Major habitat revitalization in Boucherville’s Parc de la Frayère follows $1.5 million investment from Ducks Unlimited Canada and partners

Boucherville, Q.C., May 8, 2025 — Local residents and area wildlife will enjoy and experience a revitalized natural environment this spring thanks to the completion of a $1.5M wetland restoration and fish passage project in Boucherville.

These initiatives are part of Quebec’s broader efforts to preserve wetlands and associated habitats so they may, in turn, help support wildlife, water quality and resilience to severe weather events. The Boucherville project is expected to significantly contribute to biodiversity and restore ecological connectivity.

Situated on the Rivière aux Pins, the new passage facilitates the upstream migration of fish to one of the region’s most important spawning grounds, located between Montreal and Lake Saint-Pierre, in the St. Lawrence River floodplain. Construction work occurred during the winter of 2024 to minimize impacts on wildlife and habitat.

The fishway was designed by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), using the latest research. The old structure, built in 2003, limited the upstream migration of certain species and needed to be updated to improve reproductive success and the unimpeded movement of fish to the breeding grounds.

For species that cannot make large jumps, such as northern pike and yellow perch, the migratory passage will allow fish to ascend the 2-meter of elevation between the river and higher spawning grounds, while still following natural waterflow. During the migration period, generally from mid-April to mid-June, or in the event of heavy rainfall, the area will be flooded.

As part of the restoration work at Rivière aux Pins marsh, the dike and water level control structure were also updated to help maintain optimal water levels and provide high-quality habitat for wildlife, including the Least Bittern and turtle species that live around the marsh.

“This inauguration symbolizes another step toward restoring natural ecosystems and protecting aquatic wildlife in the St. Lawrence. By reconnecting the spawning grounds to the river and restoring the marsh, we are creating a true haven for a wide variety of species. This project demonstrates how working together can create more resilient environments that benefit nature and the communities that depend on it.” – Mélanie Deslongchamps, Quebec Director of Operations, DUC

“It is fitting that our Foundation helped fund this significant restoration project for the aquatic wildlife present. It will restore the free movement of fish between the St. Lawrence River and the Rivière aux Pins spawning ground and will help restore one of the most important multi-species spawning grounds in the Montreal area.” – Jean-Claude D’Amours, President and CEO, Quebec Wildlife Foundation

“Parc de la Frayère is one of Boucherville’s jewels. We are fortunate to have access to nature, to the river, and to observe so many species of birds and fish in such close proximity to urban areas. The creation of the fish pass is a perfect illustration of the shared desire of all partners to promote biodiversity and protect natural environments.” – Jean Martel, Mayor, City of Boucherville

“We recognize that how we interact with the environment is of vital importance to our communities.  Our longstanding partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and the completion of the restoration work at Rivière aux Pins marsh demonstrates an innovative approach to ensuring wildlife, habitats and ecosystems can flourish.” – Sharon Tomkins, Vice-President Sustainability & Social Impact, TC Energy

Partnership
The development of the migratory passage and the restoration of the Rivière aux Pins marsh were made possible thanks to the financial support of several partners, including Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs through the Agreement for the Conservation and Enhancement of Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats, TC Energy, the City of Boucherville, the Fondation de la faune du Québec, the North American Wetland Conservation Act administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and numerous states through the Fall Flights program.

Learn more about DUC conservation in the province of Quebec

Agreement for the Conservation and Enhancement of Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats
The Agreement for the Conservation and Enhancement of Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats is a co-funding agreement between the MELCCFP and CIC that aims to protect and develop habitats for the benefit of threatened or vulnerable wildlife species and to increase habitat connectivity for wildlife. This agreement has enabled the acquisition of land and the implementation of wildlife management measures.

For more information, see the Report on the implementation of conservation projects for endangered wildlife species and their habitats. 
TC Energy
We’re a team of 6,500+ energy problem solvers connecting the world to the energy it needs. Our extensive network of natural gas infrastructure assets is one-of-a-kind. We seamlessly move, generate and store energy and deliver it to where it is needed most, to homes and businesses in North America and across the globe through LNG exports. Our natural gas assets are complemented by our strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation.

Quebec Wildlife Foundation
The Fondation de la faune du Québec is dedicated to promoting the conservation and enhancement of wildlife and their habitats. Thanks to the contributions of more than one million Quebec hunters, fishermen, and trappers, thousands of donors, and numerous private companies, the Foundation has supported more than 2,000 organizations throughout Quebec since 1987, creating a true wildlife movement.

City of Boucherville
The City of Boucherville is proud to have been working for many years with various partners, including Ducks Unlimited Canada, to protect, restore, and enhance the natural environments within its territory. The creation of the Parc de la Frayère, a large-scale project, was the result of efforts dating back to the 1990s, when several partners developed a plan to enhance the area. Since then, several initiatives have been carried out thanks to these partnerships, preserving this ecologically important natural environment while making it accessible to the public.