Matawin River (Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matawin River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Matawin River in Ontario
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northern Ontario |
| District | Thunder Bay |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Swallow Lake 493 m (1,617 ft) 48°26′17″N 90°18′51″W / 48.43806°N 90.31417°W |
| River mouth | Kaministiquia River 308 m (1,010 ft) 48°32′17″N 89°35′44″W / 48.53806°N 89.59556°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Great Lakes Basin |
| Tributaries |
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The Matawin River is a river located in the Thunder Bay District of Ontario, Canada. It flows through Northwestern Ontario and is part of the huge Great Lakes Basin. The Matawin River eventually joins the Kaministiquia River.
Contents
Journey of the Matawin River
The Matawin River starts its journey at Swallow Lake. From there, it flows towards the southeast and then turns east. Along its path, it goes through the beautiful Matawin River Provincial Park.
River Features and Landmarks
As the river continues, it flows northeast through areas like Sackville Township and Laurie Township. You'll find a concrete structure called a weir here. This weir was built in 1969 to help control the water flow. Before that, there was a wooden weir from the 1930s.
Further along, the river tumbles over a series of waterfalls known as McGraw Falls. It then enters Horne Township and is joined by the Shebandowan River, which flows in from the left.
Rivers and Railways
From McGraw Falls all the way to its end, the Matawin River flows alongside railway lines. First, it's the Canadian National Railway (CN) main line. This railway was originally built as part of the Canadian Northern Railway's transcontinental route.
The river keeps heading east and is joined by the Wiegand River from the right. It then passes through a small part of the municipality of Conmee.
Meeting Highways and More Railways
The Matawin River reaches the community of Sunshine. Here, it goes under Ontario Highway 11 and Ontario Highway 17, which are both part of the Trans-Canada Highway. It also crosses under the Canadian Pacific Railway's transcontinental main line.
Just a bit further downstream, near the railway point of Conmee, the river is crossed by the CN Graham Subdivision main line. This part of the railway is now no longer used. Also, Ontario Highway 102 follows the river valley from Sistonens Corners to where the river ends.
The River's End
After leaving Conmee, the Matawin River continues its eastward flow. It finally reaches its mouth, joining the Kaministiquia River. This meeting point is just upstream from where Ontario Highway 102 crosses the Kaministiquia River, near the community of Kaministiquia. The Kaministiquia River then flows into Lake Superior.
Hydroelectric Power Ideas
There have been ideas to build a small hydroelectric power plant at McGraw Falls. This plant would generate about 2 megawatts of electricity. A company called McGraw Falls Power looked into this project. However, as of 2014, the plant has not been built.
Rivers Joining the Matawin
Many smaller rivers and creeks flow into the Matawin River along its course. These are called tributaries. Here are some of them:
- Wiegand River (joins from the right side)
- Shebandowan River (joins from the left side)
- Serpent Creek (joins from the right side)
- Sackville Creek (joins from the right side)
- Gold Creek (joins from the left side)
- Kekek Creek (joins from the left side)
- Young Creek (joins from the left side)
- Shackers Creek (joins from the left side)
- Carson Creek (joins from the right side)
- Batwing Creek (joins from the left side)
- Topaz Creek (joins from the right side)
