Joliette, a city nestled in southwest Quebec, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Montreal, on the L'Assomption River, Joliette serves as the seat of the Regional County Municipality of Joliette. It is also a part of the North Shore of Greater Montreal.
Founded as L'Industrie by businessman Barthélemy Joliette in 1823, the city was incorporated in 1863, when it changed its name to Joliette. Today, Joliette's economy thrives mainly on the manufacturing and service sectors. The city is also home to Graybec, the largest gravel manufacturer in the area, which exploits a vast quarry just outside the city.
Joliette is renowned for its Art Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, paper artwork, and a large collection of art from the French Middle Ages. The city also houses three Francophone high schools, one Anglophone high school, and the Joliette campus of the Cégep régional de Lanaudière.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Joliette had a population of 21,384. The city is diverse, with 7.1% of residents being visible minorities, 2.4% Indigenous, and the remaining 90.5% white/European. French is the predominant language, with 92.3% of residents claiming it as their mother tongue.
Joliette serves as the seat of the judicial district of Joliette. The city also houses the Joliette Institution for Women, a prison operated by the Correctional Service of Canada.
Joliette is home to several educational institutions. The Cégep régional de Lanaudière à Joliette - Collège Constituent de Joliette is a notable post-secondary institution. The Commission scolaire des Samares operates Francophone public schools, while Anglophone schools are operated by the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. The city also hosts the Académie Antoine-Manseau, a private Francophone school.
Discover the rich history, vibrant art scene, and diverse culture of Joliette, Quebec, a city that seamlessly blends the charm of the past with the dynamism of the present.
