Rivière des Mères facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière des Mères |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Chaudière-Appalaches |
| MRC | Bellechasse Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Agricultural creek Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse 59 m (194 ft) 46°49′36″N 70°52′40″W / 46.82667°N 70.87778°W |
| River mouth | Chenal des Grands Voiliers (Saint Lawrence River) Saint-Vallier 4 m (13 ft) 46°54′21″N 70°47′15″W / 46.90583°N 70.78750°W |
| Length | 12.4 km (7.7 mi) |
The Rivière des Mères is a small river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the famous Saint Lawrence River. This river runs through two towns: Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse and Saint-Vallier. Both towns are located in the Bellechasse Regional County Municipality, which is part of the Chaudière-Appalaches region.
The Rivière des Mères usually freezes over from early December to late March. However, it's safest to walk on the ice from mid-December to mid-March. The amount of water in the river changes with the seasons and how much rain or snow falls. The biggest water flow, called the spring flood, happens in March or April when the snow melts.
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Where the River Starts and Flows
The Rivière des Mères begins in Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse. It starts on the northwest side of a railway track. This starting point is about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) west of the village of La Durantaye. It's also about 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles) south of the center of Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse.
How the River Travels
From its source, the Rivière des Mères flows for about 12.4 kilometers (7.7 miles). During its journey, the river drops about 55 meters (180 feet) in height. It generally flows northeast, staying somewhat parallel to two other rivers: the Boyer River and the Blanche River.
Here's how its journey is divided:
- It flows 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) northeast, passing northwest of La Durantaye village, until it reaches Route 281.
- Then, it continues 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles) northeast, reaching the border between Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse and Saint-Vallier.
- Next, it flows 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) northeast, passing under the bridge of Highway 20.
- It travels 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) more towards the northeast. Along this part, it collects water from the Blanche River, which comes from the south. This section ends at a road called "Montée de la Station."
- After that, it goes 4.1 kilometers (2.5 miles) northeast, reaching Route 132.
- Finally, it flows 1.6 kilometers (1.0 mile) northeast until it joins a larger body of water.
Where the River Ends
The Rivière des Mères empties into the Saint Lawrence River. It flows into a part of the Saint Lawrence called Berthier cove. This meeting point is on the west side of the village of Berthier-sur-Mer. It's also on the east side of the village of Saint-Vallier. If you look across the water, you'd see the village of Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans on Île d'Orléans. This spot is also east of where the Boyer River meets the Saint Lawrence.
Why is it Called Rivière des Mères?
The name "Rivière des Mères" means "River of the Mothers." This name comes from the Augustine sisters of the General Hospital of Quebec. These sisters, who were like "mothers" in their community, used to own the land around the river, known as the seigneury of Saint-Vallier.
The official name "Rivière des Mères" was formally recognized on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec. This commission is in charge of naming places in Quebec.
