“Why is it called Rivière-du-Nord?” a curious voice piped up from the group. Excellent question! Here, by the Rivière-du-Nord, the answer flows as clearly as the river itself. The Rivière-du-Nord, meaning “River of the North,” didn’t get its name because it flows strictly north. It originates from Lac Brûlé, northwest of here, and meanders through a region that was historically considered “the North.” The name first appeared in a 1680 deed, when Intendant Jacques Duchesneau granted the seigneury of Argenteuil to Charles-Joseph d’Ailleboust Des Muceaux. The name stuck, a testament to the river’s enduring presence. The Rivière-du-Nord isn’t just a pretty waterway. It’s a vital artery that has shaped the communities along its banks. From its source, it flows southeast, passing Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, watering towns like Val-David, Sainte-Adèle, and Prévost (once known as Shawbridge). It then turns southwest, gracing Saint-Jérôme and Lachute before finally joining the Ottawa River at Lac des Deux Montagnes. Imagine Father Antoine Labelle, a dynamic priest and colonization advocate, traversing this very river between 1868 and 1891. He used the Rivière-du-Nord as his highway, visiting and supporting the settlers who carved their lives out of the wilderness between Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. His dedication to the region is another thread in the rich tapestry of the Rivière-du-Nord’s story. So, as you stand here, by the flowing waters of the Rivière-du-Nord, remember it’s more than just a river. It’s a historical landmark, a lifeline, and a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have called this region home.
Parc Dickie-Moore
Who needs a time machine when you’ve got Parc Dickie-Moore? This little slice of Parc-Extension holds a century of Montreal