Lévis, Qué, City, pop 40 926 (2001c), 40 407 (1996c), 39 417 (1991cA), area 43.55 km2, inc 1990, is located on the rocky cliffs opposite Québec City, to which it is linked by ferry. Present-day Lévis is the result of the merger of the industrial city of Lauzon (inc 1957) in 1989 and the town of Saint-David-de-l'Auberivière the following year. Lévis is characterized by steep streets lined with picturesque old homes. Formerly called Aubigny, it was renamed in 1861 to honour François-Gaston de LÉVIS, victor in the 1760 Battle of SAINTE-FOY. In the 19th century it was a major station on the GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY line and served Québec City, which had no line until 1879.
Lévis' economy is based on its commercial and service sectors but its industrial sector is also significant. Other manufactured goods include food, beverages, and plastic and metal products. Davie Shipbuilding (now MILDavie Shipbuilding) of Lauzon, founded in 1828, is the oldest and largest SHIPBUILDING company in Canada. Its deepwater port can handle 150 000 t vessels but is used mainly as a waiting area for cruise ships.