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Varennes, Quebec, incorporated as a town in 1972, population 20,591 (2021 census), 20,585 (2016 census). Varennes is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Pointe-aux-Trembles. Less than one kilometre from the shore, the Varennes Islands (Île au Beurre, Île aux Fermiers, Île de Varennes, La Grande Île, Île aux Cabanes, Île Masta, and Île Saint-Patrice) are administratively part of the town.
Founding of Varennes
Founded in 1672, Varennes was named after René-Gaultier de Varennes, former owner of the Seigneurie de Varennes, who later became the governor of Trois-Rivières. The old village is well preserved and grouped around a large basilica dedicated to St. Anne and is also the centre of devotion to Mother Marie-Marguerite d'Youville, canonized as a saint in 1990. Built along the St. Lawrence River, the city enjoys the quiet setting of a rural milieu, and corn fields abound.
Research and Industry
Canada's largest concentration of researchers in the field of energy is concentrated in Varennes. The headquarters of the Quebec Institute of Research on Electricity is located here as well as Université du Québec's Institute on Energy and Materials and the federal government's Energy Diversification Laboratory. Varennes is also the site of a large petrochemical and chemical industrial park that hosts over 10 large multinational industries.
