Photo credit: François Couture
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Montreal, the July 4, 2024 – One hundred people jumped into the river at Montreal's Old Port for the traditional Grand SplashFondation Rivières's initiative to demand a harbour bath at the Jacques-Cartier Basin and new bathing access around the island of Montreal.
Julie Roy, President of the Commission sur l'eau, l'environnement, le développement durable et les grands parcs, and Vicki Grondin, Ville-Marie Borough Councillor and member of the Commission sur l'eau, were on hand to reiterate the city's interest in developing new access to the water. Developing a harbour bath is still one of the priority actions identified in the Nature and Sports Plan of 2021.
"The dialogue is open with the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, and we'd like to demonstrate to them that the development of a harbour bath in the calm, clean waters of the Jacques-Cartier Basin could become a signature project for Montréal," says André Bélanger, General Manager of Fondation Rivières.
Huge potential for swimming in Montreal's Old Port
The Réseau de suivi des milieux aquatiques (RSMA) has been monitoring water quality in the Jacques-Cartier Basin for over 20 years and confirms that the water in the basin is of excellent quality in dry weather. In the event of heavy rain, water quality in the basin deteriorates and returns to normal within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the intensity of sewer overflows.
The city had planned to build a harbor bath in the St. Lawrence River at the end of Quai de l'Horloge, but the project was abandoned in 2020 due to the risk of a disabled cruise ship drifting into the facilities.
Quality water at 57 locations around the island
RSMA data confirms that water quality is suitable for swimming at 57 locations around the island and that human-powered water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.) could be practised safely at 106 locations.
The City of Montreal is planning to open only three swimming areas in the river: at the future Lachine waterfront park, at Promenade Bellerive park and at Plage de l'Est. The projects are still under study. The city has only three free public accesses to natural waters, all on the west side of the island.
The start of a series of Grand Splash
Four Grand Splash events will be held elsewhere during the summer: in Sainte-Martine on July 6, in Chambly on July 7, in Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu on August 12 and in Batiscan on August 18.
About the Fondation Rivières
For 20 years, Fondation Rivières has been working to preserve, restore and enhance the natural character of rivers and help ensure water quality and access to water for the people of Quebec. Since 2019, the Foundation has organized the Grand Splash.
- 30 -
Source
Yannick B. Gélinas
Communications Manager
Fondation Rivières
514-272-2666, ext. 307