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Parc des Papetiers et marina Grand-Mère
By : BC2
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Public Space : Gold Certification
The City of Shawinigan acquired a former industrial site that had belonged to the pulp and paper industry for centuries in order to create a tourist attraction in the Grand-Mère sector. BC2 worked with the City to strategically position the site as a tourist attraction and to develop a master plan for the site. One of the key elements of this plan is the Parc des Papetiers and the Grand-Mère Marina, the first phase of the transformation of this large industrial site.
The design of the Parc des Papetiers is a testament to BC2’s expertise in the creation of recreational and tourist infrastructures, particularly in a river context. The magnificent views of the river, the bridge and the hydroelectric plant were integrated into the overall project, as were the vestiges of the site’s industrial past, some of which were preserved and enhanced.
The landscaped area was entirely paved and was originally used as a storage area for the paper mill’s logs. There was a large tower supporting the conveyor belt that carried the logs up and down to the piles. The large tower, along with the channel that contained a conveyor, forms the main focal point of the park, around which is a large circular walkway, where the names of the former paper mills are inscribed in atmospheric steel borders. Large staircases provide access to the top of the tower where there is an observation platform offering a magnificent view of the Saint-Maurice River and the Vieux-Pont de Grand-Mère. The park is designed to host large cultural events, including projections on the tower.
The restoration of the riverbank has transformed the landscape by reintroducing a wide range of native species, specially selected to preserve the views of the river. The shoreline is dotted with rest stops and lookouts that offer visitors many opportunities to relax and enjoy the exceptional views. The marina facilities blend seamlessly into the park without interfering with other recreational activities. Because the park is located below the surrounding residential area, a monumental staircase was created to facilitate the link between the lower and upper levels, as well as to provide access to a winter slide. Access to the park is also possible by bicycle thanks to the bicycle path that was built for this purpose along Route 173.
The development of Parc des Papetiers and Marina Grand-Mère is a success story in collaborative design. BC2 worked closely with a diverse team of professionals, including architects, engineers and biologists, to create an integrated plan that balances recreational, environmental and heritage concerns.
The Parc des Papetiers project is a perfect example of how a city can transform an industrial site into a recreational gem while preserving its heritage. BC2’s expertise in integrating environmental and heritage concerns with recreational and tourism infrastructure has allowed the city to create a new destination that is both a celebration of the past and a vision for the future.
Collaboration
