A Hidden Gem in Quebec – Discover Contrecoeur!

The city of Contrecoeur is a quiet town with a population of about 9,480[1] and it is 52 kilometers downstream from Montreal. The city forms part of the urban agglomeration of Longueuil as well as Montreal’s South Shore. Contrecoeur has a rich history that traced back to the end of the 17th century, when the Antoine Pécaudy de Contrecoeur[2], Sieur de Contrecœur, officially received seigniory from the King of France, from the hands of Intendant Jean-Talon on October 29, 1672. The municipality of Contrecoeur presently occupies a part of this territory. Contrecoeur has been through many changes over its 350 years. In 1997, Contrecoeur obtains its “city” status.

Population of Contrecoeur

The city of Contrecoeur has a population of 9,480 as of the last year’s (2021) census.

The majority of the city residents are French-speaking. The city’s official language is French, but English is also spoken in the city.

-36% English and French speakers

-64% French-only speakers

The population has remained steadily growing over time. Contrecoeur has a relatively young population—20% of its residents are under 14 years old. As a resident of a neighborhood with many children, you should prepare more candy during Halloween to accommodate the high number of Trick-or-Treaters.

The average age of the population: 39.9

Average family size of economic families: 2.8

Median total income in 2020 ($): 44,000

Industry of Contrecoeur

The history of Contrecoeur is largely based on agriculture, which is still present today. Now, Contrecoeur’s economy is largely based on tourism and agriculture. The city has many historic buildings that were built in the 19th century, and several museums showcase these buildings’ history. Contrecoeur also hosts an annual festival celebrating its agricultural roots. Today, Contrecoeur is known for its beautiful scenery and many recreational activities including boating, fishing, and hiking trails along the St. Lawrence River.

The city is also identified as an industrial-port area. The Maritime Strategy[3] confirms the Contrecoeur logistics hub. The expansion of the Port of Montreal in Contrecoeur is a flagship project for the city. The expansion of the port terminal will lead to the creation of the Contrecoeur-Varennes industrial-port zone. It will represent one of the major projects in the province.

La Cité 3000[4] will offer highway services and regional shops. This new service area is the only commercial stopping point between Sorel and St-Bruno and will welcome motorists and truckers at all times, 24 hours a day. At the heart of the action, this new commercial center will undoubtedly represent a major asset for the region and generated significant economic wealth.

The city is also known for its abundance of natural resources—including wood, water, and iron ore—which have led to its thriving industrial sector. There are many large factories in the area that produce mining equipment, steel products, and other goods.

 

House price of Contrecoeur

The City of Contrecoeur is made up of residential suburbs, commercial areas, and industrial areas. It is an attractive place to live and work because it offers a better quality of life, convenience, and accessibility

House prices in Contrecoeur are increasing over time due to inflation, and the high demand for housing in this region. But still, there are a hundred lots are suitable for new house development.

The city has many different types of houses which means that you can find something that suits your needs easily enough no matter what type of house you’re looking for. If you want something smaller, then there are plenty of options available such as bungalows or condos; but if you want something larger then there are also plenty of choices like detached homes with large gardens around them so that children can play safely outside.

  • The median price for a single-family house in this area:  $ 550,000[5]
  • The median price for Condo in this area:  $360,000

To buy a home in Contrecoeur, check out Contrecoeur property listings online. View recently sold real estate listings in Contrecoeur and stay up to date with current home prices.

 

School of Contrecoeur

Contrecoeur has two primary schools. One is École Des Coeurs-Vaillants, the other is École Mère-Marie-Rose

École Des Coeurs-Vaillants

This is a new primary school. The development of a new residential sector in the city of Contrecoeur has enabled the building of a new primary school to accommodate new children to be authorized. The École des Coeurs-Vaillants has 2 preschool classrooms, 12 primary classrooms, and all of the auxiliary service facilities that a primary school of this size requires.

Address:

5200 Bourgchemin Street, Contrecoeur (Quebec) J0L 1C0

École Mère-Marie-Rose

The Mère-Marie-Rose school in Contrecoeur has roughly 380 students grouped into sections beginning from preschool 4 years to 6th year of primary school. The school provides a solid academic foundation while also promoting the development of strong social skills. The school’s small class sizes allow for personalized instruction, and the school’s location in the heart of the city provides students with many opportunities to explore and learn.

Address:

351, rue Chabot, Contrecoeur (Québec) J0L 1C0

Best things to do in Contrecoeur

 

Sightseeing in the city

Contrecoeur has an amazing waterfront setting where you can enjoy including kayaking, biking, bird watching, and boating. There are also plenty of shops in Contrecoeur where you can find souvenirs and other items that represent this unique part of Quebec culture. After you’ve finished shopping you can grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on Marie Victorin Road that serve traditional French cuisine or other regional dishes such as poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds). If you’re looking for something more active than shopping and eating, then perhaps consider biking around town and cycling along the waterfront towards Montreal or up to the Sorel Tracy.

 

Parc Nautique de Contrecoeur

Boating, fishing, and water activities are a great way to spend an afternoon in Contrecoeur. If you’re looking for some peace on the river or prefer a fun-filled day with friends on the waterfront, Parc Nautique de Contrecoeur is the place to go. You may love to spend the entire day watching the yacht on the waterfront.

Address:

5280 Rte Marie-Victorin, Contrecoeur, Quebec J0L 1C0

 

Moulin banal Chaput

Moulin banal Chaput is a landmark in Contrecoeur. This windmill is one of the few remaining of its kind in Québec. It was built in 1742 by Pecaudy and listed as a Contrecoeur heritage building in 1983. It is no longer operational, but you may still visit this historical site to learn more about mills and their history.

During the summer, you may take a guided tour of the mill. Experienced guides will tell you the history of the Moulin banal Chaput.

Address:

6060 Rte 132, Contrecoeur, Quebec J0L 1C0

 

Barbe-Denys-De-La-Trinité conservation park

Parc Barbe-Denys-De La Trinité is a 5.3 million square foot protected conservation area that allows people to enjoy a nature park that is free to access to all. Several trails waiting for you to discover here!

Address:

4650 Rue des Ormes, Contrecoeur, QC J0L 1C0

 

GREVES regional park

GREVES regional park is a vacation destination that offers the best of family fun and relaxation. There’s a lovely beach where you can fish in both lakes. Camping enthusiasts will appreciate the ample tenting opportunities while anglers might enjoy a day of fishing at one of the locations on-site.

Features include walking trails, picnic areas, canteens, observatories, and playgrounds

Address:

10350 Rte 132, Contrecoeur, Quebec J0L 1C0

Admission is free.

 

Maison Lenoblet-du-Plessis

During your stay in Contrecœur, you can visit one of our historical monuments, the Maison Lenoblet-Du Plessis. The Maison Lenoblet-Du Plessis was opened to the public in June 1979. This historic property, which dates back to 1794, previously belonged to Alexis-Carme Lenoblet du Plessis and served as a gathering site for Patriots before the 1837 rebellion[6]. Experienced guides will gladly assist you in discovering one of the pride of the contrecoeuroise.In addition to guided tours, the place also hosts art exhibitions, performances, and other cultural activities.

Address:

4752 Route Marie Victorin, Contrecoeur, QC J0L 1C0

 

Why it is a good city for work-at-home people? 

There are plenty of reasons why working from home in Contrecoeur would be your best bet, if you’re thinking about making a move there soon.

Contrecoeur is located near many major cities such as Montreal and Quebec City, making it a perfect compromise for those who want to live in the suburbs but still have easy access to the city. The cost of living in the Contreceour is cheaper than in those large cities. In addition, you can get more work done, have fewer distractions, and be more productive.

The town is located in a beautiful setting on the St. Lawrence River. The city also has many parks where you can sit back and relax while enjoying great views of the river as it flows by your window while working.

You also have more time to spend with your family. The City of Contrecoeur is a great place to raise a family. With its small-town feel, community spirit, and a strong sense of history, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to the city. It is the ideal location for the whole family, and it has all of the amenities that you will need. You can find great schools, parks, and sports facilities. It has a low crime rate and a vibrant community that helps to foster the growth of its residents. The people are friendly, too—there is no shortage of smiling faces around town.

 

References

 

[1] https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Contrecoeur&DGUIDlist=2021A00052459035&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0

[2] http://www.biographi.ca/fr/bio/pecaudy_de_contrecoeur_antoine_1F.html

[3] https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/documents/p80116/121414E.pdf

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HklsDdi8pdg

[5] https://com.apciq.ca/sam/pdf/bar/2022/202203-bar-province-en.pdf

[6] https://www.patrimoine-culturel.gouv.qc.ca/rpcq/detail.do?methode=consulter&id=92701&type=bien