Study confirms high recreational potential of Rivière du Nord between Mirabel and Saint-André-d'Argenteuil

Photo credit: Enclume/Karl Dorais Kinkaid

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montréal, May 15, 2024 - A two-part study reveals that the water quality of the Rivière du Nord along the 55 km between Mirabel and Saint-André-d'Argenteuil is adequate for recreational water sports (canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding), but not for swimming. The study also identified and characterized 14 public access points to the river that, once developed, would have the potential to make it a major recreational tourism destination for the greater Montreal region.

Fondation Rivières monitored water quality 3 times a week between July and September 2023 at nine locations on the river between Saint-Jérôme and Saint-André d'Argenteuil. While swimming is not recommended at any time, water quality was adequate for recreational boating unless 15 to 18 mm of rain had fallen in the last 72 hours. Rainfall causes wastewater discharges that adversely affect water quality. Despite the particularly wet summer of 2023, water quality was adequate on 83 of the 122 days during the summer period.

“If the same measures had been taken in 2022, water quality would have been adequate 99 days during the summer, which is perfectly acceptable."says André Bélanger, General Manager of Fondation Rivières.

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In addition to reducing wastewater discharges, the report highlights disinfection issues at the Saint-Canut wastewater treatment plant, a problem that the City of Mirabel is committed to resolving by December 31, 2026.

The river's water quality is influenced by the Saint-Antoine and Lajeunesse creeks and the Rivière de l'Ouest, tributaries of the Rivière du Nord, which are heavily contaminated, the report reveals. Non-compliant septic systems, reverse connections and agricultural land application could be to blame.

The second phase, carried out by Coopérative Enclume, assessed the potential for development and enhancement of the river for recreational activities and contemplation. A total of 14 potential access points to the river were identified for their strategic position, accessibility, landscape qualities and cultural and historical interest. The assessment process was threefold: a field analysis, meetings with key local stakeholders, and an analysis of available documentation, including geomatic data. The study identified at least five canoe and kayak routes on the river, appealing to a diverse clientele in search of a variety of experiences.

"Access is varied, making it possible to integrate services and activities related to non-motorized water sports. The Rivière du Nord has incredible recreational and tourism potential for the greater Montreal area".says Karl Dorais Kinkaid, urban planner at Enclume.

By combining data on water quality and the potential for tourism development, Fondation Rivières and Enclume believe that regional-scale development of the Rivière du Nord would be a major structuring project for this region, which shares a common history and a special relationship with the river.

"The Rivière du Nord has enormous tourist potential for water-based activities. That's why we've invested in developing access to the Bellefeuille and Rivière du Nord, and why we want to accelerate the implementation of a disinfection system at the Mirabel (Saint-Canut) wastewater treatment plant to stem the concentrations of fecal coliforms discharged into its tributary. With the collaboration of the towns of Saint-Jérôme and Lachute, not only will our citizens be able to take advantage of the attractions and activities available on the river, but in the not-too-distant future, they'll be able to enjoy a natural spot for family bathing," he adds. says Patrick Charbonneau, Mayor of Mirabel.

"The vitality of the Rivière du Nord is of paramount importance to the citizens of Lachute, not only because it runs through the heart of our town, but above all because it is of enormous importance to the population, whether in terms of access to water, tourism or the ecological health of the territory. This is why the city is increasingly involved in structuring projects around the river, such as the study of the freedom space, the development of riparian strips, the funding of two sampling stations to monitor water quality, and the desire to restore access to water for citizens. I'm therefore proud of this intermunicipal collaboration, which will benefit both ecology and citizens." says Bernard Bigras-Denis, Mayor of Lachute.

About the Fondation Rivières
For the past 20 years, Fondation Rivières has been working to preserve, restore and enhance the natural character of rivers, and to help ensure water quality and access to water for the people of Quebec, taking into account social, environmental and economic dimensions. It carries out bacteriological quality studies for various municipalities, including Chambly, Repentigny and Mercier.

About the Enclume cooperative

Since 2012, the Enclume cooperative has been working to strengthen the collective character of Quebec's territory by ingeniously and sensitively accompanying communities in the development and enhancement of their environment. Driven by an interdisciplinary team and a collaborative approach, our projects take shape at the intersection of research, design and planning. Interested in the challenges of today and tomorrow, we propose tailor-made solutions inspired by the territory and its history.

Fondation Rivières would like to emphasize that this study was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation as part of the Fonds régions et ruralité's Soutien au rayonnement des régions program.

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