SHAWINIGAN

formerly Shawinigan Falls, city, MauricieBois-Francs region, southern Quebec province, Can., on the Saint-Maurice River. Lying near Shawinigan Falls, 19 miles (30 km) northwest of Trois-Rivires city, Shawinigan was founded about 1900, when an aluminum smelter and a paper and pulp mill were established there. The city became one of the province's important industrial centres, with plants manufacturing chemicals, aluminum, pulp and paper, textiles, clothing, abrasives, and plastics. The Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railways, several highways, and an airport serve Shawinigan and neighbouring Shawinigan-Sud (Shawinigan South) and Grand-Mre. A two-year college, originally (1943) affiliated with Laval University, offers programs in science and engineering. Inc. village, 1901; town, 1920; city, 1921. Pop. (1991) 19,931.