Environment – Parc du canal de Soulanges

July 26, 2023

Public notice – call for tenders for resurfacing sections of the Soulanges Cycling Path

The Soulanges Canal Park is seeking a company to carry out resurfacing work on the Soulanges Cycling Path, over a total distance of 2044 linear meters. The tender document will be available from August 2, 2023 on www.seao.ca at the bidder’s expense.

Tenders will be received at the MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges civic centre until 10 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, in a sealed envelope marked “Appel d’offres 20230720 – Pavage mécanisé sur des sections de la Piste cyclable Soulanges”, at the attention of Marianne Sigouin-Lebel, at the following address:

Parc du canal de Soulanges
280 Harwood Boulevard
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec J7V 1Y5

Tenders will be publicly opened on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10:05 a.m. in Room 119 of the Civic Center. Each bid must be accompanied by all documents identified in this call for tenders and all forms duly completed. For any additional information regarding this call for tenders, please contact, in writing only, Ms. Marianne Sigouin-Lebel, General Manager, Soulanges Canal Park, by e-mail at direction@canaldesoulanges.ca.

This request for tender does not constitute an offer to contract with any of the bidders, and Soulanges Canal Park makes no commitment to accept the lowest or any of the bids received. It assumes no obligation or liability to bidders who, by submitting a bid, waive any claim against Soulanges Canal Park. The Board’s decision will be made within ninety (90) days of the bid opening.

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel
General Manager, Soulanges Canal Park

To download the PDF, click here.

24Jul

Activities Art et culture Environment Events Piste cyclable

Job posting – General Management (maternity leave replacement)

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

24 July 2023

July 24, 2023

General management position (maternity leave replacement)

The Soulanges Canal Park preserves and enhances the natural and heritage resources of its territory for the benefit of citizens and visitors, by offering a safe environment for outdoor activities and the discovery of various experiences. The main attraction of our park is the Soulanges bicycle path, a first class multifunctional network in Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

We are currently looking for the perfect candidate to replace our General Manager, Marianne Sigouin-Lebel, on maternity leave for 12 months from November 2023.

A stimulating challenge for any manager with a passion for the outdoors, culture, heritage and development!

Your mission

Plan, organize, direct, promote and control all of the organization’s activities in accordance with its mission and objectives and the policies and directives of the Board of Directors.
Ensure the Park’s administrative management (budget management, human resources, strategic planning, etc.).
Establish positive, collaborative governance between the many players and stakeholders involved. Support and accompany local partners and organizations.
Ensure the preparation and follow-up of budgets, board meetings and reporting.
Monitor funding programs and coordinate grant applications in collaboration with the team and partners.
Coordinate Soulanges Canal Park’s communications activities with various clienteles (social media, requests for information, interactions with citizens, website, etc.).
Monitor the various policies and procedures, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, the MRC and the team in place.
Coordinate recruitment, human resources support and the annual appraisal process.
Lead the implementation of an original and coherent range of services and activities around the Soulanges Canal, for a multitude of clienteles (individual, citizen, tourist, institutional, corporate, etc.).
Ensure a sustained presence in the field to observe activities, opportunities for improvement and issues encountered. Analyze park issues, prepare files and make recommendations for decisions by the Board and/or working committees.
In conjunction with the team, roll out the implementation of the Soulanges Canal Park Cultural and Landscape Master Plan and implement the first action plan emanating from the 2024-2026 strategic plan.
Monitor the Soulanges Canal Park membership process and contribute to the organization’s democratic and community life.
Numerous other related tasks, aimed at promoting the channel and ensuring the smooth development of our organization.

Profile required

Have practical knowledge and a strong interest in the field of outdoor or cultural project management.
Demonstrate dynamism and inspirational leadership.
A strong sense of customer service and teamwork.
Demonstrate strong political acumen.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, on time and on budget.
Know how to work in concert with various municipal, private, government and community partners.

Requirements

University degree in tourism, leisure, regional development, cultural activities, or any related field.
Minimum of five years’ relevant experience in a management position in a related field (recreation, culture, outdoors, heritage, project management, etc.) and/or 2 years as a director of an organization in a similar sector.
Knowledge of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges territory (an asset).
Very good knowledge of French (oral and written) and good knowledge of English (oral).
Valid driver’s license.
Want to contribute to the influence of your community!

Conditions

Full-time position, minimum 14 months contract.
Available evenings and weekends on occasion.
Competitive salary.
Hybrid workplace – house, office and outdoors (outdoors… along the canal!).
Cell phone refunded.
Competitive group insurance.
4 weeks vacation, personal and statutory vacations, 2 weeks paid holiday.
Benefits of the position: contribute to a unifying project, work with a small, dynamic and motivated team, stay in shape, training and representation budget, flexible schedule, and much more!

If you would like to take up this challenge, please send your application by August 21, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. to the Human Resources Department of MRCVS by e-mail at recrutement@mrcvs.ca. We would like to thank all those who express an interest, but only successful candidates will be contacted.

Photo credit : Olivier Langevin
*French postings : Le masculin est utilisé dans le seul but d’alléger le texte.

12Jun

Activities Community Environment Events Heritage Kayak

A third edition of the Soulanges Canal Kayak Event!

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

12 June 2023

June 12, 2023

A third edition of the Soulanges Canal Kayak Event!

On July 8, the third edition of the Soulanges Canal Kayak Race will take place. The Soulanges Canal Park and the Conseil du bassin versant de la région de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (COBAVER-VS), in collaboration with the Municipality of Les Cèdres and the Municipality of Pointe-des-Cascades, invite the public to come and paddle the 7.5 km route, with portages, to discover the magnificent landscape and architecture of the Soulanges Canal, including Lock #4.

Date: Saturday, July 8, 2023. Postponed to the next day in case of rain.

Cost: Free for participants with their own boat. Registration required. A few kayaks and SUPS are available for rental, subject to reservation ($).

Location: launch: Soulanges Canal, Chemin Saint-Féréol junction, Les Cèdres. Parking and departure of the land shuttle : Pointe-des-Cascades.

Level of difficulty: Kayak level: beginner. Overall level: Intermediate, due to portages.

Route: 7.5 km, with two portages totalling around 600 metres.

For details and registration, visit
https://canaldesoulanges.ca/eventer/descente2023

The Soulanges canal from a unique perspective

The Soulanges Canal is a popular destination for paddlesports enthusiasts. A calm waterway, it promises to be both recreational and contemplative, allowing you to discover the rich landscape heritage of the Soulanges Canal!

The passage through Lock 4 is definitely the highlight of the day. Its monumental arches transport event participants into another era. Usually visible from the outside by bike or car, passing through the lock at water level is a memorable experience.

Financial partners

The Soulanges Canal Park wishes to acknowledge the financial contribution of the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation for their support in setting up the Soulanges Canal Park under the RCM “Signature innovation” projects component of the Fonds régions et ruralité.

“I invite people to take part in this activity in large numbers. They’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors and admire the scenery while paddling. Congratulations to all the partners; your excellent work is helping people discover the canal and its locks in a different way, these jewels that are one of our local treasures!” says Marilyne Picard, MNA for Soulanges and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health.

About the organizers

Parc du canal de Soulanges

Created in 2021 following the signing of historic agreements between the MRC of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the ministère des Transports Quebec and the municipalities along the canal, the Parc du canal de Soulanges’ mission is to develop, enhance and animate the canal from the perspectives of heritage, outdoor activities, culture and sustainable development.

Conseil du bassin versant de la région de Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Founded in 2009, le Conseil du bassin versant de la région de Vaudreuil-Soulanges is a non-profit watershed organization mandated by the Government of Quebec to develop, update and implement the region’s Plan directeur de l’eau. and ensure consultation, planning and coordination of integrated water management in the territory.

Cycle Polymère Parc nature oeuvre culture canal

01Dec

Art et culture Community Environment

Polymer cycle, by Philippe Corriveau, inaugurated in the Nature Park!

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

1 December 2022

December 1, 2022

The Cycle Polymer Work, by Philippe Corriveau, inaugurated in the Nature Park!

A new work, Le Cycle Polymère, created by artist Philippe Corriveau, now stands in the Pointe-des-Cascades nature park. Peter Zytynsky, Mayor of Pointe-des-Cacades, accompanied by Isabelle Poirier, Assistant Director General and Martin Champagne, Coordinator of Sports, Recreation, Culture and Community Life for the municipality were present. Marianne Sigouin-Lebel, Executive Director of the Soulanges Canal Park, Julie Lemieux, President of the CACVS and Daphnée Lecours-Tessier, representative of the Haut Saint-Laurent ZIP Committee were also on hand with artist Philippe Corriveau. The purpose of this work of art is to raise awareness of the impact of plastic on the local wildlife of the St. Lawrence.

The Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee would like to thank the St. Lawrence Action Fund (SLF), through the St. Lawrence Marine Biodiversity Program, in collaboration with Advantage St. Lawrence, the new maritime vision of the Quebec government. The project was also made possible by a contribution from the Community Interaction Program, linked to the St. Lawrence Action Plan 2021-2026 and implemented by the governments of Canada and Quebec, as well as the municipality of Pointe-des-Cascades. The Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee thanks the Conseil des arts et de la culture de Vaudreuil-Soulanges for its financial support and coaching services.

The origin of the project | In the fall of 2021, the Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee held a clean-up day at the Pointe-des-Cascades nature park. “In one day alone, more than 500 kg of garbage was removed from the banks of the St. Lawrence River. This beautiful result was possible thanks to more than a dozen people who came to contribute to the cleanup, explained the project coordinator and biologist Daphnée Lecours Tessier.

Following this chore, some of the plastic waste was given to the artist to integrate into this work of art. The work in Pointe-des-Cascades is part of the triptych in the making, The Polymer Cycle, created following the various cleanups in 2021 organized by the Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee. In fact, one work is installed in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, another in Les Coteaux and one in Pointe-des-Cascades. The Great Blue Heron, installed in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, is also part of the circuit of works.

**

About the Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee

The Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and support, through regional cooperation, actions aimed at protecting, rehabilitating and enhancing resources and uses related to the St. Lawrence River, in a sustainable development perspective.

About the CACVS

The Conseil des arts et de la culture de Vaudreuil-Soulanges is the organization responsible for regional cultural development in consultation with the various sectors. Thus, the CACVS works in concert with the municipal, social, economic, environmental and cultural world, for the development of arts and culture in Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

On recrute agent de développement animation

14Nov

Activities Art et culture Environment Events Piste cyclable

Join our team!

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

14 November 2022

May 12, 2023

Job offer!

We are currently looking for dynamic people interested in contributing to our unifying project. A stimulating challenge for outdoor, cultural, heritage and planning enthusiasts!

Join the team!

Animation Development Officer

Plan, coordinate and document the activities and services offered to the public in the Park (cycling and other sports activities, boat rentals, heritage interpretation, cultural, event and educational programming, etc.).
Develop collaborative projects with local, regional or national stakeholders in recreation, culture and tourism as well as with local businesses and community organizations.
Collect and analyze relevant data, such as bike path and animation traffic, as well as user satisfaction.
Contribute to Soulanges Canal Park communications activities (social media, information requests, citizen interactions, website, etc.).
Monitor funding programs and coordinate the submission of grant applications in collaboration with senior management and partners.
The many other related tasks, aimed at making the channel shine and ensuring the proper development of our organization.

⇒See full job posting (french only)

Responsable de l’entretien et de la sécurité

Lead the implementation of the Soulanges Canal Park maintenance department.
Carry out various maintenance and janitorial operations in the park, in the canal basins and in sites with a specific vocation (Pointe-des-Cascades nature park, rental kiosk, L’Embouchure, etc.)
Manage the entire health and safety file for the Park.
Responsible for emergency plans, procedures and response.
Research current laws and regulations, safety and design standards, industry best practices, etc.
Coordinate and supervise external suppliers and temporary employees required to complete the various projects under his/her responsibility.
Ensure the storage, maintenance and replacement of materials, equipment and tools in the park, in collaboration with the team.
To contribute to the maintenance of security in the Park, to the prevention of mischief and to the application of the regulations in force.

⇒See full job posting (french only)

Want to chat?

Send your questions or applications to direction@canaldesoulanges.ca.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis during the months of May and June 2023.

Photo credit : Olivier Langevin
*French postings : Le masculin est utilisé dans le seul but d’alléger le texte.

12Jul

Activities Community Environment Events Kayak

Second edition of the paddle up event in the Soulanges Canal

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

12 July 2022

July 12, 2022

Second edition of the paddle up event in the Soulanges Canal

On July 23 will be held the second edition of the paddle up event in the Soulanges Canal. The Parc du canal de Soulanges and the Conseil du bassin versant de la région de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (COBAVER-VS), in collaboration with the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC), invite the public to come and paddle along the 7.5 km course with portages, allowing the discovery of the magnificent landscape and architectural ensemble that is Lock 4 of the Soulanges Canal

Date: Saturday, July 23, 2022. Postponed to the next day in case of rain.

Cost: Free for participants who own their own boat. Some boats are available upon reservation ($).

Location: launch: chemin Saint-Féréol, Les Cèdres. Parking and departure of the land shuttle : Pointe-des-Cascades.

Difficulty level: Intermediate. Route: 7.5 km, with two portages totaling 600 meters.

Registration: https: //canaldesoulanges.ca/eventer/descente2022

See the Soulanges Canal from a unique perspective

As paddle sports are becoming more and more popular, the Soulanges Canal is becoming an interesting destination for paddlers. A calm waterway, it promises a recreational and contemplative practice that allows you to discover the Soulanges Canal from a new perspective.

The event will also be the occasion to inaugurate a self-sustaining course set up by the Parc du canal de Soulanges, with the docks installed for the event becoming permanent installations in the summer season in order to maximize access to the water in the Park.

Within the framework of Le Mois de l’eau, the COBAVER-VS, partner of the event, sees it as a great opportunity to make citizens aware of water issues. Whether by kayak or paddleboard, throughout the course, the event in the Soulanges Canal will allow you to learn more about the water issues that affect the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. This event is a perfect fit with their efforts to promote accessibility to the region’s waterways.

June – Mois de l’eau

Water Month is an initiative that is part of the Plan d’action 2018-2023 de la Stratégie québécoise de l’eau, which deploys concrete measures to protect, use and manage water and aquatic environments in a responsible, integrated and sustainable manner. From May to July, many water-related activities will take place across the province. To discover the complete list of activities and learn more about water: www.moisdeleau.org.

About the partners

Parc du canal de Soulanges

Conseil du bassin versant de la région de Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Projet signature MRC MAMH canal de Soulanges

01Jul

Activities Art et culture Community Environment Heritage

Soulanges Canal Park selected as a Signature Project for the MRCVS

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

1 July 2022

Vaudreuil-Dorion, June 30, 2022 – The MRC of Vaudreuil-Soulanges is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $2,515,835 from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH) as part of the Fonds régions et ruralités volet 3 – Projets ” Signature innovation ” des MRC. This funding, in addition to the $545,000 invested by the MRC, will be used to support the establishment and development of the new Soulanges Canal Park.

The financial participation of the MAMH will allow, among other things, to support the creation of the Soulanges Canal Park organization, the improvement of recreational facilities as well as the implementation of new activities and infrastructures along the canal and the Soulanges bicycle path. These actions will be guided by the first-ever Plan d’aménagement culturel et paysager du Parc du canal de Soulanges, which will be delivered in the summer of 2022, following an architectural competition conducted in collaboration with the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec in 2021. Under the name Passengersthe plan and the projects that will result from it promise visitors and citizens a memorable experience based on the enhancement of industrial, architectural, ecological and landscape heritage.

“This is great news! I am very pleased that MAMH’s financial contribution can help the Soulanges Canal Park. This is a wonderful and historic enhancement to the revitalization of the canal area. After all these years, this is a great moment for our region. Finally, this heritage site is managed by and for our community. The Soulanges Canal is an absolutely beautiful place with great potential for development. This announcement is particularly heartwarming because this park will be part of our regional jewel and an enrichment as I have always wished” declares Mrs. Marilyne Picard, députée de Soulanges, adjointe parlementaire du ministre de la Santé et des Services sociaux.

“Officially launched in 2021 following the signing of historic agreements between the MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the ministère des Transports du Québec, as well as with the municipalities of Pointe-des-Cascades, Les Cèdres, Coteau-du-Lac, Les Coteaux and with the Société de gestion Parc du canal de Soulanges, the project will create around this heritage infrastructure an emblematic place for Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the Montérégie. With 120 years of history, a territory covering more than 100 hectares and a unique heritage, the Soulanges Canal Park is a regional development pole for recreation and tourism in the making,” said Patrick Bousez, prefect of the MRC and mayor of Rivière-Beaudette.

“We are very happy that the Soulanges Canal Park can finally take off! After several years of preparation, the participation of the MAMH and the MRC, as well as the support of the community, allow us to officially launch the project. The FRR will allow us to achieve our objectives of developing the canal through culture, heritage and outdoor activities. This is a great moment for the region,” says Karina Verdon, president of the Parc du canal de Soulanges Board of Directors.

About the Soulanges Canal

Opened in 1899, the Soulanges Canal links lakes Saint-Louis and Saint-François over a length of 23.5 kilometers and a width of 45 metres. The canal has 5 locks, for a difference in level of 25 meters. Closed to navigation in 1959, it crosses four municipalities in the region: Pointe-des-Cascades, Les Cèdres, Coteau-du-Lac and Les Coteaux.

About the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges

The Vaudreuil-Soulanges RCM brings together the 23 municipalities in its 855 km² territory, which stretches from L’Île-Perrot to the Ontario border. Under the political direction of its prefect, Mr. Patrick Bousez, the mission of the MRC aims at consultation, planning and management of the planning and development of its territory according to the principles of sustainable development. Its role as leader and unifier with the main stakeholders in the territory facilitates the coordination of regional actions in four spheres: planning, development, services to municipalities and services to citizens. The key words of the MRC are plan, concert and act. For more information, visit www.mrcvs.ca.

Source: press release from the Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC, June 30, 2022

Main photo credit: Étienne Lamoureux

On recrute agent de développement aménagement

01Jun

Activities Community Environment Heritage

Job offer! Development agent, site and amenities

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

1 June 2022

Job offer! Development agent, site and amenities

Yes yes! The Parc du canal de Soulanges’ team is growing!

Through Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV), we are looking for a proactive and autonomous person, interested in contributing to a unifying project! Along the 23.5 km of the Soulanges Canal, the Park offers a stimulating challenge for anyone passionate about the outdoors and heritage.

Thanks to the work of the Agent, the park offers quality infrastructures, ensuring the safety of users, a memorable experience and the enhancement of its exceptional heritage. Join the team!

Functions

In collaboration with the general management and the Park’s team, the Agent will plan, coordinate and carry out infrastructure development and maintenance projects for users of the Soulanges Canal Park (cyclists, hikers, paddlers, heritage enthusiasts, etc.)
Determine needs based on projects (labour, tools, equipment and materials).
Propose and monitor project schedules and budgets.
Advise the team and collaborators on laws, regulations and best practices relating to the development of park infrastructure.
Ensure the price requests.
Monitor available funding programs and coordinate the filing of grant applications in collaboration with the Park’s director and partners.
Ensure a sustained physical presence in the park to properly diagnose uses and infrastructure needs.

You may be the one if you have the following profile:

Have training and/or experience in a relevant discipline: development and maintenance of outdoor sites, landscape architecture, development and urban planning techniques, construction, forestry, engineering, etc.
Knowledge of standards, laws, regulations governing facilities in public places.
Knowledge of the outdoors and parks, an asset.
Conceptual skills, rigor and great resourcefulness.
Great organizational, decision-making skills and facility for teamwork.
Manual skills and skills in construction, carpentry-joinery, handling of tools and machinery are assets.
IT: Office suite, Mapping or graphic editing software, an asset.
Fluency in French (oral and written).
Valid driver’s license.
Boat card, an asset.
Want to contribute to the influence of your community!

Working conditions

Permanent position, full-time (35 h), with possible seasonal variations.
Be available to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends.
Competitive salary.
Hybrid workplace – house, office and outdoors (outdoors… along the canal!).
Benefits of the position: contributing to a historic project, working with a dynamic and motivated team, keeping fit, generous benefits after the probationary period, continuous training, flexible hours, and much more!

Apply for this job

Anyone interested should send their curriculum vitae, by July 10, 2022, by email to:

Parc du canal de Soulanges
Email: direction@canaldesoulanges.ca

*The masculine is used for the sole purpose of lightening the text.
*Photo credit: Étienne Lamoureux

22Feb

Activities Art et culture Biking Environment Events Heritage Kayak Piste cyclable Yoga

Job offer! Recreation attendants (seasonal job)

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

22 February 2022

Job offer! Recreation attendants (seasonal)

The Soulanges Canal Park, through Development (DEV) Vaudreuil-Soulanges, is looking for dynamic and autonomous people who will ensure the smooth running of leisure activities in the park for the summer of 2022!

The recreation attendants will be involved in many contexts, including the Soulanges bike path, boat rentals, Zen Saturdays, activities at L’Embouchure and various other projects.

Functions

Assist the permanent team in planning projects and events in the park for the summer of 2022;
Participate in the implementation of projects, including site development, logistics, maintenance, etc.;
Ensure reception, take statistics and photos during activities;
Tour the park sectors to check the smooth running of activities, security and cleaning;
Interact with visitors and respond to requests for information;
Depending on the profile, contribute to communication tools, development projects or other;
All other tasks aimed at helping the park team in the accomplishment of its mission.

Requirements and Qualifications

Be under the age of 30;
Have experience in the fields of tourism, outdoor activities, culture or community animation;
Attention to detail and sensitive to customer experience and security;
Demonstrate the following professional attitudes and behaviors: teamwork skills, creativity,
autonomy, dynamism, versatility, sense of initiative, sense of organization;
Want to work outside and be in good physical shape;
Be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends;
Hold a valid driver’s license and be able to travel in the municipalities of Pointe-des-Cascades, Les Cèdres, Coteau-du-Lac and Les Coteaux;
Bilingualism (an asset).

Working conditions

Salary: $17.00 per hour
Schedule : 30 hours / week
Duration: 12 to 15 weeks
Start: Be available on weekends from mid-May. Full time starting mid-June.

Apply for this job

Anyone interested should send their curriculum vitae, by March 13, 2022, by email to:

Soulanges Canal Park
Email: direction@canaldesoulanges.ca

*The masculine is used for the sole purpose of lightening the text.
*Photo credit : L’art de capter par Josiane Farand

15Sep

Art et culture Environment Heritage

The MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges presents the new vision of the Soulanges canal

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

15 September 2021

September 15, 2021

The MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges presents its new vision for the Soulanges canal

The Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC brought together its partners and media representatives to present the new vision of the Soulanges canal. This announcement marks the launch of the new era surrounding the Soulanges canal. Indeed, during the press conference, the MRC underlined the agreement it signed with the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) which allows it to set up the parc régional du canal de Soulanges and announced the winner of the project competition for the cultural and landscaping of the Canal-de-Soulanges park. With these announcements, we are truly witnessing a reappropriation of the Soulanges canal by the community.

To guide its work in recent years, the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges has adopted the following guiding parameters:

The park must be accessible to all;
The canal must first serve the Vaudreuil-Soulangeois;
The canal must become a living and unifying place, synonymous with pride for the region;
The canal must move from a passive stage into a dynamic space for the community;
The regional park and its surroundings must constitute a space with high recreational and tourist potential;
It is essential to maintain the navigability parameters of the Soulanges canal.

« Avec les annonces d’aujourd’hui, le canal de Soulanges entre réellement dans une nouvelle ère. La région se réapproprie enfin son plus grand joyau patrimonial pour le transformer en un lieu dynamique et vivant pour tous les citoyens de Vaudreuil-Soulanges. La mise en valeur prendra certainement plusieurs années, mais nous sommes aujourd’hui au premier jour de celle-ci » said Patrick Bousez, prefect of the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges and mayor of the municipality of Rivière-Beaudette.

Signature of the agreement with the Ministère des Transports du Québec

The MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the Ministère des Transports du Québec as well as the municipalities of Pointe-des-Cascades, Les Cèdres, Coteau-du-Lac and Les Coteaux have signed agreements that officially allow the transformation of the Soulanges canal and its surrounding areas in a regional park. This mainly administrative gesture therefore allows the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges and its municipalities to carry out more actions around the Soulanges canal. It was following this agreement that it was possible to set up the parc régional du canal de Soulanges.

During the election campaign in 2018, I put all my heart on the table by saying this; « Je vais tout faire pour que le canal soit accessible aux activités touristiques et récréatives ». Thanks to the mobilization of the community, today after more than 40 years, our government has taken an important and significant step by signing the management agreement for the development of the Soulanges canal with the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges. Je suis très fière de participer au développement et l’épanouissement d’un joyau qui contribue à notre enrichissement sportif, culturel et touristique dans la magnifique région de Soulanges », underlined Ms. Marilyne Picard, Member of Parliament for Soulanges.

The creation of the Société de gestion du canal de Soulanges

In order to ensure the day-to-day management of the new Soulanges Canal Regional Park, the MRC has set up the Société de gestion du canal de Soulanges, which is a non-profit organization. This is how it will ensure the management of operations such as, maintenance of works and grounds, supervision and organization of events, application of park regulations and that it will develop and implement implements the park’s master plan.

The board is made up of the general managers of the four municipalities crossed by the canal in addition to having representatives from the cultural, tourist and river sectors. Ms. Marianne Sigouin-Lebel from Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges is the director.

The winner of the project competition for the cultural and landscaping of the Canal-de-Soulanges park

In January 2021, the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the Ministry of Culture and Communications launched the Project competition for the cultural and landscaping of the Canal-de-Soulanges park in order to design a vision of enhancement anchored in the environment and carried by the population. Accompanied by Ms. Isabelle Giasson, from the firm EVOQ Architecture, the competition, which was held in two stages, made it possible to receive many interesting proposals to establish a clear vision for the enhancement of the canal. After deliberations by the jury of the competition composed of eight members and chaired by Mr. Philippe Lupien, professor at the design school of UQAM, it is the team made up of the firm Collectif Escargo in collaboration with the firm Rousseau Lefebvre and of Ms. Geneviève Murray, museologist and consultant in cultural project management, who won the competition with her proposal Passagers .

Based on the theme of the trip, Passagers is a course strewn with surprises over 23 kilometers, which prompts you to come back. Each stopover becomes an adventure, a precious moment, an opportunity to learn an unusual fact, to see nature differently or to experience an amazing collective event. « Les membres du jury et l’équipe lauréate ont fait un excellent travail. Ils ont réussi à illustrer notre vision du canal de Soulanges et à soumettre une proposition qui nous fait rêver au canal de demain », underlined Mr. Raymond Larouche, president of the Table du canal de Soulanges at the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges and mayor of the Municipality of Les Cèdres.

Discover the short video allowing you to experience the trip proposed by the winner:

About the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Source: press release from the MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
To view the original post, follow this link: https://mrcvs.ca/vision_canal-de-soulanges/

Main photo credit: Collectif Escargo.

19Apr

Activities Environment Events Kayak

A first “paddling event” in the canal on July 10!

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

19 April 2021

June 22, 2021

A first paddling event in the Soulanges canal as part of the Mois de l’eau.

The Conseil du bassin versant de la region de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (COBAVER) and Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV), in collaboration with the ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC), invite the population to come celebrate Le Mois de l’eau on the Soulanges canal with their small boat.

Explore the Soulanges canal in a different way

With nearly 130 years of history, the Soulanges Canal is a regional museum on the water that has played an important role in the development of navigation in Canada. Its contemplation reminds us of the technological prowess of the time.

Mois de l’eau is a great opportunity to reclaim our rivers by navigating them. Whether by kayak, canoe or paddle board, the descent of the Soulanges canal will allow you to discover it differently, while reflecting on the importance of water, its challenges and the ecological services that this resource. provides us.

Date: Saturday July 10, 2021. Postponed to the next day in case of rain.
Cost: Free. Participants must own and transport their boat. Limited places, registration required.
Location: Meeting point and departure point of the land shuttle: Pointe-des-Cascades
Difficulty level: Intermediate. Route: 7.5 km from Les Cèdres (chemin Saint-Féréol) to the heart of the village of Pointe-des-Cascades.
Duration: between 2 and 4 hours, with two portages on the route (including one of 400 meters).

For details and registration, visit https://canaldesoulanges.ca/eventer/descente-du-canal

Context

In recent years, a non-motorized boat rental kiosk has been located in the heart of Coteau-du-Lac and provides access to a canal basin for amateur paddlers, as well as the most seasoned. It is in this context and by noting the growing enthusiasm for paddle sports in the canal combined with the lack of accessibility to the rivers of the region that the COBAVER and DEV have undertaken to set up an activity allowing to explore several consecutive sections of the canal. 2021 will see the birth of this event, with the stated objective of transforming this activity into an annual meeting for the citizens of Vaudreuil-Soulanges and for visitors.

«Mois de l’eau Water Month is a great opportunity to kick off the event. The loss of public riparian land has reduced accessibility to the region’s bodies of water and rivers in recent years. This association with DEV at the Soulanges canal will increase this accessibility and the population’s contact with nature, as well as with the history of the region ” says Julie Cyr, director of COBAVER-VS.

June – Mois de l’eau

The Mois de l’eau initiative is provided for in the 2018-2023 Action Plan of the Quebec Water Strategy, which deploys concrete measures to protect, use and manage water and aquatic environments responsibly, integrated and sustainable. This year, Mois de l’eauwill be all about stormwater runoff. A diffuse and insidious source of pollution that affects the quantity and quality of water. For more details, visit www.moisdeleau.org or COBAVER-VS paper on the subject.

About the partners

Conseil du bassin versant de la région de Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Founded in 2009, le Conseil du bassin versant de la région de Vaudreuil-Soulanges is a non-profit watershed organization mandated by the Government of Quebec to develop, update and implement the region’s Water Master Plan. and ensure consultation, planning and coordination of integrated water management in the territory.

Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges’s mission is to promote regional economic effervescence and growth. The organization has been involved in the development and enhancement of the Soulanges canal since it was given this mandate by the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges in 2017.

Photo credit: Olivier Langevin.

15Apr

Activities Biking Environment Events Piste cyclable

Collective clean up chore in honor of Earth Day

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

15 April 2021

April 14, 2021

Collective clean up chore for Earth Day

Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV) and the municipalities bordering the Soulanges bike path invite citizens to a great collective chore in honor of Earth Day. Earth Day is a great time to get involved for the planet and this collective chore is the perfect way to start the beautiful season.

The chore will be held on April 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the municipalities of Pointe-des-Cascades, Les Cèdres, Coteau-du-Lac, Les Coteaux, Saint-Zotique and Rivière-Beaudette. In order to ensure compliance with sanitary measures and control attendance, registrations are required this year. Those wishing to register are invited to do so at www.canaldesoulanges.ca. On the day of the event, bags and gloves will be provided for those who do not have them. Note that the event is postponed to the next day in the event of bad weather.

Sanitary measures

Departures could be done in waves, if the number of participants requires it. Information will be emailed to registrants where applicable. When registering, the names of all group participants must be indicated in the web form. The organizers wish to remind that outdoor activities are authorized in our region provided that the groups do not exceed eight people and that they wear a face covering if they do not come from the same home.

About the Soulanges cycling path

Official opening of the bike path is on May 1st. The Soulanges bike path is part of the green route no.5, which links the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region to Ontario and the island of Montreal. The Soulanges bike path is a 36 kilometer multifunctional trail, the first 23 kilometers of which run along the Soulanges Canal, a heritage and recreational infrastructure of prime importance for the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region.

15Sep

Environment Events

ZIP Committee Clean-Up initiative with Fonds d’action Saint-Laurent

Marianne Sigouin-Lebel

15 September 2020

September 15th, 2020

ZIP Committee Clean-Up initiative

If you visited the west end of the Soulanges canal on September 11, you may have noticed a group of divers, volunteers and committee members from ZIP Haut-Saint-Laurent hard at work. They were all out in support of Semaine du Saint-Laurent, a week celebrating the famous river. ZIP coordinated an effort with multiple partners to clean up the riverbed and bank, in service of the greater goal of restoring the St. Lawrence River eco-system. The initiative was financed by the Fonds d’action Saint-Laurent (FASL) and the Programme maritime pour la biodiversité du Saint-Laurent in collaboration with the Government of Québec.

The clean-up was a great success. More than 50 people gave their time, removing a significant amount of trash from the waterway. We would like to thank the ZIP committee for this wonderful initiative and for their continued efforts to protect our natural environments!

For more information about the ZIP committee and its mission, please visit their website: http://www.ziphsl.org/

Photo credit: Elizabeth Leroux

Source : Marianne Sigouin-Lebel, chef de projet Canal de Soulanges

mslebel@developpementvs.com | 450 424-2262, poste 3231

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Category: Environment

July 26, 2023

Public notice – call for tenders for resurfacing sections of the Soulanges Cycling Path

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The Cycle Polymer Work, by Philippe Corriveau, inaugurated in the Nature Park!

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May 12, 2023

Job offer!

July 12, 2022

Second edition of the paddle up event in the Soulanges Canal

See the Soulanges Canal from a unique perspective

June – Mois de l’eau

About the partners

Job offer! Development agent, site and amenities

Job offer! Recreation attendants (seasonal)

September 15, 2021

The MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges presents its new vision for the Soulanges canal

June 22, 2021

April 14, 2021

Collective clean up chore for Earth Day

September 15th, 2020

ZIP Committee Clean-Up initiative

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