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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Chicoutimi

Chicoutimi is a borough of the city of Saguenay in Quebec, Canada, and the most populous and central borough of that city.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chicoutimi is a borough of the city of Saguenay in Quebec, Canada. It is the most populous and central borough of Saguenay, located at the confluence of the Saguenay and Chicoutimi rivers. Historically, it served as an administrative and commercial centre of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Geography

Chicoutimi is situated in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec at the meeting point of the Saguenay and Chicoutimi rivers. Most of the borough, including downtown, is on the south shore of the Saguenay River.

History

Chicoutimi began as an early settlement and trading post and later grew into a regional centre. In 2002, it was merged into the newly created city of Saguenay.

Administration

Today Chicoutimi is one of the boroughs of Saguenay and functions as the city's central district. It is the most populous and dense borough in the municipality.

Economy and role

During the 20th century, Chicoutimi became the main administrative and commercial centre of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. Its urban core remains an important part of the Saguenay metropolitan area.

Population

The borough had a population of 69,004 at the 2021 census. It forms part of the larger Saguenay urban area.

Key facts

  • Chicoutimi is the largest borough of Saguenay by population.
  • The area is located on the western end of the Saguenay Fjord.
  • It became part of the city of Saguenay in the 2002 municipal reorganizations.
  • Historically, Chicoutimi developed as an important commercial and administrative centre in the region.
  • The name is commonly explained as coming from an Innu term meaning 'the end of deep water.'
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Canadian context

Chicoutimi is an important Quebec place name and a central part of Saguenay, making it relevant to Canadian urban history, municipal reorganization, and regional identity in eastern Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chicoutimi?
Chicoutimi is a borough of the city of Saguenay in Quebec, Canada, and the city's most populous borough.
Is Chicoutimi still a separate city?
No. It was merged into the city of Saguenay in 2002 and is now a borough.
Where is Chicoutimi located?
It is in Quebec’s Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, at the confluence of the Saguenay and Chicoutimi rivers.
What does the name Chicoutimi mean?
It is commonly given as an Innu word meaning 'the end of deep water,' referring to the tidal limit of the river.
What was Chicoutimi historically known for?
It developed as a major regional administrative and commercial centre, and earlier as a trading and settlement hub.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicoutimi
    Supports: Borough status, location, 2002 merger, population, regional role
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/chicoutimi
    Supports: Former city status, geography, name meaning, historical development
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Saguenay
    Supports: 2002 amalgamation into Saguenay and historical context
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicoutimi
    Supports: Borough status, central and populous district, 2021 population
  5. Apple Maps — https://maps.apple.com/place?auid=10254765735134422638
    Supports: Population, location, central borough description