The Bouthillier Marsh Walkway is getting rehabilitated

The Town of Rosemère is receiving up to $150,000 in financial assistance from the Ministère de l’Éducation to rehabilitate the Bouthillier Marsh walkway. The funding is being provided under the Programme de soutien à la mise à niveau et à l’amélioration des sentiers et des sites de pratique d’activités de plein air (PSSPA). The total cost of the project is approximately $500,000.

The aim of this undertaking is to ensure the safety and durability of the walkway, which was built a decade ago and has since become a popular destination for residents of Rosemère and surrounding communities. Certain sections of the walkway will be renovated, including the posts, decking and several key structural elements. Work will begin in winter 2022–2023, once the various planning stages have been completed, the project has been reviewed by the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques and the work has been tendered and contracted out. The project will take place in the winter to avoid damaging the wetlands.

 

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The Bouthillier Marsh, declared a conservation zone more than 30 years ago, boasts a diverse array of plant and animal life. The marsh has the distinction of being located in an urban environment close to major public roads and a commercial area. The walkway is in a culturally and historically significant part of the town, which also includes Hamilton House, an official heritage site and cultural centre for the community. The picturesque surroundings explain the walkway’s appeal.

As a waterfront community along the Mille Îles River, Rosemère is home to some 50 wetlands in all. The city oversees their conservation, allowing public access to select areas. Recently, the administration restored the Tylee Marsh walkway, which had endured damage due to spring thaws. “The rehabilitation of the Bouthillier Marsh walkway will improve the safety of the site and the quality of the visitor experience,” said Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. “Its restoration will also help ensure it can withstand the increase in foot traffic that has occurred since the pandemic and even accommodate more people as required. Residents have gotten into the habit of heading out to our green spaces more often, and more visitors are discovering the City’s many charms as they explore our natural areas.”

“The announcement of the PSSPA investment in the Bouthillier Marsh walkway will help enhance Rosemère’s trails. Our communities have taken steps during the pandemic to improve their recreational facilities so people can engage in active pursuits closer to home. This project, combined with the restoration of the Tylee Marsh walkway, will be good for the local population and for the area’s tourism and recreation industry”, said Eric Girard, Member for Groulx, Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation.

The objectives of the PSSPA are to:

– Improve the sustainability, functionality, safety and quality of trails and other sites where outdoor activities take place;

– Enhance the quality of the experience and make outdoor activities easier to engage in;

– Increase the use of trails and outdoor activity sites;

– Address the needs of outdoor activity enthusiasts and raise public awareness of the benefits of these pursuits.