Competitives Advantages

An ideal city to start a business

We often speak of Shawinigan as a city where life is good. But considering its many advantages, it is also an ideal city to set up a business district, open a business, or embark on a number of development projects. For example:

Low Overhead Business Expenses

  • Average rental of commercial spaces among the lowest in Quebec
  • Very affordable purchase prices for land and buildings
  • Many financial assistance programs available to start up or expand a business
Photo : Plage du Parc National de la Mauricie Mauricie National Park

Proximity to Major Tourist Attractions

  • The Cité de l’Énergie alone, well-known throughout the province, draws over 100,000 visitors each year
  • The Mauricie National Park, the Île Melville Park, the Vallée du Parc Ski Resort, the Shawinigan Arts Centre, and the Shawinigan Amphitheatre (Bionest Centre) together attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually

High-Traffic Areas

  • According to a study conducted by the City of Shawinigan, 85,000 vehicles travel on the Rue de la Station each week (downtown gateway)
  • The revitalization of the downtown area will bring about new business openings and increased traffic in this part of the city

Unmatched Quality of Life

  • According to a study conducted in 2008 by the Journal de Montréal and Confluences Communications, Shawinigan ranks second among the “Best Cities in Quebec” 
  • Low-cost housing and homeownership
  • A wide range of cultural and sports facilities and activities
  • Pervasiveness of nature
  • Strategic geographical location - halfway between Montreal and Quebec City
Photo : Place Biermans Place Biermans

See Also:



CLD Contact:

Economic Developer Officer 
Tel. : 819 537-7249