Deep within Montreal’s Hochelaga Archipelago flows a river of many names. This is the Riviere des Prairies. Some call it the Back River. The Kanienʼkehá:ka called it Skowanoti. This means River behind the island. Today we will uncover the story of this waterway. It separates Montreal and Laval.
The Riviere des Prairies begins in the Lake of Two Mountains. It winds its way eastward. The river eventually joins the St. Lawrence River. Along its path, the Riviere des Prairies embraces numerous islands. Île Bizard is one. The Îles Laval including Île Bigras, Île Pariseau, Île Verte and Île Ronde are others. Île de la Visitation is a nature park. Each island adds to the river’s charm.
Navigating the Riviere des Prairies was once a challenge. Rapids dotted its course. The Rapides de Cap-Saint-Jacques tested travelers. The Lalemant Rapids posed difficulties between Île Bizard and Laval. Ferries helped people to cross. The Rapides du Cheval Blanc stirred the waters. They are located between Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Sainte-Dorothée. The Sault-au-Récollet Rapids surged north of Bordeaux Prison. The Rapides de la Riviere des Prairies marked the end of the wild ride.
In the past, the Riviere des Prairies faced environmental issues. Over 150 discharge outlets poured waste into its waters. Rainwater mixed with sewage flowed into the river. This pollution posed a significant problem. Beaches like Crystal, Noel/Roy and Riviera suffered. Roxboro municipal beach was affected too.
Efforts have been made to reverse the damage. Modern sewage treatment techniques have helped. Some say the river became clean again in 1998. This happened when sewage was treated before discharge. Yet some areas remain unsuitable for swimming. The Rive-Boisée area has been polluted since 1971. Problems with connected sewer systems caused this.
Solutions are in the works. Screens at storm drains can filter the rainwater-garbage mixture. This prevents pollution from reaching the river.
The Riviere des Prairies got its name from a man named Des Prairies. He got lost sailing on it. He thought he was on the St. Lawrence. His error led to the river being named after him.
Despite its challenges, the Riviere des Prairies holds a vital place in the region’s history. It shaped the land and influenced development. The river was a key transportation route between the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. People traveled its waters daily. They used rowboats and longboats.
The Riviere des Prairies continues to flow. It connects communities. It remains a testament to Montreal’s past and present. It is a river of prairies and people.