Acton Vale is a charming industrial town nestled in southcentral Quebec, Canada. As the seat of the Acton Regional County Municipality, it is part of the Montérégie administrative region. According to the Canada 2021 Census, Acton Vale is home to 7,605 residents and spans an area of 90.96 km2 (35 sq. mi.).
Situated 100 km (60 mi.) from Montreal, the province's largest city, and 190 km (120 mi.) from Quebec City, the province's capital, Acton Vale offers a unique blend of history, industry, and natural beauty. It is also conveniently located 100 km (60 mi.) from the United States border, making it an accessible destination for international visitors.
The Township of Acton was proclaimed in 1806, but it wasn't until 1850 that the area opened up for settlement due to the construction of the railroad. Acton Vale was incorporated in 1861 and was named after Acton, a suburb of London, England. The name, meaning "oak town," reflects the area's natural beauty.
Acton Vale was once a hub for copper mining. Between 1860 and 1875, the Acton copper mine was one of the most important copper mines globally, although the deposits were quickly depleted. On January 26, 2000, the parish municipality of Saint-André-d'Acton was merged into the Town of Acton Vale, further enriching its history and community.
Adjacent to Acton Vale is the community of Lavoie, located in the south of the municipality. Accessible by Highway 139, Lavoie offers additional exploration opportunities for visitors to the region.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Acton Vale had a population of 7,605 living in 3,479 of its 3,628 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -0.7% from its 2016 population of 7,656. With a land area of 91.01 km2 (35.14 sq mi), Acton Vale had a population density of 83.6/km2 (216.4/sq mi) in 2021, offering a spacious and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
