Donnacona, Quebec, a thriving industrial town, is nestled approximately 40 kilometres west of Quebec City in Portneuf County, Canada. This article explores the rich history, demographic trends, transportation, and international connections of this vibrant community.
The history of Donnacona, Quebec, is steeped in intrigue and industrial development. Some believe the city was named after Donnacona, a 16th-century St. Lawrence Iroquois chief who was taken to France. However, the city's name actually originates from the first paper mill erected at the mouth of the Jacques-Cartier River, The Donnacona Paper Ltd.
The mill, located where the Jacques-Cartier River meets the St. Lawrence River, played a pivotal role in the rapid development of the local settlement, making Donnacona the most populous urban town in Portneuf County. Despite economic difficulties impacting the lumber and pulp and paper industry, the mill remained a significant part of the community until its closure in 2008.
Before Donnacona was chartered as a town in 1915, the area was known as Pointe-aux-Écureuils. A New France Seigneurie, named Les Écureuils, existed as a surrounding rural parish municipality before merging with Donnacona in 1967.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Donnacona had a population of 7,436 living in 3,300 of its 3,410 total private dwellings. This represents a 3.3% increase from its 2016 population of 7,200. With a land area of 20.2 km2, Donnacona had a population density of 368.1/km2 in 2021.
The population trend over the years has been as follows:
In terms of language, the majority of residents speak French as their first language (97.4%), followed by English (1.1%). A small percentage of residents speak both English and French as their first language (0.4%), while others speak a different language (0.9%).
Autoroute 40, a major highway, passes through Donnacona, providing easy access to other parts of Quebec and beyond.
Donnacona, Quebec, has a sister city relationship with Jarnac, France, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two communities.
