Ever wondered about the lifeblood of a town? The Riviere Mascouche is more than just a river. It is the very spine of Mascouche’s history.
The Riviere Mascouche originates southwest of Saint-Janvier. It winds eastward before turning northeast near Pincourt. After merging with the Saint-Philippe stream, it flows south. Ultimately the Riviere Mascouche joins the Riviere des Mille Iles. This happens downstream from Terrebonne.
From its source to its endpoint, the Riviere Mascouche waters the northern region of Montreal. It covers approximately 50 km. The town of Mascouche and the Moorcrest hamlet thrive along its banks. Mathieu-Benoit Collet’s records from 1721 mention the Maskoueche River.
Now as we stand here beside it, consider its role. The Riviere Mascouche isn’t the flashiest river. It’s a vital part of Mascouche’s landscape. Its winding path significantly lengthens its journey through the area. From its entry point west of Chemin Gascon, it travels 27.3 km in Mascouche. Then the Riviere Mascouche crosses into Lachenaie. This is just north of Highway 640.
Look around you at the thin line of trees. It transforms the Riviere Mascouche into a green and blue corridor. Sometimes subtle, it gains prominence near the Mascouche seigniorial domain. Then the Riviere Mascouche seemingly vanishes into the woods. It reemerges powerfully in the village center. The river continues flowing meandering through the agricultural plain. The Riviere Mascouche meets the Cabane-Ronde stream. Finally it moves towards its meeting with the Riviere des Mille Iles.
Historically the Riviere Mascouche served as Mascouche’s backbone. The first residents settled along its banks. It wasn’t just a waterway. The Riviere Mascouche was a road a water source and a recreational space. Of course it was also sometimes a cause for concern. Over time Mascouche residents learned to live with the Riviere Mascouche adapting it to their requirements. They crossed it and managed its ever-changing nature.
Alternate names for the Riviere Mascouche include Sainte-Marie River and Saint-Jean-Baptiste River. The Riviere Mascouche name became official on December 5, 1968. It drains the Ouellet, Gascon-Forget and Cardinal Lapointe streams. Plus the Desjardins Hogue-Therrien and Saint Pierre Rivers.
So next time you think of Mascouche remember its river. The Riviere Mascouche has shaped its past and continues to nourish its present. The Riviere Mascouche keeps flowing linking the town to its story.