Despite the exceptional situation: a positive summer season at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Laval, October 13, 2020 - On October 12, visitors to Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles enjoyed the last departures on the river before the boat rental center officially closes. The arrival of autumn signals the end of the 2020 summer season. With an uncertain start, caused by this unusual situation, the boat rental center is nonetheless delighted with the number of visitors following a fine summer, marked by innovative initiatives.

Although the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles had to assume additional, unplanned costs, such as the deployment of extra staff, the cost of complying with sanitary measures, the losses incurred by the interruption of venue rentals and the reduction in visitor capacity, the summer season was unquestionably satisfactory. The success of this extraordinary season was due in particular to the wide range of outdoor activities on offer: introductory kayak and paddleboard courses, kayaking at dusk, river cruises and boat rentals.

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles has been able to respond to citizens' desire to escape and enjoy the great outdoors, acting as an oasis in the heart of the city. The creation of an operations committee, accompanied by enlightened planning, enabled the park to rethink its entire offering and adapt all its practices to meet the evolving recommendations of the Public Health Department. During the summer, thanks to the team's collective efforts, no case of COVID-19 was reported at the Park, whether among regular customers, participants in the "Aventuriers de nature" day camp or members of our seasonal and permanent teams. We're also proud of our visitors' overall satisfaction, which underscores the relevance of our actions and efforts throughout the summer season.

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles closes the season by welcoming Mr. David Maréchal as President of its Board of Directors. A Laval citizen, David Maréchal is Director of Quality and Environment at Kiewit and sits on the City of Laval's urban planning committee. "I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited at the prospect of working with Éco-Nature, an organization whose mission to protect and enhance the environment is very much in line with my own values. I'm a member of the national dragon boat team, and I know the Rivière des Mille-Îles well, since I sail there throughout the summer season for training, but also for pure pleasure. I intend to continue the excellent work of my predecessors, while putting to good use my knowledge of the environment and my love of nature," (Translation) he declared following his appointment. Mr. Maréchal will provide invaluable support as he joins Éco-Nature at a key moment in the Park's growth and expansion of its offering.

The Park is currently in the planning and preparation phase for winter. Keep an eye on social media and the Park's website for winter programming filled with memorable activities, an abundance of snow - that's what we're asking Mother Nature for - and beautiful red cheeks.

In the meantime, the entire Parc team would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have made the 2020 season possible, despite the difficulties and uncertainty!