Laval

Laval, city, Canada

Laval, city (1991 pop. 314,398), coextensive with Île-Jésus (94 sq mi/243 sq km), S Que., Canada, between the Rivière des Mille Îles and the Rivière des Prairies, just NW of Montreal. The second largest city in Quebec, Laval was created in 1965, when 14 small communities on the island were amalgamated. It is a largely residential suburb of Montreal, with summer tourist facilities. The island was known as Montmagny Island until 1699, when it was granted to the Jesuits of Quebec and began to be settled.

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Laval, town, France

Laval, town (1990 pop. 53,478), capital of Mayenne dept., NW France, in Maine. It has been noted for its linen products since the 14th cent. Among its other industrial products are textiles, shoes, furniture, and electronics. It was founded in the 9th cent. Laval was a center of the Chouans in the French Revolution.

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Laval

City (pop., 2001: 343,005), southern Quebec, Canada. It occupies the whole of Jesus Island, 20 mi (32 km) long and 8 mi (12 km) wide, and is located north of Montreal. First settled in 1681, it was granted to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1699 and named for François de Laval, the first Roman Catholic Canadian bishop. Development of Jesus Island's Montreal suburbs began after 1945; in 1965 they were merged to form Laval. Development has been rapid with the opening of industrial parks there.