Nautical activities

BOAT LAUNCH RESTRICTED TO HUMAN-POWERED OR ELECTRICALLY-POWERED BOATS

In the interest of the environment in the region and in order to prevent erosion and safeguard the fragile biodiversity of the shoreline, access to the Charbonneau Park boat launch will be restricted to human-powered or electrically-powered boats as of mid-June. It will therefore no longer be possible to launch boats powered by gasoline or hydrocarbon engines.

“Rosemère has always shown leadership in environmental matters and occupies an enviable position, particularly with regard to the protection of its natural environment. The Mille Îles River is a natural treasure and is home to many species of endangered species,” explained Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. “Oil pollution disrupts the river's fragile ecosystem and waves generated by motors cause shoreline erosion. Moreover, this decision is perfectly in line with the shoreline redevelopment project that will be carried out this summer at Charbonneau Park and which consists of planting trees, shrubs and various plants, in the littoral and riparian zone, that are adapted to this environment and will contribute to restoring this highly valuable ecological environment. Every effort is being made to protect and conserve the Milles Îles river and thereby ensure the quality of our drinking water,” added the Mayor in his closing remarks.

Personal identification number required

As it may be recalled, only Rosemerites are authorized at all times to launch a boat at the Charbonneau Park boat launch in order to reduce traffic there. A barrier is in place to control access. Owners of electric- or human-powered boats must therefore obtain a personal identification number (PIN) every year. This number is free of charge, confidential and specific to each resident. It should be noted that the PINs assigned to residents last year will be re-set and that they will have to obtain a new one for this year.

To obtain this PIN, Rosemère residents must fill out the form available in the "Download" section (on the left of this page) and make an appointment by phone at loisirs@ville.rosemere.qc.ca. PLEASE ALLOW TWO WORKING DAYS FOR THE NIP TO BE OBTAINED.

Only the owner of the boat can apply. Proof of ownership is required (boat serial number and Pleasure Craft Operator Card).

IMPORTANT It is strictly forbidden to share your PIN number or you will lose your access to the boat launch. The PIN holder must be on site at all times during the use of the boat launch and the aquatic recreational activity, otherwise his or her access code may be withdrawn. It is not possible to approach the waterfront without a PIN.

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PARKING

During your trip on the river, vehicles must be parked at Town Hall or at the arena.

It is strictly forbidden to park your vehicle near the gate or to use the spaces in front of Charbonneau Park.

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PROTECTION OF THE RIVER AGAINST BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

To avoid contaminating the river, citizens must rinse clean their boat at home.

Cleaning your equipment and watercraft, at a safe distance from any body of water, will help to preserve a balanced environment. Help prevent the spread of invasive species by following these four steps before leaving a site, or before visiting another body of water.

• Inspect any equipment that has been in contact with the water and remove all living organisms
• Before you leave, drain any water found in or on your equipment (outboard motor, fish bags, coolers, etc.) and your watercraft
• Clean the boat and all equipment with cold water for at least 30 seconds (for other methods, see the guide below)
• Repeat these steps each time you visit a new body of water

To find out more about how to clean your equipment, see the Guide to best practice in aquatic environments to prevent
the introduction and propagation of aquatic invasive species on the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs website at https://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/la-faune/especes/envahissantes/methodes-prevention/

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SAINTE-THÉRÈSE BOAT LAUNCH

Please note that although it is located in Rosemère (111 Curé-Labelle Boulevard), the boat launch near the Marius-Dufresne Bridge belongs to the City of Sainte-Thérèse (as does the water purification station located on the same property).


The Marius-Dufresne Bridge boat launch, particularly with regard to the type of boat accepted or not, is therefore not under the authority of the Town of Rosemère.


If you have any questions on this subject, please contact the City of Sainte-Thérèse at 450 434-1440.

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WATER SAFETY

The Town of Rosemère would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the boating safety tips to adopt on the Mille Îles River, as prescribed by the Sûreté du Québec.


In case of emergency, call 911.

Navigate while remaining sober

Although it is not forbidden in Quebec to consume alcohol aboard a boat, even if it is a motorboat, boaters who consume alcohol expose themselves to the same penalties as a driver on the road, as provided for in the Criminal Code.

Operate at a safe speed

Use the factors below to determine safe speed:

• Ability to see ahead (fog, mist, rain and darkness)
• Wind, water and current conditions
• The speed at which your boat can change direction
• The number and types of vessels operating near your boat
• The presence of navigational hazards, such as rocks and stumps

Be aware of your surroundings

At all times, boaters are encouraged to be forward-thinking, vigilant and attentive while on the water:

• Anticipate careless maneuvers by other boaters
• Keep a reasonable distance from other boats
• Be aware of other boaters' sound signals
• Maneuver appropriately and quickly when a problematic situation arises

View a webinar about navigation and aquatic life (in French) by the C.I.EAU organization by clicking here.

Prepare your trips

You must have the required equipment on board your boat and check its condition before you leave:

• Wear a personal flotation device in good condition and of adequate size at all times
• Have a means of telecommunication on board (cell phone, marine radio, etc.)
• Plan your itinerary and consult the weather forecast before leaving
• Have a map of the water with you
• Inform someone of your route plan (itinerary, details on the boat and the people on board, etc.)
• Bring what you need to prevent dehydration, heat stroke and hypothermia