Sainte-Flavie, Quebec, is a parish municipality nestled on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River. This charming community, located approximately 3 km northwest of Mont-Joli, is the westernmost point of Route 132's loop around the Gaspé Peninsula. Named after Flavia, a martyred saint, Sainte-Flavie is a place where history and nature intertwine.
The history of Sainte-Flavie, Quebec, dates back to 1696 when Louis de Buade de Frontenac, governor of New France, ceded the territory as a seigneury to Louis Lepage and Gabriel Thibierge. Initially, the territory covered a much larger area, extending deeper inland to what is now the municipality of Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc.
Despite the slow and progressive demographic development, the inhabitants of Lepage claimed their parish and obtained it in 1829. The first wooden church was built in 1850, followed by the presbytery in 1853. The Municipality of Sainte-Flavie was officially created in 1855, named in honor of co-seigneuress Flavie Drapeau and in memory of Flavia Domitilla, a Roman martyr of the 1st century.
Over the years, Sainte-Flavie lost significant sections of its territory due to the creation of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici in 1869, Saint-Joseph-de-Lepage in 1873, and Mont-Joli in 1880. Despite these changes, the community continued to thrive. In 1890, the wooden church was sold, and a stone church was built, which unfortunately was ravaged by fire in 1948. The current church was built immediately after.
In 1932, a wharf was built in Sainte-Flavie, Quebec, serving as a hub for commercial and sport fishing. Today, it is used primarily for recreational purposes. The local economy, once reliant on agriculture, fishing, and forestry, has shifted towards the service industry and tourism.
In recent years, coastal erosion has become a significant issue for Sainte-Flavie, Quebec. Following the tide of December 6, 2010, several coastal residences have been relocated inland to mitigate the impact of this environmental challenge.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sainte-Flavie, Quebec, had a population of 904 living in 418 of its 531 total private dwellings. This represents a 2.3% increase from its 2016 population of 884. With a land area of 38.23 km2 (14.76 sq mi), the population density was 23.6/km2 (61.2/sq mi) in 2021.
Sainte-Flavie, Quebec, is a community steeped in history and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn to its rich past or its stunning landscapes, this charming municipality offers a unique blend of attractions for visitors and residents alike.
