The territory was part of the seigneury of Beaurivage, granted on April 1, 1738, to Gilles Rageot, a Québec City merchant. The army’s opening of the Craig Road in 1810, followed by the Sainte-Marie road, passable in summer from 1817, made the area accessible. In 1819, surveyor Demers divided the land along the Craig Road into lots, and about fifty lots were granted in 1820.
The town at a glance
RCMLotbinière
South Shorein the Appalachian foothills
Life in Saint-Sylvestre
The vibe
A country village surrounded by hills and maple groves, known for the quality and quantity of its maple syrup.
The housing
Mostly single-family homes, including several well-kept heritage houses, with a few units in the village. In the 2021 census, about one household in four rented its home.
Nearby
École l’Astrale · Anglican cemetery · Sainte-Marie, 23 km away
Good to know
Most people get around by car. The nearest CLSC is in Sainte-Marie, in the Beauce, 23 km away, and Thetford Mines is 37 km away.
Landmarks
- Mont Sainte-Marguerite (mont Radar)
- Covered bridge over the Rivière Filkars
- Saint-Sylvestre church
History
The history of Saint-Sylvestre
- 1738Seigneury of Beaurivage granted
- 1828Parish canonically established
- 1835Municipality civilly established
- 1927Covered bridge built
- 1964Mont Radar base winds down
Settlers were of French-Canadian, Irish, Scottish, English and German origin. The parish was canonically established on November 26, 1828, and then had 700 residents. According to tradition, it was given the name of the last saint on the calendar, Sylvester I, whose feast is December 31, because these lands seemed to lie at the far end of settlement.
The municipality was civilly established on July 11, 1835, and its first mayor was elected in 1845. A church replaced the first chapel in 1862. Saint-Patrice separated from Saint-Sylvestre in 1871, followed by Saint-Séverin in 1872.
On May 27, 1914, a fire destroyed the church, which was rebuilt the following year using some of the original stones. A covered bridge was built over the Rivière Filkars in 1927. In the 1950s, during the Cold War, the Royal Canadian Air Force set up a radar base on top of Mont Sainte-Marguerite, which operated until 1964.
Frequently asked questions about Saint-Sylvestre
Where is Saint-Sylvestre?
On the South Shore, at the southeastern tip of the Lotbinière RCM, in Chaudière-Appalaches. The village is 6 km south of Saint-Patrice-de-Beaurivage, 23 km from Sainte-Marie and 37 km from Thetford Mines.
What is mont Radar?
It is the nickname of Mont Sainte-Marguerite, the highest peak in Saint-Sylvestre. During the Cold War, the Royal Canadian Air Force ran a Pinetree Line radar base there until 1964.
Where does the name Saint-Sylvestre come from?
It honours Pope Sylvester I, whose feast day is December 31. According to tradition, the last saint of the year was chosen because these lands then seemed to be at the end of the world. Residents are called Sylvestois and Sylvestoises.
How do I find an apartment for rent in Saint-Sylvestre?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in Saint-Sylvestre 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.
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