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Shawinigan is a city in the Province of Quebec, Canada on the Saint-Maurice River. It is the hometown of former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien. It has a population of approximately 53,042 people (2003).
While Shawinigan grew as an industrial boomtown in the 30's, 40's and 50's, it had a vibrant English community, which at times comprised more than 30% of the population. Shawinigan High School is the only remaining English school in town following the closure of St. Patrick's (closed circa 1981).
There is a large hydroelectric station at Shawinigan Falls near the city. In 1901, the first aluminum ingot in Canada was produced here. Other industries include pulp and paper, chemical production and textiles.
The name of the city means "portage at the crest" in Algonquian which referred to the waterfall which was found nearby. Up until 1958, the city was known as Shawinigan Falls.
A tourist attraction is the theme park La Cité de l'Énergie with a 115 metre high observation tower.
Famous people born in Shawinigan include:
- Jean Chrétien
- hockey goalie Jacques Plante
- hockey player Martin Gelinas
In 2002 it amalgamated with much of the MRC Le Centre-de-la-Mauricie.
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