Lorette, a local urban district in the Rural Municipality of Taché, is a charming community located 25 km southeast of Winnipeg, in the province of Manitoba, Canada. This quaint town, originally named Petite Pointe du Chênes by the French-speaking Métis traders and farmers who first settled the area, was later renamed Lorette by Bishop Alexandre-Antonin Taché. The name change was a tribute to a French priest who made a significant contribution to the construction of the Saint Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lorette boasts a population of 3,512, residing in 1,259 of its 1,295 total private dwellings. This represents a 9.5% increase from its 2016 population of 3,208. With a land area of 4.72 km2 (1.82 sq mi), Lorette had a population density of 744.1/km2 (1,927.1/sq mi) in 2021.
Lorette is conveniently located on Provincial Road 207, a part of the historic Old Dawson Trail. Access to PR 207 is available via the Trans-Canada Highway from the north, PR 206 from the east, or PR 405 from the south, making Lorette easily accessible from various directions.
The major employers in Lorette include the Municipality of Taché, the Seine River School Division, Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine, and All Star Concrete. These organizations provide a variety of employment opportunities for the residents of Lorette, contributing to the town's economic stability.
Notre-Dame de Lorette, a Roman Catholic church located on Dawson Road, is a significant historical landmark in Lorette. Offering services in both French and English, the church was built at a cost of $20,000 and completed in 1900. The architect and builder, Auguste Gauthier of Lorette, relied heavily on volunteer labour from the community.
The interior of Notre-Dame de Lorette is adorned with oil murals by artist L.E. Monty of Montreal, adding to the church's aesthetic appeal. The church is also surmounted by three bells, which were poured in Haute-Savoie, France, further enhancing its historical significance.
