Sainte-Marie is a charming city nestled in the province of Quebec, Canada. As the seat of the Municipalité régionale de la Nouvelle-Beauce in Chaudière-Appalaches, it is a vibrant community with a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere. With a population of 13,134 as per the Canada 2021 Census, and a predominantly French-speaking community, Sainte-Marie is a unique blend of culture and tradition. Located just 59 kilometres southeast of Quebec City, it sits on the banks of the Chaudière River, offering picturesque views and a tranquil environment.
The history of Sainte-Marie dates back to 1736 when the seigneurie of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Nouvelle-Beauce was granted to Thomas-Jacques Taschereau. He named the city in honour of his wife, Marie-Claire de Fleury de La Gorgendière. The religious parish was established in 1737, and the municipality was founded in 1845.
As the population increased, the territory of Sainte-Marie was divided on several occasions to establish neighbouring communities such as Saint-Bernard, Saint-Isidore, Saint-Maxime-de-Scott (now Scott), Sainte-Marguerite, Sainte-Hénédine, Saint-Sylvestre, Saint-Elzéar, Saint-Séverin, Saints-Anges, and Vallée-Jonction.
In 1913, the territory underwent another division when the village (urban part of the territory) detached from the parish municipality (rural part). The village was constituted as a city in 1958, and in 1959, Sainte-Marie-de-la-Nouvelle-Beauce was renamed as Sainte-Marie. The city and the parish municipality governments amalgamated in 1978, marking a significant milestone in the city's history.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sainte-Marie had a population of 13,134 living in 5,500 of its 5,630 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -3.2% from its 2016 population of 13,565. With a land area of 107.55 km2 (41.53 sq mi), the city had a population density of 122.1/km2 (316.3/sq mi) in 2021.
Sainte-Marie has a partner city in Pont-du-Château, Auvergne, France. This partnership fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding, further enhancing the global appeal of Sainte-Marie.
Discover the charm of Sainte-Marie, Quebec, a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity.
