City history
Trace the historical timeline of Laval, from its beginnings as the Jesuit settlement of Île Jésus to its modern status as a vibrant Quebec city.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Island of Jesus"
While indigenous names are not documented in reliable records, the earliest documented name is Île Jésus, named by Jesuit missionaries in the early seventeenth century.
Island of Jesus
The name was used during the French colonial period by the Jesuit missionaries.
Named after François de Laval
The name was officially adopted when the various municipalities on the island merged.
Chapter two
Laval aligned with the Eastern Standard Time zone following the major North American railroad standardization efforts that unified time across the continent.
The region observed shifts in Daylight Saving Time usage following provincial legislative changes in Quebec regarding seasonal time adjustments.
Chapter three
The island was officially settled by French Jesuit missionaries, establishing the foundation for the region's community and religious structure during the colonial era.
The various independent municipalities on the island of Île Jésus were officially merged to create the modern city of Laval, named after François de Laval.
The expansion and influence of the Montreal Metro transit system eventually facilitated much closer and more efficient transit links between Montreal and the city of Laval.
Laval experienced significant commercial and residential expansion during this period, solidifying its reputation as a major economic and urban hub within the province of Quebec.