Waterville, a charming city nestled in southeastern Quebec, Canada, is home to approximately 1,800 residents. It is part of the Coaticook Regional County Municipality. Before January 1, 2002, Waterville was part of La Région-Sherbrookoise Regional County Municipality, and it was the only member of that RCM that did not amalgamate into the expanded city of Sherbrooke on that date.
Waterville owes its existence to the power of water, which was first harnessed by a sawmill in 1810. This initial industrial development attracted a diverse population of British, Loyalist, and American settlers by 1870. The city's industrial development began with the construction of a sawmill by a businessman from Compton Township.
Joseph Pennoyer, convinced by merchants in Quebec City, collected seven tons of hemp at his sawmill. This hemp was intended for the manufacture of British ship cords. In 1879, inventor George Gale took over, patenting his own mattress designs. Gale's innovative designs eventually made him one of the world's leading inventors of box-springs and spring mattresses.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Waterville had a population of 2,307 living in 909 of its 950 total private dwellings. This represents a change of 8.8% from its 2016 population of 2,121. With a land area of 44.03 km2 (17.00 sq mi), Waterville had a population density of 52.4/km2 (135.7/sq mi) in 2021. The population trend indicates a steady growth, with adjusted figures due to boundary changes.
Waterville, Quebec, with its rich history and growing population, offers a unique blend of the past and the present. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to call home, Waterville has something for everyone.
