Brownsburg-Chatham is a charming municipality nestled in the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada. This picturesque town is part of the Argenteuil Regional County Municipality and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The town's economic activities are diverse, ranging from agriculture and tourism to the manufacture of explosives. Brownsburg-Chatham is also known as the hometown of the late Montreal Canadiens defenceman, Gilles Lupien.
Brownsburg-Chatham is strategically located along the Ottawa River, just west of Lachute. The municipality encompasses several communities, including Brownsburg, Cushing, Dalesville, Greece's Point, Pine Hill, and Saint-Philippe. Each of these communities contributes to the rich tapestry of Brownsburg-Chatham, offering unique attractions and experiences for visitors and residents alike.
The history of Brownsburg-Chatham dates back to 1799 when Chatham Township was established. The township was named in honor of the English Statesman William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. The area was primarily populated by affluent American Loyalists, and by 1829, it had its own post office. The township municipality was officially formed in 1845, and by the mid-19th century, it was home to several hamlets, including Dalesville, Brownsbury, and Starneville.
In 1818, Major George Brown, an Englishman, was granted land on the West River (Rivière de l'Ouest) by the government. Together with pioneers Daniel Smith and Captain A. L. Howard, Brown played a significant role in invigorating the local industry during the 1820s. Among his many achievements, Brown built a sawmill and gristmill, which significantly contributed to the region's economic growth. This led to the formation of Brownsburg village, named in his honor.
In the third quarter of the 19th century, the Dominion Cartridge Company established a major arms factory in the area, becoming the primary local industry. In 1935, the Village Municipality of Brownsburg was officially established by separating from the Township Municipality of Chatham. However, in 1999, Brownsburg was rejoined with Chatham, forming the new Municipality of Brownsburg-Chatham. The municipality changed its statutes in 2002 and became the Town of Brownsburg-Chatham.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Brownsburg-Chatham had a population of 7,247, living in 3,282 of its 3,783 total private dwellings. This represented a 1.8% increase from its 2016 population of 7,122. With a land area of 244.46 km2 (94.39 sq mi), Brownsburg-Chatham had a population density of 29.6/km2 (76.8/sq mi) in 2021. This growing community continues to attract new residents and visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.
