Gouin Reservoir

The Gouin Reservoir (French: Réservoir Gouin) is a man-made lake, in La Tuque, in Mauricie, in the central portion of the Canadian province of Quebec, fully within the boundaries of the City of La Tuque. It is not one contiguous body of water, but the collective name for a series of connected lakes separated by innumerable bays, peninsulas, and islands with highly irregular shapes. It has therefore a relative long shoreline of over 5,600 km (excluding islands) compared to its surface area of 1,570 km².[1] It is the source of the Saint-Maurice River.

Gouin Reservoir
Gouin Reservoir seen from space.
LocationLa Tuque, Mauricie, Quebec
Coordinates48°35′N 74°50′W
TypeArtificial
Primary outflowsSaint-Maurice River
Basin countriesCanada
Max. length100 km (62 mi)
Max. width48 km (30 mi)
Surface area1,570 km2 (610 sq mi)
Average depth5 m (16 ft)
Shore length15,650 km (3,510 mi)
Surface elevation404 m (1,325 ft)
IslandsDe l'Oasis Island
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

This large reservoir extends into the cantons of (in order, in row from north to south):

  • Mathieu, Verreau;
  • Lacasse, Toussaint, McSweeney, Magnan, Lindsay;
  • Hanotaux, Cremazie, Lemay, Marmette, Brochu, Déziel;
  • Poisson, Evanturel, Myrand, Chapman, Nevers, Aubin, Levasseur;
  • Achintre, Sulte, Huguenin, Delage, Leblanc, Bureau.

Recreational tourism activities

With a total of 275 kilometres (171 mi) of waterways, this reservoir is a popular fishing destination with numerous commercial outfitters and private lodges along its shores. There are also a number of outfitters offering recreational tourism activities such hunting trips, fishing trips, excursions in all-terrain vehicles (ex.: snowmobiles, VTT), nautical expeditions, photographic hunting, lodging in cottages, in house-boat, in hostel (auberge)... Many of these outfitters also provide equipment supply and maintenance services related to recreational tourism activities. Generally, each outfitter is equipped with a marina offering various boating services.

History

The reservoir is named after Jean Lomer Gouin, who was Premier of Quebec when, in 1918, the Shawinigan Water & Power Company impounded the reservoir for hydroelectric development.[2] The Gouin Reservoir has a 600 MW station for local use, but is used to control the flow of the St-Maurice River for the stations down-stream (all operated now by Hydro-Québec).[3]

Initially, the "Commission des eaux courantes du Québec" (English: Quebec's Running Water Board) wanted to facilitate the floating of wood that was routed via the Saint-Maurice River, to the paper mills of La Tuque to Trois-Rivières. The first work was built on La Loutre rapids in 1916-1917. The Shawinigan Water and Power Company decided to raise the level of the reservoir in 1948 and it was also decided to divert the headwaters of the Mégiscane River and the Suzie River, which flowed naturally to James Bay via the Mégiscane River, the Bell River (Quebec) and the Nottaway River; and to pour them to the Saint Lawrence River by the Saint-Maurice River. A series of dikes and canals were needed to divert the water from these rivers and still today; these works are unknown to the general public.

Village of Obedjiwan

The small Atikamekw community of Obedjiwan is located on the reservoir's north shore.

During the construction of the first Loutre dam (the name given to the dam prior to the Gouin name as it is known today), the Amerindians lived near Obedjiwan Lake, which was flooded when the reservoir was filled. At that time, the residents moved and rebuilt their village on the site of the present village of Obedjiwan, Quebec.

Village of Oskélanéo

The village of Oskélanéo is connected to Gouin Reservoir via Oskélanéo Lake and Oskélanéo River. This river flows on the south shore of Bureau Lake (Gouin Reservoir). The village of Oskélanéo was formed following the arrival in 1910 of the transcontinental railroad; the station was designated "Oskélanéo River". Through the railroad, the village became a supply depot and access point to the Rupert River, Mistassini Lake and other areas of northern Quebec. It also became a starting point for hunting and fishing expeditions in the region, as well as for forestry projects.

Geography

Road accesses

Although no paved road leads to the Gouin Reservoir, it is nevertheless accessible by several forested pathways, snowmobile trails and by air. The hydrographic slope of the Gouin Reservoir is accessible by:

  • North side: route 212 from the village of Obedjiwan, Quebec and heading northeasterly following more or less the north shore of the Gouin reservoir, to the Normandin Lake (Normandin River) area. From Obedjiwan, Quebec, the forested road R1045 and R2046 are serving the North-West area of the reservoir;
  • East side: the forest road 451 connecting Gouin dam, the village of Wemotaci and La Tuque to the south; this road section serves in particular the valley of the Wapous River and Berlinguet Lake;
  • South side: the forest road 400 serves the south-east part of the reservoir by passing to the Gouin dam; Forest Road 404 serves the southwestern portion between the villages of Clova, Quebec and Parent, Quebec;
  • West side: the forested road R1009 (North-South direction) located west of the Pascagama River is serving the West coast of Gouin Reservoir.

Access by waterway from the railway
Outdoor enthusiasts can reach the Gouin Reservoir by canoe waterway from the Canadian National Railway line connecting La Tuque to Senneterre, passing to the south of the reservoir (railway stops in order from west to east):

West part of the reservoir

  • Kekek River: 36 km ride from "Rouleau Siding" downstream to the confluence of the Mégiscane River; path with R1 and R1-2 level rapids and some thresholds. Note: as a variant, the hobbyists may also take the Trévet River course (tributary of the Kekek River);
  • Suzie River: 43 km to Du Poète Lake (Mégiscane River) with some obstacles. Note: Brécourt Lake and Du Poète Lake (Mégiscane River) are diverted to the Gouin Reservoir via the Adolphe-Poisson Bay;
  • Mégiscane River: 38 km to reach the Mégiscane dam on the Lac du Poète; route with some rapids that are generally easy to cross;
  • Flapjack River: 33 km to reach Mattawa Bay; navigable at all times and in both directions;
  • Lacs Arcand and Tessier: 40 km to reach the Saraana Bay, with some rapids. This route is navigable at all times in both directions.

Center part of the reservoir

  • Oskélanéo River: 22 km to reach the South Bay Bureau Lake (Gouin Reservoir). This route is the busiest, being navigable at all times with river boats and easily in reverse.[4]

The village of Parent and the village of Clova, Quebec, both now part of the City of La Tuque. These villages are located approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of the reservoir and are accessible by a forested road and by train with VIA Rail Canada.

A seaplane base is located at the top of the Gouin dam.

Main tributaries

The main rivers flowing into the Gouin reservoir are (clockwise from the Gouin dam):

South Shore

West Shore

North Shore

East Shore

  • Verreau Creek (linked to Verreau Bay)
  • Sakiciw River (linked to Magnan Lake)
  • Barras Creek (linked to Magnan Lake)
    • Oskatcickic Brook
  • Papactwe Creek (linked to Magnan Lake)
  • Kiackw River (linked to Magnan Lake)
  • Wapous River (via Déziel Lake)
  • Au Vison River (via Au Vison Bay)
  • Au Vison River West (via Au Vison Bay)[5]

Main bays

This large reservoir has many bays and islands making navigation more complex. Before the existence of geolocation systems that developed in the 2000s, many navigators have lost their way on this water, misfires. (Clockwise, from the mouth)

South Shore

West Shore

North Shore

  • Plamondon Bay (Gouin Reservoir) (linked to Plamondon Creek)
  • Wacapiskitek Bay (linked to Du Mâle Lake)
  • Aiapew Bay (linked to Bourgeois Lake)
  • Tcikitinaw Bay (linked to Bourgeois Lake)
  • Kanatakompeak Bay, linked to Toussaint Lake
  • Wapisiw Bay (linked to Marmette Lake)
  • Eskwaskwakamak Bay (linked to Marmette Lake)
  • Natcickweciw Bay
  • Verreau Bay (Old name: Nemiscasioui Lake) (linked to Verreau Creek and Magnan Lake)

East Shore

  • Aux Hélices Bay (French: Anse aux Hélices)
  • Du Guide Bay
  • Étoile Filante Bay
  • Au Vison Bay (linked to Kikendatch Bay)
    • Julien Bay (linked to Au Vison Bay)
    • Au Vison Bay West (linked to Au Vison Bay)
  • Kikendatch Bay
    • Du Petit Vison Bay
  • Martel Bay

Bays of Islands

  • Des Aigles Bay (linked to Dû Mâle Lake)
  • Atikamekwranan Bay
  • De Sable Bay (Pass)
  • Thibodeau Bay (linked to Du Mâle Lake and Bourgeois Lake)
  • Wacihiskacik Bay (linked to Bourgeois Lake)
  • Wacawkak Bay
  • De la paire de Culottes Bay (linked to McSweeney Lake)
  • Kapiskitcitciwecimok Bay (linked to Marmette Bay South)

Main islands

(Clockwise, from the mouth)

South area
  • Morin Island (in Kikendatch Bay)
  • Serpent Island (in Jean-Pierre Bay)
  • Aux Trembles Island (in Kikendatch Bay)
  • Kaminictikotanak Island (in Brochu Lake (Gouin Reservoir))
  • Aux Femmes Island (in Nevers Lake (Gouin Reservoir))
  • De La Croix Island (in Nevers Lake (Gouin Reservoir))
  • De La Main Island (in Kettle Bay)
  • Du Sanglier (in Kettle Bay)
  • Demi-Lune Island (in Lepage Lake (Wacekamiw River))
  • Aux Mouettes Island (in Saraana Bay)
  • De La Police Island (in Saraana Bay)

North area

  • Matci Rock (at South of Du Mâle Lake)
  • Kaoskiskanikak Island (in Toussaint Lake)
  • Kosapitcikan Island
  • Matenen Island (in McSweeney Lake)
  • Tcipai Island (in Magnan Lake)
  • Toman Island (in Magnan Lake)
  • Matenen Island (at the limit of Toussaint Lake and Marmette Lake)
  • Tiom Island (in Eskwaskwakamak Bay)
  • Kaopapiskitek Rock
  • Kaopapiskitek Island

East area

  • Tciman Island (in Magnan Lake)
  • Amérique Island (in Brochu Lake)
  • Oasis Island (forming the boundary between Marmette Bay South and Nevers Lake (Gouin Reservoir))

Main lakes

The main lakes included in the reservoir or related are: Toussaint, Magnan, McSweeney and Du Mâle Lake. (Clockwise, from the mouth)

South area

West area

North area

  • Kaopiskak Lake (linked to Aiapew Bay)
  • Bourgeois Lake
  • Toussaint Lake (linking Du Mâle Lake and Marmette Lake)
  • Marmette Lake (Gouin Reservoir) (linking Toussaint Lake and McSweeney Lake)
  • Fou Lake (Gouin Reservoir) (linked to McSweeney Lake)
  • McSweeney Lake
  • Kamitcikamak Lake (linked to Toussaint River)
  • Kawawiekamak Lake (linked to McSweeney Lake)
  • Omina Lake (linking Kawawiekamak Lake and Verreau Bay)
  • Magnan Lake (linking Verreau Bay and McSweeney Lake)

East area

  • Brochu Lake (linked to Kikendatch Bay, which is related to Gouin Dam)
  • Little Brochu Lake
  • Déziel Lake (Gouin Reservoir) (linking Wapous River to Gouin Reservoir)
    • Du Déserteur Lake (Gouin Reservoir)
  • Minikanakik Lake (linked to Déziel Lake)
  • Duchet Lake (on an island of Center-East part of the reservoir)
  • Kamoskosoweskak Lake (on an island of Center-East part of the reservoir)

Main passes

The many passes between the islands or peninsulas facilitate navigation on the reservoir.(Clockwise, from the mouth)

  • Kanatawatciwok Pass (linked to Nevers Lake)
  • Sawrananik Pass (linking Marmette Lake and McSweeney Lake)
  • De l'Oasis Pass (linked to Marmette Bay South)
  • Piripohonan Pass (linking McSweeney Lake and lac Marmette)
  • Lac Fou Pass (linked to Fou Lake and Magnan Lake)
  • De Sable Bay (pass linking Magnan Lake and Nevers Lake (old name: Kawpitawkitciwak Pass)
  • Kaopisaskwak Pass (located in Kanatakompeak Bay linked to Toussaint Lake)
  • Kapikakamicik Pass (located at the limit North of Marmette Lake and Eskwaskwakamak Bay)
  • Matawanikacik Arm (located at South-West of Toussaint Lake)
  • Kice Matawanikak Arm (located at South-West of Toussaint Lake)
  • Kacipatanacik Pass (linked Thibodeau Bay and Bourgeois Lake
  • Kaopatinak Pass (linking the Du Mâle Lake and Du Rocher-Matci Bay)
  • Kaackakocimocik Pass (linking Kawawiekamak Lake and Omina Lake)
  • Pinpohonan Pass (McSweeney Lake)
  • Tête du Magnan Pass (linking Magnan Lake and McSweeney Lake) (Old name: Kakinikwantciwak Pass)
  • Pirotew Pawctikw Pass (in Eastern part of Magnan Lake)

Fauna

Fishes

Fish species present include the walleye, northern pike, and sauger. Fishers sometimes catch lake trout and brook trout, but these species are more marginal because this vast body of water is the ideal reference point for pike, which is very fond of small fish.

Waterfowl

Waterfowl present in the region include the American black duck (Anas rubripes), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), green-winged teal (Anas crecca), ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris), common merganser (Mergus merganser), hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus), common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), common loon (Gavia immer), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

Mammals

The main mammals in Haute-Mauricie are: moose, white-tailed deer, bears, hares, red foxes, muskrats, skunks and raccoons.

The fishermen are required to comply with the regulations, especially when the number of catch. Depending on the season, hunting is also regulated by territory, type of game and type of weapon.

Gouin Reservoir Community Wildlife Area

The "Gouin Reservoir Community Wildlife Area" works to preserve the diversity of wildlife, improve the quality of fishing and protect it. In its role of surveillance of the territory, this non-profit organization collaborates with the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP) to maintain a good management of the fish resource.[6]

gollark: My view is generally that the government should avoid doing too much and have law-writing and stuff handled such that it can't start jumping far ahead of popular opinion.
gollark: I feel like you should need greater-than-majority support to change meta-laws governing parliament.
gollark: Same with the US.
gollark: I mean, it could if people supported it, but it's politically impractical.
gollark: The UK has no constitution and *also* basically cannot change how voting works.

References
  1. Principal lakes, elevation and area, by provinces and territories Archived 2007-01-21 at the Wayback Machine
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia
  3. Hydro-Québec - St-Maurice Water Resource System Archived 2007-05-25 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Map of suggested trips in canoes - Accessed May 30, 2018.
  5. "Geonames". Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  6. Gouin Community Wildlife Area
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