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Joliette, Quebec, incorporated as a town in 1863, as a city in 1918, population 21,384 (2021 census), 20,484 (2016 census). Joliette is located approximately 60 km northeast of Montreal on the banks of the Rivière l'Assomption, close to the Laurentians and surrounded by a prosperous agricultural region.
Founding and Industry
Joliette was founded around 1824 by Barthélemy Joliette, seigneur de Lavaltrie, who wanted to become involved in the forestry industry. The lumber mill was one of the first buildings constructed. The local economy diversified rapidly with the establishment of stone quarries and a foundry. The town’s founder himself sought to establish new businesses, including a distillery (1839) and a railway (1848–50).
After Joliette’s death in 1850, diversification continued, and the town has always since had a varied manufacturing base, ranging from food products to ceramics, textiles, tires, building materials and specialized metal products.
Cultural Life and Other Services
As of 1847, a classical college drew students to Joliette from surrounding areas. In 1858 the town became a seat of the district court, and toward the end of the century built a hospital. Establishment of the Joliette diocese in 1904 confirmed the town as a regional service centre.
Today, Joliette still plays a dual role as a small industrial and service centre, with two hospitals, a CEGEP, several educational institutions, a museum of art and government offices.
