Ruisseau du Moulin (île d'Orléans) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruisseau du Moulin |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| MRC | L'Île-d'Orléans Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | Sainte-Famille-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of two agricultural and forest streams Sainte-Famille-de-l'Île-d'Orléans 90 m (300 ft) 46°58′39″N 70°54′07″W / 46.97750°N 70.90194°W |
| River mouth | Chenal de l'Île d'Orléans (Saint Lawrence River) Saint-François-de-l'Île-de-l'Île-d'Orléans 4 m (13 ft) 46°01′18″N 70°50′12″W / 46.02167°N 70.83667°W |
| Length | 8.5 km (5.3 mi) |
The Ruisseau du Moulin is a small waterway in Quebec, Canada. Its name means "brook of the Mill" in English. This brook flows into the Chenal de l'Île d'Orléans, which is part of the big Saint Lawrence River.
The Ruisseau du Moulin runs through two towns on Île d'Orléans: Sainte-Famille-de-l'Île-d'Orléans and Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. This area is known for farming, which is the main way people make a living here. A road called Chemin Royale (also known as Quebec Route 368) follows the lower part of the brook's valley.
During winter, the brook usually freezes over from early December until late March. It's generally safe to walk on the ice from mid-December to mid-March. The amount of water in the brook changes with the seasons and how much rain or snow falls. A "spring flood," when the water level is highest, usually happens in March or April.
Where Does the Ruisseau du Moulin Start?
The Ruisseau du Moulin begins in the middle of Île d'Orléans. It starts where a forest meets farmland in Sainte-Famille-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. This starting point is about 90 meters (295 feet) above sea level.
From its source, the brook flows for about 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles). As it flows, it drops about 86 meters (282 feet) in height.
The Brook's Journey
- For the first 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), the brook flows northeast. It starts in a forest area and then moves into farmland. Along this part, it goes over some rocky sections called rapids for about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles). It eventually reaches Quebec Route 368.
- For the last 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), the brook continues northeast. It forms some small curves and drops another 32 meters (105 feet) in height, still going over rapids.
The Ruisseau du Moulin finally empties into the Chenal de l'Île d'Orléans. This happens at a place called Anse aux Canards, near Pointe de la Croix, in Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. At this spot, the Chenal de l'Île d'Orléans is about 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) wide.
What's in a Name?
Long ago, this brook was called the "Argentenay river." There's still a point at the very north of the island named Pointe Argentenay.
The name "Ruisseau du Moulin" means "brook of the Mill." This name comes from a small mill that was built along the brook in the 1700s. It was probably located close to where the brook meets the larger channel. Even though it's called a "brook" (ruisseau), many local people on the island think of it as a small "river." There are actually three brooks on Île d'Orléans that are named after mills built on them.
The official name "Ruisseau du Moulin" was made formal on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is in charge of place names in Quebec.
