Saint Pierre River (Mascouche) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Pierre River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines 60 m (200 ft) 45°46′39″N 73°48′26″W / 45.77750°N 73.80722°W |
| River mouth | Mascouche River 26 m (85 ft) 45°45′27″N 73°39′33″W / 45.75750°N 73.65917°W |
| Length | 16.2 km (10.1 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Saint Pierre River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Mascouche River. Think of it as a smaller river joining a bigger one. This river runs through the southwest part of Quebec.
The Saint Pierre River crosses two main areas:
- The Laurentides region, specifically in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines.
- The Lanaudière region, passing through parts of Terrebonne and Mascouche.
This river flows east through farmland. It runs alongside the Rivière des Mille Îles.
Where Does the Saint Pierre River Start?
The Saint Pierre River begins north of the village of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines. This starting point is called its source.
The source is located:
- About 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) northwest of the Rivière des Mille Îles.
- Around 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) northeast of the Mirabel Airport.
How the River Flows
From its source, the Saint Pierre River flows for about 16.2 kilometers (10.1 miles). Here's how it travels:
- It flows northeast for 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles). This takes it to the edge of Mascouche.
- Next, it goes northeast for 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) through the La Plaine area of Terrebonne. It reaches the main street of the village "La Plaine."
- Then, it flows east for 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles). It passes the main road that serves the "Domaine du Boisé" village.
- Finally, it winds for 6.7 kilometers (4.2 miles) through Mascouche. This is where it meets the Mascouche River.
The Saint Pierre River joins the Mascouche River on its north side. This meeting point is north of the main city area of Mascouche.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Saint Pierre River" has a long history. It comes from Christian traditions. People have known this name since around 1731. That's when the land area called the Seigneurie des Plaines was first given out.
Early settlers started clearing land along the river before 1740. The frozen river even served as a winter road before proper roads were built. The name "Saint Pierre River" first appeared on a map in 1853.
Older documents from 1829-1831 show the river was sometimes called "Ruisseau de la Plaine." Another map from 1831 called it "Riv. St Mary." This name was also used in documents about the Seigneurie de Terrebonne in 1736.
The name "Saint Pierre River" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like Quebec's official place-naming board.
