Press Release

For Immediate Release

 

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook reveals its “Eco-Habitats and Public Space” project: A sustainable and transformative initiative for the region

 

Coaticook, July 22nd, 2025Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is proud to reveal its new project, “Eco-Habitats and Public Space”, an ambitious and deeply human initiative born from a dream: to create a space where nature, community, and innovation come together.

Driven by a long-term vision and a deep commitment to sustainability, this $4.3 million project aims to enhance the Park’s four-season tourism offering by integrating eco-responsible, inclusive, and climate-resilient approaches, while strengthening ties with the local community.

 

Two Components, One Vision: Living Together in Harmony with Nature

🔹 8  mobile, eco-friendly eco-habitats, grouped into four thematic villages inspired by the elements — Earth, Water, Fire, and Air — will expand the Park’s accommodation options, both in summer and winter. Designed for a variety of visitor profiles, these autonomous, movable units blend comfort, simplicity, and environmental respect.

🔹 A year-round public space, vibrant, gathering, and will host, community events and activities. It will feature a multifunctional building, a four-season shelter, year-round accessible sanitary facilities, and eco-friendly, festive landscaping.

This project is a vision of a living, sustainable and human park. We deeply believe that innovation can rhyme with nature, that tourism can be responsible, and that the most beautiful projects often arise from simple dreams: that of bringing people together around a fire, a trail, or accommodation in the heart of the forest. ” Says Caroline Sage, general director of the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook

The project will also diversify visitor traffic, extend the tourism season, retain year-round staff, strengthen community connections, and offer concrete responses to the challenges of seasonality and climate change.

“This project reflects our commitment to building a sustainable park rooted in its community. It also demonstrates our organization’s ability to innovate while concretely responding to the challenges of tomorrow. It would not have been possible without the trust and support of committed partners, whom we sincerely thank. » said Sylvain Madore, Vice-President of the Board of Directors, Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook.

The Park wishes to thank its valuable partners for their support in bringing this transformative project to life: the Government of Quebec, the MRC of Coaticook, the City of Coaticook, Événement Attraction Québec through Canada Economic Development, Desjardins Caisse des Verts-Sommets de l’Estrie, and all involved collaborators.

Building a Sustainable Project Together: Testimonials from Our Partners

“This ambitious project, which combines nature tourism with responsible and sustainable tourism, is a fine example of the dynamism of our industry’s participants. I salute the Coaticook Gorge Park team, which, over the years, has built an attraction whose reputation extends far beyond the region, continues to innovate. In addition to enhancing the tourism offerings in Coaticook and the Eastern Townships, this initiative will help generate even more benefits for the community” said Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region.

“The history of Parc de la Gorge, such as the City of Coaticook, has followed the path of the Coaticook River. Starting with a trickle of determination and winding through twists and turns, they’ve laid the foundation for a great story. The eco-habitats and public space are a source of pride for the city council, once again highlighting the exceptional projects of Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook,” says Simon Madore, Mayor of Coaticook

“The RCM is proud to support promising initiatives that inspire, unite, and promote our region. This innovative and human project demonstrates a strong commitment to eco-responsibility, like the air that connects and circulates new and bold ideas,” said Bernard Marion, warden of the Coaticook RCM.

“At Desjardins, we believe that impactful projects take root in the community. Like the Earth, our commitment is solid, long-lasting, and deeply rooted in the cooperative values that define us: solidarity, responsibility, and long-term development. By supporting this inspiring project with a $35,000 contribution from our Community Development Fund, we are helping to build a vibrant gathering space where nature and people can grow together,” highlights Julie Favreau, Administrator, Caisse Desjardins des Verts-Sommets de l’Estrie.

About us

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook

Located in the Eastern Townships, Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook welcomes 270,000 visitors annually. It offers Foresta Lumina, a crossing of the longest suspended footbridge in North America, trails (hiking, biking, and snow-scooting), camping, an escape game, and activities for all seasons.

 

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Source and information

Josée Petit, Marketing and Operations Director, Foresta Lumina

819 849-2331 ext. 230, jpetit@gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca

400 St-Marc Street, Coaticook, Quebec, J1A 2M3