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Adopt a river - Rivière des Prairies (Black River)

River prairie

Photo credit: Kayak GUEPE – Amy Mailloux

Adopt the Rivière des Prairies to:

Your contribution allows us to continue to protect Quebec's rivers

The Prairie River flows between Montreal and Laval, making it one of the most urban rivers in Quebec. Surrounded by concrete and bridges, it nevertheless witnesses efforts to ensure that its natural aspect is highlighted, in particular by the development of riverside parks and natural spaces, just like its “twin”, there Thousand Islands River.

Do you know the Rivière des Prairies?

Nom Wendat et Kanienkeha

Skawanoti (« la rivière derrière l'ile »)

Length

40km

Source

Lake of Two Mountains

Region

Lanaudière

Average flow

1,365 m3/s

Total elevation

14.6m

From the “cage” to water skiing

The Rivière des Prairies has seen all kinds of activities take place on its surface: in the early 1800s, “cage workers” took care of transporting logs of wood assembled into rafts from the Ottawa River – a bit like log drivers , with a few differences. About 150 years later, the profession was over and it was time for fun: water skiing competitions were in full swing on the Rivière des Prairies!

Electrifying river

The Rivière des Prairies is naturally agitated: it receives almost three quarters of the water from Lac des Deux Montagnes (the other quarter flowing towards the Rivière des Mille Îles)! Its tumults led to the construction of mills, which made way almost a century ago for the Rivière-des-Prairies hydroelectric power station. With a power of 45 MW, this power station obviously changed the appearance of the river, submerging two islands and just as many rapids, but contributed to the electrification of the Montreal region.

Photo credit: Thierry Ah Woaye – WASP

What are the environmental issues?

Water quality

A multitude of overflow structures are located in Montreal and Laval. These sometimes overflow into the Rivière des Prairies when rainwater adds too quickly and too abundantly to wastewater in the sewer networks. In addition, a few invasive exotic species have been identified along the Rivière des Prairies, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and frogweed. These species tend to, much like weeds, spread very quickly and consume a lot of oxygen, to the detriment of water quality and the naturally present fauna and flora.

Since 2020, the Fondation Rivières has disclosed the list of municipalities that stand out in terms of the intensity of their wastewater discharges into waterways, including the Rivière des Prairies. This exercise makes it possible to distinguish municipalities which have improved their situation in previous years from those where the situation has deteriorated. THE prize list serves as a lever to encourage elected officials to make the necessary corrections to improve the health of the rivers into which wastewater is discharged.

Is the Rivière des Prairies swimmable?

Currently, no area is set up for swimming, but it is possible to practice water activities such as canoeing, kayaking or taking advantage of the water taxi.

Bank erosion

The erosion of the banks of the Rivière des Prairies appears to be attributable to natural causes. For example, the spring floods of 2017 and 2019, which caused significant flooding, are responsible for much of the erosion. The current of the river also has its share of responsibility. Currently, the Simon-Sicard retaining wall, located near Ahuntsic, acts as a brake, but it is at risk of breakage while banks planted with vegetation would more effectively reduce the risk of erosion.

The Fondation Rivières went note the state of the municipal banks of Laval in the summer of 2022. The objective: based on its observations, challenge municipal elected officials to develop the banks with respect for the environment within the framework of COP15. Adequate development allows, among other things, to reduce the transport of sediment generated by rain runoff towards the river, in addition to serving as a natural habitat for aquatic fauna – promoting healthy biodiversity. 

Providing access to water for everyone

There are a few sites for engaging in water activities (canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.) on the Rivière des Prairies, particularly along the Champlain route. However, no public swimming area is provided. Too much current? To have. Water of too poor quality? Certainly not. If water quality is affected by sewage overflows during rain, a dozen places have satisfactory water quality for swimming in dry weather, according to historical data from the Aquatic Environment Monitoring Network (RSMA).

The Rivière-des-Prairies hydroelectric power station requires the presence of the Simon-Sicard dam, whose retaining wall serves to retain water and protect the banks. Located near Ahuntsic, the wall of approximately 1 km is old (almost a century old). For safety purposes, Hydro-Québec acted urgently to avoid a breakage by piling up huge rocks which block access to the banks. However, the opportunity was great to develop vegetated banks and create a public space allowing a minimum of access to the water, allowing, among other things, non-motorized boats to dock. The Citizens' Committee for the Promenade du Sault and the Fondation Rivières intervened with Hydro-Québec, which proposed a good solution to restore access to the banks.

The Foundation created a map of swimming potential in Montreal and Laval. Without resorting to sampling, the Foundation instead used existing data on the water quality of the river, the Rivière des Prairies and the Mille Îles to raise awareness among the public and elected officials of the issues that affect the water quality (e.g. reverse connections, wastewater overflows, etc.) and which limit swimming in the Rivière des Prairies. 

Help us by adopting Rivière des Prairies

The Fondation Rivières is mobilizing to: 

Join an important mobilization movement!

Charity receipt

Fondation Rivières issues tax-deductible donation receipts, regardless of the amount. A receipt will be sent to you by email at the beginning of the year following the year of your adoption.

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Make a difference for the environment

Become a member of the Foundation by donating. Your contribution allows our team to continue to mobilize to protect Quebec's rivers and waterways for future generations. 

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Our charity number : 14505 9911 RR0002