Laval << luh VAL >> (pop. 438,366) is one of the largest cities in Quebec. A part of the Montreal metropolitan area, it lies on Jesus Island, which lies just north of Montreal where the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers meet. Eight bridges link Laval with Montreal. Laval factories manufacture furniture, food products, industrial machinery, aluminum, iron and steel, electrical appliances, wood and paper products, chemical and pharmaceutical products, clothing, transportation equipment, and sports equipment.
In 1681, four French families settled on the island. Eventually, 14 small towns were formed there. In 1965, these towns were combined to form Laval. The city has a mayor-council government.
