 This river has been known as the Petite Rivière since at least the very beginning of the 17th century.It however took the name of Saint-Charles River between 1615 and 1625.In a letter of February 27, 1621, Charles de Boves or Desboues notes that the foundation of the Récollets convent was designated under the name of Saint-Charles and is delighted to see this foundation put at the same time under the protection of the great reformer Saint Charles Borromée.