Wessonneau River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wessonneau River |
|
|---|---|
| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Quebec |
| Region | Mauricie |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Zec Chapeau-de-Paille |
| River mouth | Mauricie administrative region 47°12′46″N 72°53′59″W / 47.21278°N 72.89972°W |
The Wessonneau River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows towards the northeast. You can find it in the Mekinac Regional County Municipality in the Mauricie region. The river runs along the west side of the larger Saint-Maurice River.
The land around the Wessonneau River is managed by different groups. These include the Zec Wessonneau in the north. Also, Zec Chapeau-de-Paille and Zec du Gros-Brochet manage the western parts. The Saint-Maurice Wildlife Reserve is located to the south of the river.
River's Journey
The Wessonneau River starts in the southwest. It eventually flows into the Saint-Maurice River. This meeting point is about 500 meters downstream from the "Rivière-aux-Rats" bridge. This bridge was built in 1980.
The river's mouth is across from a small village called "Rivière-aux-Rats". This village is on the east side of the Saint-Maurice River. It is about 29.5 kilometers south of La Tuque. The water level at the mouth is 121 meters high.
River Branches
The Wessonneau River has a main branch and smaller ones. The Wessonneau North River flows into the main Wessonneau River. This happens about 10.2 kilometers from the main river's mouth.
Another branch, the "middle Wessonneau River," joins the Wessonneau North River. This meeting point is about 5.3 kilometers from where the North River meets the main river.
Surrounding Area
Near the "Rivière aux rats" bridge, a road goes west. It follows the Wessonneau River on its north side. For the first three kilometers from the bridge, tall mountains line the north side of this road.
For a long time, cutting down trees (forestry) was the most important activity in this area. It helped the local economy.
What's in a Name?
The name "Wessonneau River" has been used for a long time. People were already calling it this in the 1800s. We don't know for sure where the name comes from.
"Wesson" is a family name from England. This name is often seen in American company names. It usually highlights the family who started the company or owned it.
The name "River Wessonneau" became official on December 5, 1968. It was added to the list of place names by the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
