Châteauguay, Quebec, is a charming off-island suburb of Montreal, nestled on the Chateauguay River and Lac St-Louis, a section of the St. Lawrence River. As of the 2021 Census, the city boasts a population of 50,815, with a population centre of 75,891.
The land that is now Châteauguay was first granted to Charles Lemoyne by the governor of New France, the Comte de Frontenac, with the intention of establishing a seigneurie. The seigneurie was later assumed by Zacharie Robutel de la Noue in 1706. In 1763, France relinquished its claims in Canada, and Châteauguay came under British rule.
The seigneurie was purchased by Marguerite d'Youville, a founder of the Quebec religious society the Grey Nuns, in 1765. Ten years later, construction began on the Church of Saint-Joachim.
Châteauguay played a significant role in North America's colonial history. During the War of 1812, the city served as a strategic point for troops defending Montreal against an American invasion. The Battle of the Châteauguay on October 26, 1813, saw Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry successfully halt an American force of 4,000 with only 400 troops, primarily French-Canadian and 170 Kahnawake Mohawk warriors.
During the Lower Canada Rebellion, Châteauguay was the scene of a notable action involving the Patriote movement. In November 1838, several members of the rebel group, including leaders François-Maurice Lepailleur, Joseph Duquet, and Joseph-Narcisse Cardinal, were arrested.
The village of Châteauguay was officially created in 1855, following the abolition of the seigneurie system in Quebec. The city later annexed two neighboring districts, Châteauguay-Heights in 1968 and Châteauguay-Centre in 1975.
Châteauguay is home to a diverse population. According to the 2021 Census, the city has a population density of 1,481.1/km2. The city has traditionally had one of the highest proportions of English speakers in the Montérégie region. The most commonly spoken languages at home are French (56%), English (29%), and Spanish (2%).
As of 2021, Châteauguay is 66.3% Christian, with 46.5% identifying as Catholic. The city is also home to a significant community of Christian Orthodox believers (3.1%). The largest non-Christian religion is Islam, practiced by 6.5% of residents.
Châteauguay is 74.3% white/European, 2.7% Indigenous, and 23.0% visible minorities. The largest visible minority groups are Black (11.5%), Arab (3.3%), Latin American (3.1%), and South Asian (1.5%).
The Châteauguay Police force, with over 130 officers, is responsible for investigations, crime prevention, and routine city patrols. The force also participates in numerous community outreach programs, primarily aimed at youth and focusing on the prevention of drug and alcohol use.
Public transportation in Châteauguay is provided by CITSO (Conseil Intermunicipal de Transport du Sud-Ouest). They operate two Châteauguay-Angrignon loop bus routes and a city minibus that transfers commuters from the western part of the suburb to downtown. During rush hours, more bus routes connect the various neighbourhoods with the Angrignon bus terminal and metro station.
Since 1984, Châteauguay has been home to one of the world's largest HVDC-back-to-back stations, with an operating voltage of 140 kV and a maximum transmission rate of 1000 MW.
Châteauguay is twinned with Cambrai, France; Châteaugay, France; and Moose Jaw, Canada, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding among these diverse communities.
