The name Shawinigan has had numerous spellings over time : Chaouinigane , Oshaouinigane , Assaouinigane , Achawénégan , Chawinigame , Shawenigane , Chaouénigane . It may mean `` south portage '' , `` portage of beeches '' , `` angular portage '' , or `` summit '' or `` crest '' .
The name of the city has also been spelled different over periods of time : Chaouinigane , Oshaouinigane , Assaouinigane , Achawénégan , Chawinigame , Shawenigane , Chaouénigane and could either mean `` portage '' , `` portage of beeches '' , `` angular portage '' or `` summit '' or `` crest '' .