Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon is a charming municipality nestled in the D'Autray Regional County Municipality, within the Lanaudière region of Quebec, Canada. This quaint town offers a rich history and a vibrant community, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
The history of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon dates back to around 1825 when the first settlers, primarily Irish and Scottish Loyalists, arrived at the shores of Lake Maskinongé. By 1827, they had established a community known as Lake Maskinongé Settlement, which later became the Mission of Lac-Maskinongé.
In 1837, the community adopted the name Saint-Gabriel-du-Lac-Maskinongé, which was later changed to Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon in 1840. This name pays homage to the angel Gabriel and the geographic township of Brandon, proclaimed in 1827, where the town is located.
The Parish of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon was founded in 1851, the same year the post office opened. By 1855, the parish municipality was established under the same name. In 1892, the main settlement on Lake Maskinongé separated from the parish municipality, becoming the Village Municipality of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, now known as the Town of Saint-Gabriel. On June 14, 2014, Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon transitioned from a parish municipality to a regular municipality.
Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon has seen a fluctuating population trend over the years. In 1991, the population was 2161, which increased to 2608 by 1996. The population slightly decreased to 2590 in 2001, then rose to 2800 in 2006. As of 2011, the population was 2679, marking a 4.3% decrease from 2006.
The town consists of 1598 total dwellings, with 1181 occupied by usual residents. The linguistic diversity of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon is predominantly French, with 97.5% of the population speaking French as their first language. English is the first language for 0.9% of the population, while 0.7% speak both English and French as their first language. Other languages account for 0.9% of the first languages spoken in the community.
Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Quebec, is a town steeped in history and culture, offering a unique blend of past and present. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this charming municipality is sure to captivate you with its rich heritage and vibrant community.
