SaintJérôme

Saint-Jérôme is a city in the Canadian province of Quebec, serving as the administrative centre of the La Rivière-du-Nord Regional County Municipality in the Laurentides region. It is situated on the Rivière du Nord, roughly 50 kilometers north of Montreal, and forms part of the greater Montreal metropolitan area. The city has a diversified economy based on services, retail, and light industry, and functions as a regional hub for surrounding communities.

History: The area is part of the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples before European settlement. The parish of Saint-Jérôme was established in the 19th century, and the town developed with the arrival of the railway and major road routes. It is named for Saint Jerome, the patron saint of translators and libraries, a figure reflected in the city’s historical institutions and street names.

Transportation and infrastructure: Saint-Jérôme is connected to Montreal by Autoroute 15 and Route 117 and is served by the Exo commuter rail line that links the city to Montreal's downtown. The city hosts essential services including a regional hospital and several educational and cultural institutions.

Culture and community: The historic district known as Old Saint-Jérôme preserves 19th-century architecture and hosts markets, festivals and cultural venues. The city provides parks, recreational facilities, and community services catering to residents and visitors.

Demographics: The population is predominantly French-speaking with a growing mix of bilingual residents supported by municipal services, schools, and local media.