Laval, June 16, 2021 - June 15 saw the official opening of the Rallye des rivières organized by the Centre d'Interprétation de l'Eau de Laval (C.I.EAU). Created in June 2012, on the banks of the Rivière des Mille Îles, the Rallye des rivières is reinventing itself for summer 2021. In addition to adding nine (9) new kiosks on the Rivière des Prairies, C.I.EAU has revamped the existing kiosks, created a fun mobile app linking them and made the experience accessible at all times to young and old alike.
In collaboration with the Ministère des Affaires Municipales et de l'Habitation, the Ville de Laval, the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation, the Ministère du Tourisme and Tourisme Laval, this year's tour is even bigger. Now comprising sixteen (16) educational and fun stations around the island of Laval, the circuit can be completed by bike, car or motorized two-wheeler. C.I.EAU is therefore offering participants a route of up to 125 km, including the five (5) other kiosks that will be added this summer on the north shore of the Mille Îles River to enhance the experience. There will thus be a total of 21 Rallye des rivières markers in 2021.
The new georeferenced mobile application completes the River Rally experience! Available in both French and English, it will accompany participants throughout the Rally. It's a fun way to collect object cards divided into five categories. This giant treasure hunt spread out along the circuit will appeal to visitors of all ages. The mobile application includes content dedicated to adults, as well as content adapted for families with children. It will be available free of charge on IOS and Android under the name "CIEAU".
Water Month
June being Water Month, the River Rally is the ideal activity to learn more about the beauty, particularities, history and important role of the Mille Îles and Prairies rivers and their tributaries. Hikers, cyclists and other Rally participants will be able to discover the enchanting attractions of bucolic landscapes and biodiversity, as well as some of the local businesses in the area, which will be happy to offer their varied products.
"This initiative, supported by the Fonds d'appui au rayonnement des régions, raises public awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. This activity also allows citizens and tourists to discover rivers from different points of view. I'm proud that the new markers will help highlight Laval's attractions and landscapes," says Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
"Quebec is one of the most beautiful places in the world to enjoy an outdoor vacation. Whether on foot or by bike, visitors can take part in the River Rally in an environmentally-friendly way. I'm very proud that EDNET's support for the project encourages an original and fun way to discover the region, while taking concrete action for the environment and the protection of our waterways. They are one of Quebec's signatures," adds Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism.
"Water is omnipresent in our lives, and the new Rallye des rivières route helps us to better understand the fundamental role of this essential resource, as well as enabling C.I.EAU to reach an unprecedented number of citizens. This initiative is in line with our mission to raise public awareness of the importance of the Rivière des Mille Îles and Rivière des Prairies in terms of water protection issues," says Denise Cloutier, C.I.EAU's Executive Director.
A connected circuit
A true open-air museum, the River Rally is also a connected activity. Thanks to the new version of the application, developed by IDU interactive Inc. as part of the "Primo-adoptant" call for proposals issued by the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation (MEI), the recreation and tourism trail allows visitors to reconnect with nature as the warm weather arrives.
"The creation of this new mobile application proves, once again, that the region's tourism players have no shortage of creativity when it comes to helping us discover Laval's treasures. This project is a unique opportunity to enjoy a fun, educational and interactive experience," emphasizes Geneviève Roy, President and CEO of Tourisme Laval.
"Participating in the Rallye des rivières is a unique opportunity to witness the harmony that exists between Laval's urban development and the conservation and enhancement of the natural environments and rivers that surround the city. I invite everyone to come out and discover the beauty of Laval's riverbanks, whether along the Rivière des Prairies or the Rivière des Mille Îles, thanks to this captivating route," concludes Marc Demers, Mayor of Laval.
Discover the beauty of Île Jésus by exploring its shores and downloading the mobile application today!
About C.I.EAU
The Centre d'interprétation de l'eau (C.I.EAU) is a non-profit organization that inaugurated its permanent exhibition Le chemin de l'eau : de la rivière à la rivière on September 29, 2008. Since then, C.I.EAU has gone from strength to strength, with a host of projects, including Lab'eau, to the delight of thousands of visitors of all ages. C.I.EAU's activities are designed to help citizens discover the urban water cycle, from the river to the tap, and from the toilet to the river, via drinking water production and purification plants. Through its various activities, exhibitions, educational activities, conferences and events, the C.I.EAU team aims to raise visitors' awareness of the major issues affecting the priceless resource of water, and to bring about changes in people's habits.
Information :
For further information, please contact
Sophie Charlier, BICOM
[email protected], 438 388-7762
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