CHICOUTIMI

city, seat of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, southern Quebec province, Canada. Chicoutimi is situated at the head of navigation on the Saguenay River. Established in 1676 as a Jesuit mission and trading post, it grew rapidly after 1850 with the development of lumbering. The city, 120 miles (190 km) north of Quebec city, is a rail hub and administrative, commercial, and industrial centre that is closely associated with the extensive Saguenay hydroelectric development. Its manufactures include pulp, paper, furniture, aluminum window frames, wrought iron, leather goods, and textiles. Chicoutimi is the site of a large hospital and the seat of a bishopric established there in 1878. It also has a branch of the University of Qubec. In 1976 a new city of Chicoutimi was created from several neighbouring municipalities and a parish. Surrounding areas were annexed, including Chicoutimi-Nord, Rivire-du-Moulin, and Saguenay. Inc. town, 1930; city, 1976. Pop. (1991) city, 62,670; metropolitan area, 160,928.