L'Assomption

Origins of L’Assomption

L'Assomption takes its name from the Seigneurie de l’Assomption granted to Pierre Legardeur de Repentigny in 1647 and from the river itself, which has carried that name since the early 17th century. Originally, the site of L'Assomption was known as "Le Portage" because it straddled a portage path used as a shortcut across the quasi-peninsula made by the winding course of the river. In 1992, the town of L'Assomption (incorporated 1888) merged with the parish municipality of Saint-Pierre-du-Portage-de-l'Assomption (incorporated 1855).

Education and Cultural Life

Before Joliette came into its own in 1863, L'Assomption was the main town on the road linking Trois-Rivières and Montreal. Its fame was closely linked to Collège de l'Assomption, founded in 1832. The driving force behind this educational project was Jean-Baptiste Meilleur, the first superintendent of education for Lower Canada (1842–55). Canada's seventh prime minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, was one of the college's most famous students. The city is also home to the Cégep régional de Lanaudière à L’Assomption (see Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec).

Spanning L’Assomption is Boulevard de l’Ange-Gardien, home to educational institutions, the Hector-Charland Theater, and numerous shops, restaurants, and cafés. The L’Assomption Christmas Market is hosted there every winter since 2009 — a festive gathering of local vendors and artisans offering a selection of hot drinks, clothing, jewelry, candles, soaps, and other handmade goods. In July, the Médiévales de Lanaudière festival takes place at Parc Léo-Jacques. Part historical reenactment, part medieval fantasy celebration, the event features local vendors and artisans, archery and sword fighting activities, a jousting show, and much more. Oasis du Vieux Palais de Justice, the oldest circuit courthouse in the province of Quebec, is the city’s foremost historic building.