Completed in 1929, the Barrage de la Riviere-des-Prairies stands before us. It bridges Laval and Montreal. This hydroelectric power station harnesses the Riviere des Prairies. It is one of Quebec’s oldest operating stations.
The Barrage de la Riviere-des-Prairies began operating in 1930. It stands on the eastern tip of Ile de la Visitation. The location is between Laval and Montreal. Hydro-Quebec now manages the Barrage de la Riviere-des-Prairies.
Let’s delve into some interesting facts. The Barrage de la Riviere-des-Prairies has a generating capacity of 48 MW. It features six turbines. The hydraulic head measures between 7.32 and 7.93 meters. That is about 24 to 26 feet. Imagine the power of the water flowing through. The hydraulic flow reaches approximately 1,000 cubic meters per second.
Did you know that the Barrage de la Riviere-des-Prairies is unique? It is Hydro-Quebec’s only power station near Montreal. The Quebec metropolis is in immediate proximity. The dam’s construction began in 1928. The Riviere-des-Prairies Generating Station is a run-of-river plant. This means it doesn’t rely on a large reservoir. Instead, it uses the river’s natural flow.
The Barrage de la Riviere-des-Prairies became state-owned. This happened when Montreal Light, Heat and Power was nationalized. In 1985 renovations included the spillway. These renovations led to a cycling path and walking trail. You can find it on the Montreal side, at Parc-nature de l’ile-de-la-Visitation. A footbridge was added for Laval fishermen.
Take a guided tour to discover more. You will discover the station’s bright Art Deco interior. You can also venture into the turbine shaft. A walk on the 220-meter spillway is possible too. Learn about the electrical network’s history. It details the construction and distribution in Montreal. Tours are available in both English and French. Keep in mind that booking is required.
As we conclude, remember the Barrage de la Riviere-des-Prairies. It stands as a testament to engineering. The station provides power. It offers recreational paths. It links communities. A symbol of Quebec’s energy history.