Known as "the heart of Quebec," this region straddles the Saint-Lawrence River halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Historically the region has been at the heart of Quebec's history with a number of communities dating back to the early days of New France.
Population:
The city of Trois-Rivières (Three Rivers) was established in 1634 and (together with its sister city Cap-de-la-Madelaine) boasts an urban population of over 100,000. The region as a whole has the third largest concentration of people (450,000) and includes regional centres such as Shawinigan, Drummondville and Victoriaville.
Economy:
The production of hydroelectricity played an important role in the economic development of this region. There are eight hydroelectric dams on the Saint-Maurice River alone. The province produces enough electricity for its needs and sells some to the north-eastern United States.
Ministry:
God's power has also been much in evidence in the region. There are three autonomous and flourishing French Fellowship Baptist churches in Shawinigan-Sud, Trois-Rivières, and Drummondville. The church at Sorel is a mission work under the leadership of Yves and Lise Décary.
