Complete Travel Guide to Beloeil, Canada

Beloeil Beloeil is a city in Quebec, Canada. It is a suburb of Montreal, on the South Shore and is on the Richelieu River, 32 kilometres (20 mi) east of Montreal. According to the official Commission de toponymie du Québec, the name is written Belœil with an oe ligature; however, other sources avoid the ligature, including the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the town's own official website. Positioned at coordinates 45.56839°N, -73.20568°E, Beloeil occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Beloeil place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 14.0 meters above sea level, Beloeil benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Beloeil creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 24104 residents, Beloeil maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Beloeil represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Beloeil reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Quebec province, Beloeil contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of Beloeil in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Beloeil discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Beloeil

History Although there has been evidence found of a prior indigenous peoples' presence along the Richelieu River, none of it has been found on the territory of Beloeil Development of the region in the first several decades after the arrival of Europeans in the region was slow, owing to the geographic situation of the Richelieu, which made it a primary avenue of attack from New York toward New France.

The recorded history of Belœil began on 18 January 1694 when Governor Louis de Buade de Frontenac granted Joseph Hertel a seigneurie along the shores of the Richelieu River, which Hertel called the Seigneurie de Belœil Hertel, unwilling to abandon his military activities, such as the 1704 Raid on Deerfield, never developed the seigneurie, and sold it in 1711 to Charles le Moyne de Longueuil, Baron de Longueuil, whose seigneurie of Longueuil neighboured that of Belœil.

Finally, after failed attempts in 1711 and 1723, permanent settlement began in 1725, with dwellers coming mostly from the island of Montreal or from seigneuries along the Saint Lawrence River near Montreal The low level of development forced local inhabitants to rely on the mission at Fort Chambly, several hours to the south, for their religious needs, and the first mill did not open until the early 1760s.

On 29 June 1864, the worst train disaster in the history of Canada killed 99 on the bridge between Mont-Saint-Hilaire and Belœil-Station By 1768, however, the local population had grown to the point where a request to the Bishop of Quebec for the establishment of a mission was successful.

In 1772, a presbytery-chapel was completed, and the registry of the parish of Saint-Mathieu-de-Belœil, was opened The parish received its first resident priest the next year, then, in 1775, François Noiseux became local priest and, under his guidance and with his financing, the parish would build its first church from 1784 to 1787.

The parish was canonically erected in 1832 and, after the first half of the nineteenth century saw the growth of a small hamlet around the church, became a parish municipality in 1855 The Saint- Mathieu Church burned and was rebuilt twice (in 1817 and 1895); the third one still stands.

Meanwhile, on 28 December 1848, the portion of the St Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad linking Montreal to Saint-Hyacinthe opened, passing about two kilometres (1 2 mi) south of the church A station was built, and a second hamlet, Belœil-Station, soon grew around it.

This second hamlet attracted upper-class vacationers from Montreal, who built summer homes along the Richelieu river with views of the mountain The railway bridge between Belœil- Station and Mont-Saint-Hilaire was, in 1864, the site of the worst train disaster in the history of Canada when a passenger train plunged off the open bridge into the Richelieu river, killing 99.

In 1878, industrialization began in Belœil when the Hamilton Powder Company established an explosives factory a little to the south of Belœil-S.

The historical trajectory of Beloeil demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Beloeil reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Beloeil remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Part of southwestern Quebec, seen from the International Space Station. Beloeil and its neighboring towns are visible to the upper left, near the white mass of Mont Saint-Hilaire. Beloeil lies in the central Saint Lawrence Lowlands, a plains region on both sides of the Saint Lawrence river. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beloeil, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The elevation above sea level near the city on the western shore of the Richelieu is lower than 30 metres (98 ft), with the Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil Aerodrome, at the western edge of town, lying 14 metres (46 ft) above mean sea level. Just across the Richelieu river, however, the isolated Mont Saint-Hilaire, which was known as Mount Belœil for most of the nineteenth century, dominates the regional landscape with its 414 metres (1,358 ft). Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beloeil, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Generally, the region surrounding Beloeil remains agricultural. The Census Consolidated Subdivision of Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, which includes Beloeil as well as McMasterville, has 33. 7 square kilometres (13. 0 sq mi) of farmlands, out of a total area of 67 square kilometres (26 sq mi), or 42. The wider Vallée-du-Richelieu census district, of which Saint-Mathieu-de- Beloeil is part, has 391. 6 square kilometres (151. 2 sq mi) of farmland, out of 589 square kilometres (227 sq mi) total area, or 66. Beloeil is part of a broader agglomeration of over forty thousand inhabitants, formed by four towns spread out on the sides of the Richelieu River. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beloeil, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. It represents the northwestern portion of the agglomeration and is separated from Mont Saint-Hilaire (northeastern) and Otterburn Park (southeastern) only by the Richlieu river, while Bernard-Pilon street (Quebec Route 229) forms the limit between Beloeil and McMasterville (southwestern). Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beloeil, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Most of the urban portion of the city as it exists today lies within the area delimited by Bernard-Pilon Street to the south, the Richelieu river to the east, Yvon-L'Heureux Boulevard to the west, and Quebec Autoroute 20 to the north. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beloeil, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The land north of the autoroute or west of Yvon-L'Heureux is still largely rural. Historically, Belœil grew as two separate hamlets, one around the Saint- Mathieu-de-Belœil parish church and the other around the train station. Although the inland growth of the town starting in the 1950s has linked the two hamlets into a single city, the historical neighborhoods still exist, as the Vieux-Belœil (English "Old Belœil"), around the Saint-Mathieu Church at the meeting of the Richelieu and Saint-Jean-Baptiste streets, and Belœil- Station by the railway and along the shores of the river further south, although much of the territory of Belœil-Station seceded in 1917 to form the municipality of McMasterville. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beloeil, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ Cite error: The named reference `patrimonial` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). Filion, Fortin et al. ;_Histoire du Richelieu-Yamaska-Rive-Sud, La Montérégie_ ; Quebec City, Presses de l'Université Laval, 2001 3. COPA Places to Fly Archived 2012-05-29 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2008-12-13.

The topographic characteristics of Beloeil result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Beloeil region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Beloeil area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Beloeil has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Beloeil demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Beloeil create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of Beloeil reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Beloeil create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Beloeil determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Beloeil create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Beloeil demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Beloeil include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Beloeil had a population of 24,104 living in 10,140 of its 10,338 total private dwellings, a change of 7. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 3% from its 2016 population of 22,458. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 24. 41 sq mi), it had a population density of 988. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 7 people/km2 (2,561 people/sq mi) in 2021. In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Beloeil had a population of 24,104 living in 10,140 of its 10,338 total private dwellings, a change of 7. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 3% from its 2016 population of 22,458. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 24. 41 sq mi), it had a population density of 988. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 7 people/km2 (2,561 people/sq mi) in 2021. 9% of the population was 15 years of age or older and the median age was 42. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 0 years old (compared to Quebec’s 86. In 2021, there were 7,075 households, of which 2,865 were couples (married or otherwise) with children, 3,155 were childless couples, and 2,920 were one- person households, with the balance being multiple-family households, one- parent family households and non-standard households. The average size of the Beloeil census family was 2. 3% of the population were first generation Canadians, while 5. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 6% were second generation. 5% of residents were visible minorities, 0. 9% were Indigenous, and the remaining 94. 6% were white/European. The largest visible minority groups were Black (1. 9%) and Latin American (0. 1% of residents were Christian, down from 86. 4% were Catholic, 4. 3% were Christian n. 7% were Protestant. All other Christian denominations and Christian-related traditions made up 1. 5% of the population. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 5% of the population was non-religious or secular, up from 12. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The only named non-Christian religions with followers in Beloeil were Islam (0. 9%) and Buddhism (0. 1% of the population were believers in other religions or spiritual traditions. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Historical populationYearPop. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 19111,501— 19211,418−5. ±% 196610,152+61. 6% 197112,274+20. 9% 197615,913+29. 6% 198117,540+10. 3% Mother tongue language (2021) Language Population Pct (%) French only 22,090 92. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 6 English only 495 2. 1 Both English and French 1,145 4. 8 Other languages 795 3. Linguistic diversity in Beloeil demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. ^ a b c Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2022-02-09). “Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Beloeil, Ville (V) [Census subdivision], Quebec”. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Retrieved 2023-01-14. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2013-05-08). “2011 National Household Survey Profile - Census subdivision”. Retrieved 2023-01-14. ]: Population *[±%]: Percent. The demographic composition of Beloeil reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life.

The cultural landscape of Beloeil represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Beloeil reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Beloeil continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Beloeil provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Beloeil demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Beloeil provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy The Saint-Mathieu-de-Belœil church in the old town. Beloeil, in 2021, had an unemployment rate of 5. 0% (the provincial average is 7. The median income in 2020 was $48,800 (the provincial median was $40,800). In 2021, 12 230 inhabitants reported being employed, of whom 5,785 worked outside Beloeil or 71. Beloeil today is primarily a commuter town for people working in Montreal. The primary industries in terms of employment are the health care and social assistance (13. 6%), retail trade (12. 8%), manufacturing (9. 9%), and construction (9. Other significant fields included professional, scientific and technical services (7. 7%) and educational services (7. 7%), while public administration (6. 3%), finance and insurance (4. 8%), accommodation and food services (4. 4%) and other services (4. 4%) employs much smaller portions of the population. In February 2005, Beloeil adopted a bylaw limiting the size of commerce on its territory to no more than 40,000 square feet (3,700 m2). This ban was particularly aimed at preventing attempts by Wal-Mart to establish a 110,000-square-foot (10,000 m2) mega-store in the city. The main retail shopping in town is the Montenach Mall, which offers a wide array of shops and services. Cite error: The named reference `dictionary` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ Statistics Canada, Retrieved on 2024-05-11 3. Roy, Michel, _Quelques jalons d'une tendance commerciale: le mégacentre_ Centre de Développement Local et Communautaire Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, 2005 Archived March 4, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.

The economic structure of Beloeil reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Beloeil often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Beloeil serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Beloeil demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Beloeil has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Beloeil focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation infrastructure serving Beloeil reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Beloeil.

Regional connectivity from Beloeil provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education In 2021, of the population 15 and older, 64.4% reported having a post- secondary diploma of some form (vocational, CÉGEP or university). 27.6% of the total population reported having a university diploma or degree. Among those who did pursue post-secondary education, 3,310 specialized in business, management and public administration, and 2,515 in architecture, engineering, and related trades. Locally, Beloeil has five French-language public elementary schools serving around 1200 to 1300 elementary school-age children (6 to 12): Le Petit Bonheur , Le Tournesol , Saint-Mathieu , Jolivent and au Coeur-des- Monts , which belong to the Commission Scolaire des Patriotes , as well as one English-language elementary school, Cedar. Beloeil also has a French- language high school, the École Secondaire Polybel. The South Shore Protestant Regional School Board previously served the municipality. 1. Cite error: The named reference statscan was invoked but never defined (see the help page). 2. Situation Géographique, Commission Scolaire des Patriotes Archived 2008-12-20 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 2008-12-14 3. King, M.J. (Chairperson of the board). “South Shore Protestant Regional School Board” (St. Johns, PQ). The News and Eastern Townships Advocate. Volume 119, No. 5. Thursday December 16, 1965. p. 2. Retrieved from Google News on November 23, 2014.

Educational institutions in Beloeil serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Beloeil

Successful visits to Beloeil require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Beloeil often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Beloeil include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Beloeil extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.