Lac-Sainte-Marie, Quebec, is a charming municipality nestled in the La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau Regional County Municipality. Located 60 kilometres north of Gatineau, this picturesque town is named after the adjacent lake, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The history of Lac-Sainte-Marie, Quebec, dates back to 1840 when the area was first opened for settlement. The same year, the Saint-Nom-de-Marie Parish was established, marking the beginning of the community's religious presence. The municipality was officially formed in 1872, initially named Hincks in honour of Sir Francis Hincks, a prominent politician and finance minister in the Macdonald cabinet.
However, after the fall of the Macdonald cabinet in 1873, the name Hincks gradually fell out of popular usage. The community became known by the name of the parish and later by the name of the lake. In 1882, the post office opened under the English name Lake St. Mary, which was later renamed Lac-Sainte-Marie in 1916.
A significant event in the town's history occurred in 1928 when the village was flooded to create the Paugan hydroelectric dam. This required relocating 90% of the village to higher ground, including the St-Nom-de-Marie parish church, which was originally built in 1904-1905. The submerged town attracted many tourists from Ottawa and Gatineau, adding a unique charm to the area.
In 1975, Lac-Sainte-Marie became the official name of the town, paying tribute to Marie Léveillée, a forgotten pioneer and mother of Jean-Marie Léveillée, the area's first settler.
As of 2021, Lac-Sainte-Marie, Quebec, is home to 374 residents occupying private dwellings out of a total of 930. The community is predominantly French-speaking, with 74% of the population identifying French as their first language. English is the first language for 22% of the residents, while 2% of the population is bilingual, speaking both English and French as their first language.
Lac-Sainte-Marie, Quebec, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have managed to preserve their history while embracing the natural beauty that surrounds them. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a nature lover, Lac-Sainte-Marie offers a unique blend of past and present that is sure to captivate you.
