Rivière du milieu (Mékinac) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière du Milieu |
|
|---|---|
| Country |  Quebec ( Canada) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Mékinac Lake |
The Rivière du Milieu (which means "River of the Middle") is a river in Quebec, Canada. People sometimes call it the "River pike." It flows south through a wild area called Lac-Masketsi. This area is part of the Mekinac Regional County Municipality in Mauricie.
The economy here relies on forestry, which is about cutting down trees. It also depends on railways, which are train lines. Tourism is big too, with activities like hunting, fishing, and riding ATVs or snowmobiles. Since the early 1900s, a train line has run through this area. It connects Hervey-Jonction and La Tuque. A very long railway bridge crosses the Rivière du Milieu. Long ago, a small village grew up around the train station here.
About the Rivière du Milieu
The Rivière du Milieu flows entirely through thick forests. Its journey begins near Lake Wayagamac. Most of the river is inside the Zec de la Bessonne, which is a managed wildlife area. The last few kilometers of the river flow through the Zec Tawachiche.
Where the River Flows
After passing the Canadian National Railway line, the river becomes very winding. It goes through many wet, marshy areas. The river travels about 5.8 kilometers in a straight line. It then reaches a wide valley before it empties into another body of water.
Maps show many small lakes on both sides of the river. A small delta forms where the Rivière du Milieu meets Mékinac Lake. This is on the northeast side of the lake.
The "Rivière à l’eau morte" (River in the Dead Water) is the main river that flows into the Rivière du Milieu. It starts by flowing southwest, then turns north. It passes a small place called Doheney before turning west. The Rivière à l’eau morte joins the Rivière du Milieu about 4 kilometers upstream from its mouth. This is also 2.1 kilometers downstream from the railway bridge.
Boating and Fishing
People can use boats to explore parts of the winding Rivière du Milieu. The Government of Québec has set aside a special part of the river. This area is a sanctuary for fish and other water animals to reproduce. Because of this, fishing is not allowed in that specific part of the river all year round.
What's in a Name?
The name "Rivière du Milieu" means "River of the Middle." It got this name because it is halfway along the train route. This route runs between Hervey-Jonction and La Tuque. The name was officially recorded on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is the official board for place names in Quebec.
