimed in 1802 by a fur trader named John Gregory; the first settlers began arriving several decades later, beginning around 1825. Early colonists from the banks of the Saint Lawrence River arrived slowly, blazing trails as they went; the first provincial road would be built in 1844. The parish of Saint-Christophe d'Arthabaska was established in 1851, an event that many see as marking the town's true foundation. In 1854 a train station was erected to serve the Grand Trunk Railway line from Richmond to Lévis, uniting the region with Montreal and Quebec City. The municipality of Victoriaville itself was created on May 8, 1861, named to honour Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch at the time. Victoriaville became a full-fledged town in 1890, having reached a population of 1,000.[9]

Among the many milestones in the growth of Victoriaville are the establishment of a hospital, the Hôtel-Dieu d'Arthabaska, in 1931; the opening of a seminary, the Collège du Sacré-Coeur, in 1942; the creation of a school specialized in cabinet making and woodworking, the École Québécoise du Meuble et du Bois Ouvré (ÉQMBO), in 1965; and the inauguration of the Cégep de Victoriaville in the space previously occupied by the Collège du Sacré-Coeur, in 1969. Train service through Victoriaville was discontinued in 1960; the disused train tracks were eventually removed and the space was transformed into bicycle paths, forming the Parc Linéaire — with a "Vélogare" replacing the old station. In March 1941, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) established No. 3 Initial Training School, at the Collège du Sacré-Coeur. The RCAF school trained potential pilots and Navigators on common topics and divided the trainees into their trades. The RCAF school was closed in November 1944.[10]

In June 1993, after a referendum on amalgamation, the municipalities of Sainte-Victoire-D'Arthabaska, Arthabaska and Victoriaville merged to form the town of Victoriaville. The aboriginal name "Arthabaska", unique and well-appreciated by residents, was retained in several ways, notably in the name of the regional county municipality and in the name of the highest (and only) mountain that overlooks the town; as well, in 2004, the section of Route 116 that passes through Victoriaville was renamed boulevard Arthabaska.

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Victoriaville (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1949–present)[11]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 16.0
(60.8) 		14.0
(57.2) 		24.5
(76.1) 		30.0
(86.0) 		34.8
(94.6) 		34.5
(94.1) 		36.7
(98.1) 		34.0
(93.2) 		33.5
(92.3) 		27.6
(81.7) 		23.2
(73.8) 		16.7
(62.1) 		36.7
(98.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −5.8
(21.6) 		−4.2
(24.4) 		1.5
(34.7) 		9.8
(49.6) 		18.1
(64.6) 		22.9
(73.2) 		25.1
(77.2) 		24.2
(75.6) 		19.7
(67.5) 		12.2
(54.0) 		5.0
(41.0) 		−2.1
(28.2) 		10.5
(50.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) −10.8
(12.6) 		−8.9
(16.0) 		−3.5
(25.7) 		4.8
(40.6) 		12.2
(54.0) 		17.2
(63.0) 		19.4
(66.9) 		18.6
(65.5) 		14.5
(58.1) 		7.8
(46.0) 		1.2
(34.2) 		−6.1
(21.0) 		5.5
(41.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −15.3
(4.5) 		−13.8
(7.2) 		−8.2
(17.2) 		−0.5
(31.1) 		6.4
(43.5) 		11.5
(52.7) 		14.3
(57.7) 		13.2
(55.8) 		9.0
(48.2) 		3.3
(37.9) 		−2.9
(26.8) 		−10.0
(14.0) 		0.6
(33.1)
Record low °C (°F) −39.0
(−38.2) 		−37.7
(−35.9) 		−30.0
(−22.0) 		−17.0
(1.4) 		−7.2
(19.0) 		−3.0
(26.6) 		2.9
(37.2) 		1.0
(33.8) 		−6.0
(21.2) 		−11.0
(12.2) 		−25.0
(−13.0) 		−34.0
(−29.2) 		−39.0
(−38.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 76.2
(3.00) 		66.5
(2.62) 		73.2
(2.88) 		84.2
(3.31) 		97.1
(3.82) 		116.7
(4.59) 		131.4
(5.17) 		108.3
(4.26) 		109.2
(4.30) 		115.2
(4.54) 		82.2
(3.24) 		89.9
(3.54) 		1,150.1
(45.28)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 27.8
(1.09) 		18.0
(0.71) 		35.2
(1.39) 		71.9
(2.83) 		94.7
(3.73) 		116.7
(4.59) 		131.4
(5.17) 		108.3
(4.26) 		109.2
(4.30) 		112.2
(4.42) 		65.3
(2.57) 		38.9
(1.53) 		929.6
(36.60)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 47.7
(18.8) 		47.1
(18.5) 		38.8
(15.3) 		13.9
(5.5) 		2.0
(0.8) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		2.6
(1.0) 		18.5
(7.3) 		49.6
(19.5) 		220.1
(86.7)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 15.2 12.7 12.4 13.2 13.6 14.4 15.1 12.9 12.2 14.8 14.4 16.0 166.7
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 4.0 2.9 5.8 11.4 13.4 14.4 15.1 12.9 12.2 14.3 11.0 5.9 123.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 12.6 10.6 7.8 3.4 0.35 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.81 5.0 12.1 52.7
Mean monthly sunshine hours 89.9 112.9 156.6 180.8 236.9 240.1 259.0 225.9 175.3 130.1 71.6 72.3 1,951.6
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (sun 1951–1980)[12][13][14]

Economy

[edit]

Textiles, wood products and furniture products have long been the heart of the economy, but their presence have declined in the past years. A large Lactantia factory producing butter, cheeses and other dairy products has been a major employer for decades. Water filtered from Réservoir Beaudet is said to be some of the best water worldwide.

Arts and culture

[edit]

The Carré 150 is Victoriaville's principal venue for professional performing and visual artists. Each year, the programme includes over 250 performances in music, theatre, comedy, dance, repertory films and more. The complex comprises four spaces: a large Italian-style auditorium with 855 seats, a black box cabaret with 260 seats or 500 standing for general admission, a rehearsal studio and a contemporary art exhibition centre, the Centre d'art Jacques-et-Michel-Auger. The Grand foyer Victoriaville-et-sa-région, remarkable for its vast windows, hosts numerous cocktail parties, often extending into the Lounge Laurier or the Terrasse Daniel-Gaudreau.[15]

Media

[edit]

The weekly newspaper La Nouvelle-Union, is a major source of the town's local news, since national news organisations tend to run larger stories affecting larger areas or cities.

Two radio stations, CFJO ("O97,3") and CFDA ("Passion-Rock 101,9") serve Victoriaville. Both stations air programming produced partially in Victoriaville and partially in Thetford Mines. CKYQ ("KYQ FM"), a station licensed to Plessisville, also has a studio and a transmitter in Victoriaville.

Demographics

[edit]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Victoriaville had a population of 47,760 living in 21,864 of its 23,106 total private dwellings, a change of 3.5% from its 2016 population of 46,130. With a land area of 84.33 km2 (32.56 sq mi), it had a population density of 566.3/km2 (1,466.8/sq mi) in 2021.[16]

Change in Population[17]
Year Population Variation (%)
2011 43,462 Increase7.4%
2006 40,486 Increase4.2%
2001 38,841 Increase1.7%
1996 38,174 Increase4.9%
1991 36,392 Increase4.4%
1986 34,869 –

Sports

[edit]

Jean Béliveau (August 31, 1931 – December 2, 2014), ten-time Stanley Cup winner with the Montreal Canadiens, was raised in Victoriaville after moving there from Trois-Rivières at a young age.

The town is currently home to the Victoriaville Tigres junior hockey team, who have played in the QMJHL since 1987. They play at the Colisée Desjardins.

Notable residents

[edit]
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Jean Belliveau

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Victoriaville

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Victoriaville is a city located in south-central , , within the administrative region, on the banks of the Nicolet River. It serves as the seat of the and had a population of 48,790 as of 2024. Formed in 1993 through the amalgamation of the former municipalities of Victoriaville, Arthabaska, and Saint-Victoire-d'Arthabaska, the city traces its origins to 1861 when it was established as a village named in honor of . Historically, Victoriaville developed as a hub for industry and commerce in the , leveraging its location for transportation and resource access, with significant growth in textiles, , and furniture . Over time, its diversified into a mix of sectors, including , metal products, plastics, and , supported by the broader region's agricultural and industrial base. The city now emphasizes , with a focus on eco-industrial initiatives and a balanced that also includes services, , and . Victoriaville is renowned for its vibrant cultural and recreational offerings, including the Musée Laurier, a national historic site dedicated to former Canadian Wilfrid Laurier, and the annual Festival international de musique actuelle de Victoriaville (FIMAV), a premier contemporary music event. The city boasts extensive green spaces, such as Parc du Mont Arthabaska with its trails, over 85 kilometers of paths connected to the Route verte network, and facilities like an outdoor loop, making it a certified accessible destination for sports and outdoor activities. These features, combined with its family-oriented community and proximity to natural sites like the Beaudet Reservoir, position Victoriaville as a modern, active lifestyle hub in .

Overview

Geography and Location

Victoriaville is situated in south-central , , along the Nicolet River, which flows through the city from Lake Nicolet toward Lake Saint-Pierre. The city lies within the administrative region and serves as the seat of the Arthabaska . Positioned approximately 160 km northeast of by road, Victoriaville functions as a central hub for surrounding rural communities, providing access to services and regional activities. The encompasses a total land area of 84.33 km², blending urban development with rural landscapes. This includes both densely populated urban zones and expansive agricultural outskirts, reflecting the region's mixed character. Victoriaville shares boundaries with several adjacent municipalities, including to the south and Princeville to the north, integrating it into a network of smaller communities within the Arthabaska area. Key geographical features include the Nicolet River, which acts as a vital central waterway supporting local ecosystems and recreational opportunities. The city's urban layout revolves around its downtown core, a compact commercial and cultural district anchored by the site of the historical station, which once facilitated connectivity along the Québec City-Richmond line. This central area highlights Victoriaville's evolution from a railway-dependent settlement to a modern regional center.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by , Victoriaville had a of 47,760, representing a 3.5% increase from 46,130 in 2016. The city's was 566.3 inhabitants per over a land area of 84.33 km². The was estimated at 49,754 as of July 1, 2024. The median age in Victoriaville was 45.9 years in , reflecting an aging typical of many municipalities. Gender distribution was nearly balanced, with 51.7% female and 48.3% male residents. Linguistically, the is overwhelmingly French-speaking, with 98.2% reporting French as their mother tongue. Ethnically, 95.9% of residents were Canadian-born, while the small immigrant of 3.2% primarily originated from and . In terms of housing, there were 21,864 occupied private dwellings in 2021, with an average household size of 2.2 persons. The median income was $61,200, supporting a family-oriented .

History

Founding and Early Settlement

The settlement of what would become Victoriaville began in the 1830s amid the colonization of Quebec's region, with the area initially part of the larger Saint-Christophe-d'Arthabaska parish established in 1845. The first documented settler was Olivier Perrault, who arrived in 1837 as a squatter on lots in Rang 3 of Arthabaska Township, clearing forested land for farming despite lacking formal title until later surveys. Early pioneers, including Joseph Roux dit Sans Chagrin, Féréol Girard fils, and Antoine Baril between 1837 and 1852, followed suit, drawn by the fertile soils and proximity to established communities like Bécancour. By 1858, a village known as Arthabaskaville had formed, named after the Cree term for the local vegetation, but it was officially incorporated as the village of Victoriaville on May 18, 1861, detached from Saint-Christophe-d'Arthabaska and renamed to honor in tribute to the British monarchy. Infrastructure developments in the mid-19th century accelerated settlement and connectivity. The arrival of the and Richmond Railroad in 1854, with rails laid following surveys from 1852, established a station that linked the area to , Richmond, and , facilitating the transport of goods and people. The Nicolet River, particularly its Bras Nord branch (later known as Bulstrode), played a crucial role in early activities by providing water power for mills and a route for floating timber downstream. These elements transformed the isolated frontier into a viable hub, with the reaching approximately 260 residents by 1867. Prominent early figures shaped the community's foundations. Louis Foisy, a merchant and , served as the first from 1861 to 1870 and was instrumental in promoting growth, including the establishment of the Parish of Sainte-Victoire in 1863. The first church, dedicated to Sainte-Victoire, was built in 1865, serving as a social and spiritual center. followed in the 1860s and , with Curé Joseph Uldoric Tessier supporting the founding of basic schools and later the Collège Commercial to meet the needs of growing families from nearby regions. Archibald Campbell, an industrialist, acquired a in 1857, further solidifying local leadership in resource extraction. The pre-20th-century economy centered on , , and nascent , leveraging the region's natural resources. Farming dominated initial efforts, with about 70% of the land cultivable for crops and , as like Perrault cleared plots for sustenance and surplus . emerged prominently after 1853, when Antoine Baril built the first powered by the Nicolet River; operations expanded under Campbell and others, exporting timber via the new railway and processing thousands of cords annually. Small-scale began in the , including extract mills like the Miller’s Extract of Bark Association founded in 1866, which invested heavily in wood processing, alongside basic trades such as and blacksmithing that supported village expansion. By 1890, when Victoriaville gained city status, these activities had laid the groundwork for sustained growth.

20th Century Development and Mergers

In the early , Victoriaville experienced significant industrial growth, driven by the expansion of transportation infrastructure that connected the region to broader markets. The existing rail network, established in the mid-19th century, continued to play a pivotal role, with improvements and extensions facilitating the transport of goods during the period of rapid industrialization. Concurrently, road networks were developed and upgraded to support local commerce, enabling the rise of key sectors such as textiles and furniture . A notable milestone was the 1931 expansion of the Hôtel-Dieu d'Arthabaska, which enhanced healthcare services amid and economic activity. Following , Victoriaville saw further economic and educational advancements that solidified its regional importance. The manufacturing sector, particularly textiles and furniture, expanded notably, with textile production beginning in 1905 and gaining momentum in the post-war era through factories like Victoria Shirt. This growth contributed to employment and urban development. In 1969, the Cégep de Victoriaville was established on June 19, succeeding the Collège Sacré-Cœur and integrating vocational programs, including those from the École du meuble et du bois ouvré, to meet the needs of the burgeoning industrial workforce. A major administrative change occurred in 1993 with the amalgamation of the former cities of Victoriaville and Arthabaska, along with the parish municipality of Saint-Victoire-d'Arthabaska, forming the current municipal structure under the name Victoriaville. This merger streamlined governance and services for a growing population. In the 2021 municipal election, Antoine Tardif was acclaimed mayor, bringing a focus on youth and innovation to local leadership. He served until 2025, when Vincent Bourassa was elected mayor on November 2. Up to 2025, urban planning efforts have emphasized sustainability, including the 2024 launch of the Programme Transition énergétique des industries, commerces et institutions to promote energy efficiency, alongside record-high construction permits reflecting ongoing residential and commercial development.

Government and Infrastructure

Municipal Government

Victoriaville operates under a mayor-council system, the standard form of municipal governance in , where the serves as the chief executive and the acts as the legislative body. Vincent Bourassa was elected on November 2, 2025, with 64.27% of the vote, succeeding Antoine Tardif who had held the position since 2021. The city consists of 10 members, each representing one of the 10 electoral districts into which Victoriaville's territory is divided, ensuring localized representation in decision-making. As the seat of the ( d'Arthabaska), Victoriaville plays a central role in regional administration, coordinating with surrounding municipalities on shared services while managing its own local operations. The municipal government oversees essential services such as , including road maintenance and ; regulations to control and urban development; and community planning initiatives that guide residential and commercial growth. These functions support a of approximately 50,000 residents and align with broader regional priorities in the area. Recent municipal policies emphasize and regional cooperation, with Victoriaville recognized as a leader in practices, such as comprehensive organic waste collection and composting programs that reduce landfill use. The city has also advanced through bylaws facilitating secondary dwelling units and partnerships for new social housing projects, contributing to 100 additional units in 2025. The annual operating for 2025 totals CAD 121.4 million, with 73.5% derived from municipal taxes and service fees, funding these initiatives alongside infrastructure maintenance. Politically, the non-partisan council aligns closely with provincial policies, particularly those promoting environmental protection and housing accessibility under the Sustainable Development Act.

Education and Healthcare

Victoriaville's education system is anchored by the Cégep de Victoriaville, a public college established on June 19, 1969, through the merger of three existing institutions: the Collège des Sœurs de la Presentation de Marie, the Collège Sacré-Cœur, and the École de meubles et de bois ouvré de Victoriaville. The institution offers a range of pre-university programs, such as Arts, lettres et communication with profiles in cinema and literature or philosophy, alongside technical programs leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DCS). These include vocational training in health fields like Soins infirmiers (nursing) and in manufacturing-related areas such as Productivité en génie industriel and Technologie du génie civil. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Cégep de Victoriaville enrolled a record 1,860 students in regular programs, reflecting its role as a key postsecondary hub in the region. Primary and in Victoriaville falls under the Centre de services scolaire des Bois-Francs (CSSBF), which oversees multiple elementary schools, such as École Saint-Gabriel-Lalemant, and secondary institutions like École Secondaire Veilleux, serving students from through grade 11 across the Arthabaska and L'Érable municipalities. The CSSBF emphasizes and integration, with over 1,400 professionals supporting more than 14,000 students region-wide. Healthcare services in Victoriaville are primarily provided by the Hôtel-Dieu d'Arthabaska (HDA), a hospital founded in 1884 and integrated into the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec (CIUSSS MCQ). As the main regional facility, HDA offers emergency care with 16 functional stretchers, general and specialized medical services including diagnostics, , and maternity with over 1,100 annual births (as of 2016), as well as options for qualifying seniors through public residential services. The hospital maintains 199 inpatient beds (approximate) and is staffed by 191 physicians, including dentists and pharmacists (as of 2016), ensuring comprehensive care for the local population. In November 2025, a new pediatric unit opened, enhancing services for children and families. Accessibility to education and health resources is enhanced by public libraries and community centers that promote . The Bibliothèques de Victoriaville, comprising two branches including the Charles-Édouard-Mailhot , provide programs, reading activities, and digital resources to foster continuous education for all ages. Complementing these, the Centre Monseigneur-Côté offers programs such as francisation, secondary general education, and professional integration training, supporting diverse learners including immigrants and older adults in their pursuit of further skills development.

Economy

Major Industries

Victoriaville's economy is anchored in , which has historically been driven by the region's abundant hardwood resources, earning the city the title of Capitale des Bois-Francs. The sector encompasses wood products, furniture, and textiles, with furniture production prominent since the late due to local timber availability; by the , the Bois-Francs region was dubbed Canada's furniture capital. Although traditional furniture manufacturing has declined amid global competition, wood processing remains significant, including specialized applications like high-tech for items such as hockey sticks, a legacy tied to the city's former Victoriaville brand production facilities. Local industries benefit from high-quality municipal water supplies, which support processing operations requiring consistent purity. Food processing stands out as another pillar, exemplified by the Lactantia dairy plant, established in 1947 and now part of Canada, which employs hundreds in processing and as one of the city's largest employers. Other notable manufacturers include Posi-Plus, specializing in utility equipment, and Bojak Équipement, both contributing to and machinery sectors. Canimex, a key player in metal products and components nearby in the region, underscores the area's broader industrial ecosystem. As of September 2025, the region's unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, reflecting a robust labour market with employment at 138,700 out of a 144,100 active ; accounts for a substantial share, with ongoing expansions like Posi-Plus's facility upgrade creating 25 new jobs. The city supports positions across the agglomeration, bolstered by industrial parks offering incentives such as multi-year tax reductions. Economic challenges include transitioning from legacy sectors like furniture and textiles, prompting diversification efforts since the 2000s through business grants and innovation hubs like Destination Entreprise, which aids expansion in emerging fields.

Transportation and Utilities

Victoriaville benefits from its strategic location along major transportation corridors in central , facilitating connectivity to larger urban centers. The city is proximate to Autoroute 55, the primary north-south highway spanning from the U.S. near Stanstead to , with direct access via nearby interchanges that link to and , supporting efficient road travel for residents and commerce. Local roads, including Boulevard des Bois-Francs, integrate with this network to handle daily traffic and industrial transport needs. Rail services are provided through the Victoriaville station, part of VIA Rail's Quebec City-Windsor corridor, offering passenger connections to and with daily departures. The station integrates historical rail infrastructure dating to the mid-19th century development of the Grand Trunk Railway in the region. The local public transit system, known as TaxiBus operated by the Société de transport de Victoriaville, functions as an on-demand service using 57 taxi vehicles to serve nearly 1,000 designated stops across the , providing flexible mobility for short trips without fixed routes. Air travel options include the regional André-Fortin Airport, located just 4 km from the city center, which supports and small aircraft operations. For commercial flights, residents rely on nearby facilities such as Airport (76 km away) and Québec City International Airport (94 km away). Active transportation is enhanced by paths, including segments of Route Verte #1 along the Parc linéaire des Bois-Francs and trails bordering the Nicolet River, such as the 5 km loop in Parc du Réservoir-Beaudet, promoting recreational and commuter biking in natural settings. Utilities in Victoriaville emphasize reliability and sustainability, with drinking water primarily sourced from the Beaudet on the Bulstrode , which supplies over half the population following its construction in 1977 to address drought risks and ensure potable water capacity. Recent restoration efforts, including and , have improved water quality and storage, earning provincial recognition for excellence in water management. Electricity is distributed by , Quebec's , providing clean, renewable to all households and businesses with 99.9% reliability. Waste management is handled through a comprehensive municipal focused on collection, , and residual materials processing, which has received awards for innovative practices in reducing landfill use and promoting principles. Broadband internet coverage is extensive, with fiber optic and high-speed options from providers like Bell and Videotron reaching most urban areas, supported by provincial initiatives for digital equity. Infrastructure investments include the deployment of Canada's first municipal (V2X) bidirectional charging stations in partnership with Cleo, a subsidiary, enabling electric vehicles to supply power to buildings during outages and advancing resilience. Additionally, ongoing upgrades to Autoroute 55 between Bécancour and Sainte-Eulalie, including widening and reconfiguration, enhance regional connectivity and safety near Victoriaville.

Climate and Environment

Climate Patterns

Victoriaville features a classified as Dfb under the Köppen-Geiger system, marked by distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The average annual temperature stands at 5.9°C, reflecting the region's moderate overall conditions influenced by its inland location in southern . Annual precipitation totals 1,099 mm, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, supporting and in the area. These figures are derived from the 1991-2020 Canadian Climate Normals, superseding the 1981-2010 data and accounting for observed mild warming trends as of 2025. Seasonally, winters are severe, with January recording a mean temperature of -10.8°C and annual snowfall of approximately 175 cm, often leading to significant snow cover from through . Summers provide relief, as averages 18.6°C, with comfortable highs rarely exceeding 30°C but accompanied by occasional thunderstorms. Extreme temperature records include a low of -36.1°C during harsh winter cold snaps and a high of 35°C in summer heat waves, underscoring the climate's variability. Recent trends indicate mild warming since 2000, with Quebec's average annual temperature rising by approximately 1.1°C over the past 70 years, a pattern observed regionally including in Victoriaville. This warming, part of broader Canadian shifts, has slightly reduced extreme cold days while increasing variability. Regional weather patterns, shaped by the proximity to the to the north, contribute to enhanced snowfall and occasional lake-effect influences from nearby water bodies.

Natural Features and Sustainability

Victoriaville lies within the Nicolet River watershed in Quebec's region, where the river flows through the city, shaping its landscape and supporting diverse aquatic and riparian ecosystems. The surrounding area features temperate hardwood forests, particularly maple-dominated stands that enhance regional through provision for native and , including and wetland-dependent . Key natural assets include urban parks such as Parc Terre-des-Jeunes, one of the city's largest green spaces spanning over 50 hectares, which is traversed by the Nicolet River and includes forested trails, the Étang Roger-Paquet for , and accessible riverbanks for recreation. Conservation efforts in Victoriaville emphasize protecting riverine and forested zones to preserve . In 2023, the city launched a major initiative to triple the area of protected natural environments to more than 60 hectares, in partnership with organizations like Nature-Avenir and Ducks Unlimited Canada, focusing on wetlands and river corridors such as the Parc Colonial Franc-Ouest. These protected areas safeguard forests and associated species, contributing to amid regional hotspots in the Nicolet-Yamaska area. The city was recognized in 2024 for its commitments, including restoration projects that enhance connectivity along the river. Sustainability programs in Victoriaville align with Quebec's , with the city's 2023 Plan climat receiving $25.5 million in funding to decarbonize buildings and reduce by 27% for institutional operations by 2035, including an annual cut of 693 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Water quality management is integrated through a 2022 plan for control, which protects the Nicolet River while supporting local economic activities like recreation. rates exceed 60%, bolstered by the city's pioneering three-stream collection system since the , with recent enhancements like organic waste equipment acquisitions in 2024 to divert 45% of residual materials. Challenges include flood risks from the Nicolet River, with spring flooding events like those in 2014 and 2025 causing evacuations and infrastructure strain, worsened by projections for increased streamflow. Post-2020, the city has expanded urban green spaces through initiatives like the 2020 urban agriculture plan, a 2024 tree-planting program targeting tens of thousands of trees to combat heat islands, and the 2025-2026 redevelopment of Parc Terre-des-Jeunes to enhance recreational and ecological functions. These efforts briefly tie into broader climate adaptation strategies, such as improved infrastructure.

Culture and Society

Arts and Festivals

Victoriaville's cultural landscape is anchored by key venues that foster performing and . The Carré 150, a municipal opened in 2015, hosts over 200 events annually, encompassing music concerts, theater productions, and cabaret-style shows in its intimate spaces, including an 850-seat auditorium and a 200-seat room. The center also integrates the Centre d'art Jacques-et-Michel-Auger, dedicated to contemporary exhibitions featuring hundreds of artists since its inception. Complementing this, the Laurier Museum, housed in a lavish Victorian residence built in 1876, presents exhibits on local history, industry, and artistic expressions tied to the region's heritage, offering visitors insights into the life of former Prime Minister Sir and surrounding cultural artifacts. The city is renowned for its vibrant festivals that draw international attention to innovative and genre-blending performances. The Festival international de musique actuelle de Victoriaville (FIMAV), founded in 1983, is a flagship event promoting experimental, contemporary, and improvisational alongside , experimental films, and public sound installations during its annual May edition, attracting global artists to the town's venues and streets. The 2025 edition featured a reduced program as part of a transitional period. Complementing this focus, the Week-end En Blues festival celebrates with live concerts featuring bands and international acts, typically held in summer at local parks and stages. Summer cultural fairs, such as Fromages Bouffe et Traditions (held annually until 2025), blend culinary tastings with artisan markets, musical evenings, and family-oriented activities, highlighting the region's creative traditions. The local arts scene thrives through community-driven initiatives and municipal support, emphasizing accessibility and collaboration. Community theaters like Théâtre Parminou, founded in 1973 and active for over 50 years, produce original plays and workshops that engage residents in creation and performance. Galleries such as the Atelier-Galerie d'Art Victoriaville showcase over 200 original works by member artists across diverse styles, welcoming visitors for free viewings. The city bolsters these efforts via its cultural infrastructure, including funding and programming at public spaces like Carré 150, ensuring sustained support for visual and . Victoriaville preserves its Victorian-era architectural heritage in the downtown core, where historic buildings contribute to the cultural ambiance. Notable among these is the Laurier Museum's Italianate mansion, a designated National Historic Site that exemplifies 19th-century design with its ornate details and period furnishings, alongside other preserved structures that reflect the town's evolution from its Arthabaska origins.

Media and Sports

Victoriaville's media landscape is anchored by La Nouvelle Union et L'Avenir de l'Érable, a regional published by TC Transcontinental that delivers weekly editions covering , events, and issues in the area. In 2017, its Wednesday edition had a circulation of 37,349 copies, reflecting its reach across Victoriaville and surrounding municipalities. Radio broadcasting serves the community through several stations. CFDA-FM at 101.9 MHz, operated by Arsenal Media, airs an adult contemporary format featuring soft hits and French music, with studios in Victoriaville. CKYQ-FM at 95.7 MHz, also under Arsenal Media, focuses on as Hit Country 95.7, broadcasting from nearby Plessisville but covering Victoriaville. CFJO-FM at 97.3 MHz, known as O 97.3 and licensed to , provides adult contemporary radio and shares facilities with sister stations in Victoriaville. Local television includes TV CBF, a community channel operated by the Fédération des télévisions communautaires autonomes du Québec, which produces and airs content on municipal affairs, cultural events, and resident programming. Online platforms complement traditional media, with La Nouvelle Union's website offering digital news updates and regional event coverage, including live streams of community happenings. In sports, the compete in the (QMJHL), a major junior ice hockey circuit, having relocated to the city in 1987 from . The team plays home games at Desjardins, a multi-purpose arena built in 1980 with a seating capacity of 3,420. Recreational sports engage residents through community leagues, including minor hockey programs organized by Hockey Mineur Victoriaville, which supports youth development from novice to midget levels. Soccer is popular via the Club de soccer Optimum de Victoriaville, offering recreational and competitive leagues for all ages at local fields like the Complexe Multisport Promutuel. In 2025, its U-15 girls team won the national championship. Annual tournaments, such as the Tournoi de soccer de Victoriaville, draw participants and tie into broader community festivals, fostering local athletic participation.

Notable Residents

  • Gilbert Perreault (born November 13, 1950), a Hall of Fame player who spent his entire 17-season NHL career with the as their first overall draft pick in 1970.
  • (born February 24, 1993), a player currently with the in the NHL.
  • Pierre Bruneau (born June 5, 1952), a longtime Canadian journalist and news anchor for .
  • Sylvie Boucher (born December 18, 1962), a Canadian politician who served as Member of Parliament for Beauport—Limoilou from 2006 to 2019.
  • Isabelle Mercier (born August 5, 1975), a professional poker player known for her success in European Poker Tour events.
  • Matthew Bergeron (born February 26, 2000), an offensive guard for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, raised in Victoriaville.

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