Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska, a former village in Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada, is a place of historical significance and natural beauty. Although it held village status until 2023, it is now part of the town of Vallée-des-Rivières. Nestled on the Saint John River, 30 kilometres southeast of Edmundston, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska is a hub for the forestry industry.
On 1 January 2023, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska underwent a significant change. It amalgamated with the town of Saint-Léonard and parts of four local service districts to form the new town of Vallée-des-Rivières. Despite this change, the community's name remains in official use, preserving its historical identity.
Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska is a composite of several smaller communities, each with its unique charm. These include Fourche-à-Clark, Prime, Quisibis, Rang-des-Deschêne, Siegas, Siegas Lake Settlement, and Sirois.
As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska had a population of 891 living in 415 of its 436 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -6.9% from its 2016 population of 957. With a land area of 8.97 km2 (3.46 sq mi), it had a population density of 99.3/km2 (257.3/sq mi) in 2021.
Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska is renowned for its historical Catholic Church. Built in 1923, this place of worship is located on Principale Street, at the heart of the village on its highest promontory. The church's architectural significance, reflected in its Romanesque style and local granite construction, gives it local heritage value.
The church features beautiful Roman arches, a Latin cross layout, a broad central nave, and narrow transepts. It is also home to an array of artworks. Two enormous iron crosses, forged by Edgar St-Pierre, stand 16 feet tall above each of the two steeples. The main façade's roof was adorned with a large statue of St. Anne in 1947. Mario Mauro (1920-1985), a painter, created the frescoes of St. Anne and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in 1960. These artistic elements add to the church's historical and cultural significance, making it a must-visit attraction in Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska, New Brunswick.
