From Olympic Stadium Roof to Open Water: Montreal’s Innovative Approach to Sailing Access
For Yves Plante, sailing from Montreal to the Caribbean is as routine as a trip to the corner store. But this wasn’t always the case. Growing up in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec, a region he describes as “farmer country,” Plante’s path to a life on the water wasn’t preordained. A chance encounter while canoeing sparked a passion that he’s now dedicated to sharing with others, regardless of their background or financial means.
Breaking Down Barriers to Boating
Plante is one of the creators of Jeunes Marins Urbains (JMU), a Montreal non-profit focused on increasing access to sailing. JMU is tackling a fundamental problem: many people lack the initial exposure and opportunity to get involved in the sport. “If you don’t have a father, a mother, an uncle who has got a boat and they introduce you, it’s OK. But if you don’t, you have no introduction and no occasion,” Plante explains. JMU aims to be that introduction, offering free sailing workshops and boat-building opportunities.
Repurposing the Past for a Sustainable Future
This winter, JMU is hosting public workshops at Montreal’s Olympic Park, inviting volunteers to help refurbish their fleet of eight wooden boats. But the project goes beyond simply repairing vessels. It’s a story of resourceful repurposing. The organization is utilizing materials from unexpected sources, including wood donated from trees felled due to illness in Montreal’s parks, and even components from deconstructed ladders.
Perhaps most strikingly, JMU is incorporating material from the dismantled roof of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. The stadium’s former roof, removed in 2024, is being creatively reused by various Montreal organizations. Les Filles Fattoush restaurant is using the wood for shelving, while Atelier 1142 is crafting bags. For JMU, the material will serve as a protective covering for the boat structures, ensuring they float. “You are sailing on a story,” says Clément Le Roux, a project manager with JMU. “You are sailing on something you maybe saw your entire life living in Montreal.”
More Than Just a Sport: Building Community on the Water
The workshops are fostering a sense of community. Francis Des Alliers and Jenneffer Alain, who met through the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program, are among the volunteers contributing their time. Alain notes a common misconception about Montreal’s waterways, stating that many believe they are unsanitary and avoid them. JMU hopes to challenge this perception and encourage more people to experience the city from a different perspective.
Le Roux, who immigrated to Quebec from France, emphasizes the transformative power of connecting with the water. He describes the St. Lawrence River as “a road to go from point A to point B,” a map that reveals a latest way to experience the city. He believes early exposure to boating fosters a lifelong appreciation for natural bodies of water.
The Challenge of Sustaining the Momentum
While JMU is successfully creating opportunities, Plante recognizes a key challenge: retaining experienced sailors to act as instructors. “The biggest problem is not to start the spark. It’s to keep people teaching, finding other skippers, other captains. It’s not uncomplicated,” he admits.
Plante too advocates for greater public access to waterways throughout Quebec. He points to a recent report by the Fondation Rivières, which revealed that 98 per cent of lakes and rivers in southern Quebec are inaccessible due to privatization. He believes increased access, particularly for small vessels like kayaks and canoes, is crucial for fostering a broader appreciation for the province’s aquatic resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Jeunes Marins Urbains? JMU is a Montreal non-profit that provides access to sailing for those without the means, offering free workshops and boat-building opportunities.
- Where are the workshops held? The winter workshops are currently taking place at Montreal’s Olympic Park.
- What materials are being used to refurbish the boats? JMU is utilizing donated wood from trees cut down due to illness, materials from deconstructed ladders, and components from the former roof of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
- Are the workshops open to beginners? Yes, the workshops are open to the public regardless of prior experience.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of community involvement! Volunteering with organizations like JMU is a great way to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and contribute to a worthy cause.
Did you know? The revitalization of the Olympic Stadium roof materials is part of a larger trend of urban repurposing, where discarded items are given new life and value.
Interested in learning more about JMU and their initiatives? Consider volunteering your time or exploring other organizations dedicated to increasing access to sailing and water sports in your community.
