Chandler, Quebec, nestled in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region of Canada, is the second-most populous town on the Gaspé Peninsula. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Chandler is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique Canadian experience.
The history of Chandler, Quebec, dates back to 1729, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Gaspé coast. Known by various names over the centuries, including Paboc, Pabo, Pabok, Pabeau, and Pas-bos, the town was officially named Pabos in 1815. The origin of the name remains a mystery, with theories ranging from Mi'kmaq, Basque, and Spanish origins to connections with a French seigneur or a French phrase.
In 1758, the settlement was destroyed by General James Wolfe during his Gulf of St. Lawrence Campaign. However, the resilient community rebuilt and by 1860, the Parish of Sainte-Adélaïde-de-Pabos was formed. By 1876, it had become the most important civil and religious town in the Gaspésie region, and the place was incorporated as the Municipality of Pabos.
In 1912, Percy Milton Chandler, a Philadelphian manufacturer, built the first pulp and paper mill in the Gaspésie at the mouth of the Grand Pabos River. This led to the formation of the Village Municipality of Chandler in 1916. Despite attempts to rename the village to Grand-Pabos in the 1930s, the name Chandler stuck and the town gained city status in 1958.
In a significant restructuring on June 27, 2001, the municipalities of Newport, Pabos, Pabos Mills, and Saint-François-de-Pabos, as well as the City of Chandler, were merged to form the new City of Pabos. However, the name was changed back to Chandler on May 4, 2002.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Chandler, Quebec, had a population of 7,490 living in 3,572 of its 3,794 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -0.7% from its 2016 population of 7,546. With a land area of 418.45 km2 (161.56 sq mi), Chandler had a population density of 17.9/km2 (46.4/sq mi) in 2021.
Chandler, Quebec, is not just about history and demographics. It's also home to several attractions that draw visitors from far and wide. One such attraction is Saint Dominique's Church, a large Roman Catholic church located in Newport.
Chandler's major industries include fishing and tourism, and it's the birthplace of several notable figures, including NHL player Mathieu Garon, Quebec politician Joseph-Léonard Duguay, singer "La Bolduc" (Mary Rose Anna Travers), singer and actor Flora Gionest-Roussy, and world curling champion John Kawaja.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Chandler, Quebec, has something for everyone.
