The Abenaki travelled the banks of the Chaudière. They call Saint-Nicolas Nessawakamighe, “second place,” because the mission set up there was the second along the river. From 1683 to 1700, the Jesuits ran the Saint-François-de-Sales mission at the mouth of the Chaudière.
The borough at a glance
BoroughCity of Lévis
West Léviswest of the Rivière Chaudière
Life in the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest borough
The vibe
A borough with a rural, country feel, large residential neighbourhoods in Saint-Nicolas, more than 20 km of riverfront and plenty of farmland.
The housing
Mostly single-family homes, including many bungalows in Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon, and newer residential projects in Saint-Nicolas, especially along Route des Rivières.
Nearby
Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière · Centre Bruno-Verret arena · Bibliothèque Albert-Rousseau
Good to know
The Pierre-Laporte Bridge, via Highway 73, leads straight to Québec City. Routes 116 and 132 are the main roads, and the Société de transport de Lévis serves all three sectors.
Landmarks
- Pierre-Laporte Bridge
- Route des Rivières
- Site du patrimoine de Saint-Nicolas
History
The history of Les Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest
- 1694Parish of Saint-Nicolas founded
- 1759Wolfe sets out from Saint-Nicolas
- 1858Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon parish created
- 1919Saint-Rédempteur created
- 2002Borough is created
The parish of Saint-Nicolas was founded in 1694, which makes it one of the oldest in Canada. Its first church was built in 1721. On September 12, 1759, General Wolfe set out from Saint-Nicolas with part of his troops for the Plains of Abraham.
In 1858, the parish of Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon was carved out of Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Lambert. Its name honours Étienne Baillargeon, parish priest of Saint-Nicolas from 1838 to 1870. Sawmills went up along the Beaurivage, and a bridge linked the two sides of the village in 1917.
The Saint-Rédempteur mission, founded in 1915, became a village municipality on June 9, 1919, after splitting from Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon. The Pierre-Laporte Bridge opened in 1972, and Saint-Nicolas merged with Bernières in 1994. On January 1, 2002, the three municipalities merged into Lévis.
Frequently asked questions about Les Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest
Which sectors are in Les Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest?
Three sectors of Lévis: Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon, Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Rédempteur. The borough covers the west end of the city, west of the Rivière Chaudière.
What is there to see in old Saint-Nicolas?
The Site du patrimoine de Saint-Nicolas, on Route Marie-Victorin, groups 18th- and 19th-century houses, including the Maison Pâquet, built around 1760, and the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, from 1867. It was designated a heritage site in 1987.
Where does the name Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon come from?
It honours Father Étienne Baillargeon, parish priest of Saint-Nicolas, who worked to create the parish. Lauzon refers to the former seigneury of Lauzon. From 1862 to 1937, the post office was called Baillargeon.
How do I find an apartment for rent in the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest borough?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest borough will soon be listed on the site, along with the online rental application. In the meantime, Cléo can notify you as soon as a unit is posted.
Other areas
