Ducks Unlimited Canada inaugurates an Ecological Retention Basin to benefit biodiversity and the community

Today, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) inaugurated the revitalized Chemin Doré retention basin, together with its partners: Microsoft Canada and the City of Donnacona. Once used solely for stormwater management purposes, this retention basin is now a vibrant habitat for wildlife and flora, as well as a green space for the community to explore, while maintaining its hydraulic functions.

A retention basin inspired by a natural marsh

Water retention basins collect and temporarily store rainwater runoff from impermeable surfaces such as roads and parking lots. The Chemin Doré basin was already fulfilling this essential hydraulic role, but its ecological and social potential had not been fully explored. The new development preserves the stormwater management function, while drawing on characteristics of natural marshes.

More specifically, the basin has been redesigned and expanded to create varying depths, helping it maintain stable water levels throughout the seasons and supporting the growth of vegetation adapted to wet conditions. As this vegetation takes root, the area will provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for various species, such as blue-winged teals, tree swallows, and leopard frogs. The basin also serves as a natural water filtration system, increases the area’s resilience to heavy rainfall and periods of drought, and improves the natural landscape.

“This project is tangible proof that an existing structure can be enhanced by a solution inspired by nature, benefiting both biodiversity and the community. This approach could be replicated in other municipalities or, better yet, incorporated from the outset when planning new neighbourhoods to create more resilient communities,” says Mélanie Deslongchamps, Manager of Provincial Operations in Quebec for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

A destination for observation and discovery

A wooden boardwalk leading to an observation deck now offers a panoramic view of the ecological retention basin. The community can now enjoy this space, observe the flora and fauna, and educate itself thanks to the interpretative panels present onsite.

In August 2026, 30 children ages 10 to 12 were invited to help build and install nest boxes at an event organized in partnership with the Corporation du bassin de la Jacques-Cartier and the Donnacona summer day camp. These structures provide shelter for certain species, such as pollinating insects and cavity-nesting birds.

“In Donnacona, we believe that land planning goes hand in hand with environmental protection. This community project is a great example: the retention basin has become a vibrant habitat, benefiting biodiversity, local residents, and the community at large. I am proud of this achievement, which was made possible thanks to the exemplary collaboration of several partners,” highlights Donnacona Mayor Jean-Claude Léveillée.

“Supporting sustainable, community-led projects and creating local benefits is central to Microsoft’s commitments to the communities in which we operate. We are proud to work together with Ducks Unlimited Canada, the City of Donnacona, and the Corporation du bassin de la Jacques-Cartier to transform this stormwater retention basin into a permanent wetland that strengthens biodiversity, improves water quality, and helps build a more resilient future” explains Heather Oliver, Senior Community Affairs Manager at Microsoft.

About the project and its partners

Ducks Unlimited Canada provided its technical expertise, developed the design concept, and supervised the work. The City of Donnacona, which owns and manages the property, provided support to the project. The Corporation du bassin de la Jacques-Cartier contributed to the design, development, and monitoring, while local contractor, Rochette Excavation Inc., carried out the work.

The project received financial support from Microsoft Canada and was carried out through the Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project, a financial assistance program co-funded by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the gouvernement du Québec.

About Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the country’s largest land conservancy and a leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with Indigenous Peoples, government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.

About the ACSQ project

The Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project is a co-funding agreement between the gouvernement du Québec and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), benefiting Quebec conservation organizations. The project aims to protect and conserve natural habitats of ecological interest, notably through the acquisition of private land, for protected and conserved areas and the establishment of ecological corridors. Through this, the ACSQ will promote the development and sound management of the network of protected areas on private land, as well as public access to nature. The funds invested by the gouvernement du Québec over five years must be matched by NCC and its partners with other funds not provided by the gouvernement du Québec.

About the Nature Conservancy of Canada

Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. As an environmental charity working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive. Learn more at natureconservancy.ca.

About the City of Donnacona

Donnacona, a vibrant town worth exploring—and a great place to live. Combining the best of what a large city and a small town have to offer, Donnacona provides its 7,809 residents with an unmatched quality of life. Built on sound management and administrative efficiency, the City of Donnacona stands out for its strong commitment to diversified development as well as dynamic growth in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Nestled between the St. Lawrence River and Rivière Jacques-Cartier, just 20 minutes west of the City of Québec, Donnacona is a shining beacon and socioeconomic hub of southeastern Portneuf.