Mercier is a charming suburban town nestled in the southwestern region of Quebec, Canada. Part of the Roussillon Regional County Municipality, Mercier is beautifully situated on the banks of the Châteauguay River, southwest of Montreal. As per the Canada 2021 Census, the town is home to 14,626 residents.
Mercier's history dates back to 1855 when it was officially founded and known as Sainte-Philomène. The town underwent a name change in 1968 to honor the former Premier of Quebec, Honoré Mercier, who served from 1887 to 1891. The new name also reflects the town's proximity to the Honoré Mercier Bridge and was chosen to give the city a more marketable and English-friendly name.
The devotion to Philomena, the town's original namesake, was increasingly uncertain and had only survived due to the fervor of 19th-century devotees. This uncertainty was a significant factor in the decision to rename the city. The first municipal council of the town was formed in Sainte-Philomène in 1845, with Antoine Couillard serving as the first mayor from 1845-1846.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Mercier boasted a population of 14,626, residing in 5,398 of its 5,472 total private dwellings. This figure represents an 11.5% increase from its 2016 population of 13,115. With a land area of 45.96 km2 (17.75 sq mi), Mercier had a population density of 318.2/km2 (824.2/sq mi) in 2021.
Mercier's transportation needs are catered to by the CIT du Haut-Saint-Laurent, which provides both commuter and local bus services. This efficient transportation system ensures that residents and visitors can easily navigate the town and its surrounding areas.
