Parc de l’Île-Lebel, in Repentigny, rebranded thanks to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program!

Repentigny, June 5, 2017 – Récréotourisme Repentigny, which manages Parc de l’Île-Lebel, has been granted a non-repayable contribution of $102,500 under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)  to enhance the image of its visitor centre (Chalet Thouin) and the park’s flora and fauna along an educational pathway that combines an interactive map with augmented reality.

“Environments like Parc de l’Île-Lebel are prime gathering places. Today, as it was 150 years ago, coming together to meet others builds strong communities. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will preserve and improve our community infrastructure so that Canadians and their families can enjoy sports, cultural and recreational experiences for many years to come. I applaud the work of Récréotourisme Repentigny, which coordinated this major project,” stated the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED. 

Nature inspiring technology!
Parc de l’Île-Lebel is already a very popular spot for Repentigny residents and visitors alike. Located in the heart of the downtown area, this 15.7 ha oasis along the St. Lawrence River provides a healthy break from the urban environment. Every year, more than 200,000 visitors enjoy this window on the river. 

The Récréotourisme Repentigny team wants to inform visitors about the species in the park by creating a pathway with nine points of interest highlighting the park’s flora and wildlife. The American shad, painted turtle, common garter snake, sora, common reed, Japanese knotweed, copper redhorse, Repentigny archipelago and marshes are the points of interest that have been highlighted. This pathway is also on an interactive map that can be viewed on a giant screen in the visitor centre in Chalet Thouin and on the park’s new Internet site. Also, thanks to a free mobile application from the App Store and Google Play, as well as access to the free WiFi network, visitors will be able to experience augmented reality when they walk by some of the interpretive panels. 

“The idea is to pique people’s curiosity and bring them closer to nature, while respecting the species and their natural habitats. The addition of augmented reality will let people see certain species up close and even take selfies with them!” said Yves Le Roux, President of Récréotourisme Repentigny. 

A trendy visitor centre
To enhance the visitor experience, Chalet Thouin, which also houses the seasonal tourist information office, has replaced its furniture, revamped the interior and exterior décor and built a new terrace. The picnic areas will also feature new picnic tables designed to accommodate persons with limited mobility. 

About Récréotourisme Repentigny
Récréotourisme Repentigny is the corporate identity of the Société de développement récréotouristique de Repentigny, a non-profit organization established to provide the city with a structured, dynamic, decision-making body that fosters the development of recreational tourism and boosts attendance at the various locations and at recreational, tourist, cultural and heritage events in the area.