Grenville, Quebec is a charming village municipality nestled in the Argenteuil Regional County Municipality of the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada. Situated opposite Hawkesbury, Ontario, on the Ottawa River, Grenville offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Grenville's history dates back to 1795 when it was first depicted on the Gale and Duberger Map. However, it wasn't until January 28, 1808, that Grenville Township was officially established, named in honor of Lord George Grenville. The first French and English settlers arrived in 1810, marking the beginning of the town's development.
Grenville's strategic location on the Ottawa River and the construction of the Carillon Canal in 1819 spurred the town's growth. By 1826, the first general store opened, followed by the first school in 1828. The "Kingsey" sawmill was built in 1830, and a flour mill was added in 1838. The Carillon and Grenville Railway began construction in 1857 and was completed six years later.
By 1861, Grenville and its surroundings had about 900 inhabitants. On January 1, 1876, the Village Municipality of Grenville was formed, boasting a population exceeding one thousand persons. The Carillon and Grenville Railway was abandoned in 1910 and later dismantled.
The Grenville Canal, along with the Chute-à-Blondeau Canal and the Carillon Canal, were constructed to navigate the Long Sault Rapids on the Ottawa River, stretching for 21 kilometers (13 mi) from Carillon to Grenville. The War of 1812 was the impetus for these canals, as attacks along the Saint Lawrence River threatened the communication lines between Kingston and Montreal, the two main military positions of Upper and Lower Canada.
Work on the Grenville Canal began in 1818 with the construction of a storage warehouse. Captain Henry Vernet of the Royal Engineers arrived from Britain in 1819 to lead the project. Hundreds of Irish immigrants and French Canadians were employed to excavate the canal under the direction of a hundred British soldiers. The Grenville Canal was completed in 1833, with the entire network on the Ottawa River, including the 11 locks, fully completed by 1843.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Grenville had a population of 1,816 living in 903 of its 951 total private dwellings, a change of 6.1% from its 2016 population of 1,711. With a land area of 2.82 km2 (1.09 sq mi), it had a population density of 644.0/km2 (1,667.9/sq mi) in 2021.
The linguistic diversity of Grenville is reflected in the mother tongue of its residents. As of 2006, 9% of the population reported English as their first language, 88% reported French, 2% reported both English and French, and 1% reported another language.
Grenville, Quebec, with its rich history, diverse community, and beautiful landscapes, is a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking a unique cultural experience.
