Granby, Qué, City, pop 44 121 (2001c), 43 316 (1996c), 42 804 (1991c), area 72.04 km2, inc 1916, located on the Rivière Yamaska Nord, is an industrial crossroad of Québec's EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. First settled by British colonists and Loyalists, it was named for an English village in Nottinghamshire. The city's present population is predominantly French-speaking.
Situated 84 km southeast of Montréal and about 48 km from the US border, Granby remained a modest agricultural centre until the 1940s. Subsequently, municipal annexation and an ambitious economic-promotion program by the city administration has resulted in large-scale industrial diversification and population growth. Many of its industrial plants are based in western Europe and the US. Its diverse manufacturing base occupies over 30% of its work force. Textiles, clothing and metal products are the city's largest manufacturing sectors. Granby and nearby Bromont have worked together to attract major transportation and electronics plants. Granby's industrial diversity spared it from long-term economic recession during the 1980s. The retail trade and tourism are other important sectors of the economy, as are regional services, including CEGEP Granby (a college) and provincial offices, which employ a large professional work force.
The city has long worked to balance its industrial base with nature and cultural attractions. Granby Zoo is one of the largest in Canada. Popular outdoor and cultural attractions include a nature interpretation centre, nearby Mont Brome and Lac Yamaska, golf courses, bicycle paths and an international song festival that features amateur songwriters.