The Three Rivers Region

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The Three Rivers Region - Trois-Rivières

Situated about half-way between Montreal and Quebec, the centre of the St. Lawrence Lowland is occupied by the Three Rivers Region. It extends from the foot of the Laurentians on the northwest, to the base of the Appalachians on the southeast. The southwestern boundary may be placed along the eastern borders of Berthier and Richelieu counties while the northeastern one is placed along the northeastern county lines of Nicolet and Maskinonge. Drained by the lower courses of large rivers on both banks of the St. Lawrence, the flat lowland, nevertheless, contains areas of bog and swamp.

The area is approximately 2,280 square miles, 90% of which is occupied. The population numbers about 240,000, half rural, half urban. The flat lands by the lake are devoted to hay growing while the rest of the area is becoming an important dairy region. There are two fairly large cities devoted to commerce and industry: historic Three Rivers at the mouth of the St. Maurice, and Drummondville on the St. Francis, near the borders of the Eastern Townships. Nicolet and Louiseville are the only other towns.

Trois-Rivières

Located in the western angle between the St. Maurice and the St. Lawrence, the city of Three Rivers extends inland to the foot of a series of sandy terraces locally known as "les côteaux". Cap de la Madeleine occupies a terrace on the east bank of the St. Maurice, linked by railway and highway bridges. Founded in 1634 as a trading post, it has grown into an important city in the 20th century as a result of the development of the St. Maurice Valley. It has good communications. It is on the main highway and railway lines from Montreal to Quebec with branches leading into the St. Maurice Valley. Four large pulp and paper mills make this the "paper capital" of the province. Trade and other urban functions, however, provide employment for more people than the manufacturing industries.

The city is a regional capital and gateway to the hinterland of "la Mauricie". Rue des Forges is the main street, its name commemorating the former iron smelting activity. It leads from the waterfront across the busiest section of the city to the Exhibition field on the upper terrace. The older residential districts contain fine shaded streets and there are many newly built sub-divisions. Cap de la Madeleine has also greatly expanded its built up area. Its old Rosary shrine is a famous pilgrim objective.