Mandeville, a municipality in the D'Autray Regional County Municipality in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Mandeville, officially known as Saint-Charles-de-Mandeville until June 2, 2001, is nestled along the Mastigouche River, just north of Lake Maskinongé. The municipal territory is speckled with lakes, many of which are adorned with quaint cottages. The northern portion of Mandeville remains untouched, forming part of the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve.
Mandeville is not just a town, but a paradise for various precious wildlife. It is home to a diverse range of animals such as bear, moose, wolf, lynx, and a variety of fish species including musky, trout, and bass.
Adding to its charm, Mandeville is also home to the Pléïades Observatory, managed by Centre d'Observation et de Recherche Astronomique Mandeville (C.O.R.A.M. Inc.).
In the early 19th century, the territory of Mandeville was part of the Hope Fief, a vast area of 20,000 arpents (68.4 km²) granted to Angélique Blondeau by Seignoral Lord Charles-Louis Tarieu de Lanaudière. However, the fief was mostly neglected by the seignoral lords.
The first wave of settlers, led by Maximillien or Maxime Mandeville, arrived in 1824, and the lake that today bears his name. Further colonization occurred in 1837 when a large group of settlers came from Maskinongé, Berthierville, and Sorel.
In 1894, the Mission of Saint-Charles-de-Mandeville was formed and became a parish in 1903. The name is most likely a reference to Charles Turgeon, pastor of the nearby parish of Saint-Didace, who worked extensively in Mandeville.
In 1904, the Municipality of Saint-Charles-de-Mandeville was established and in 1905, its post office opened. The municipality officially abbreviated its name to Mandeville in 2001. Soon after, the municipal boundary between Mandeville and Saint-Damien was reorganized, and Mandeville gained about 146 square kilometres (56 sq mi).
The population of Mandeville has seen a steady growth over the years. In 2011, the population was 2043, a slight decrease from 2221 in 2006. However, this was a significant increase from 1878 in 2001, 1824 in 1996, and 1725 in 1991.
The town has a rich linguistic diversity with 1.1% of the population speaking English as their first language, 97.7% speaking French, 0.7% speaking both English and French, and 0.5% speaking other languages.
Mandeville, Quebec, with its rich history, diverse wildlife, and welcoming community, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique Canadian experience.
