This year’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation provided a fitting opportunity for the unveiling of the Heritage Park at the Baudry Trails in Ste. Agathe.

Families gathered at the base of the trail on the morning of September 30 for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Leading the charge was Shaun Crew and Joel Gagnon, president and vice president of the Ste. Agathe Community Development Inc. (CDI).

“[We pay] homage to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation when we gather in solemn reflection to honour the children who have never returned home, the survivors of residential schools and the enduring strength of their families and communities,” Gagnon told those gathered. “May this place serve as a place of learning, reflection and unity as we move forward together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.”

Crew followed at the podium, regaling attendees on the history of the Heritage Park and trail, which began as a collaborative effort between the local Baudry family, the RM of Ritchot, and the CDI in 2021.

Together, it was agreed that the RM would lease land from the Baudry family in order to construct a recreational spot bordering the east side of the Red River, opposite the new boat launch.

Plans quickly developed for a path that would wind through the densely wooded area and lead to a grassy knoll on the other side.

“In the spring of 2023, a fourth partner from the Ste. Agathe snowmobile club joined the community effort,” Crew said. “Together, a project was started to build a snowmobile shelter along the popular Snoman route at the south end of the park.”

In no time, grant funding and financial donations from local businesses and individuals began rolling in, allowing construction of a snowmobile shelter to get underway last fall.

The newly completed 432-square-foot shelter has a 468-foot wraparound verandah and is powered by a state-of-the-art off-grid solar system. At the mouth of the trail, and at the site of the ribbon-cutting, stands a timberframe gateway and sign, welcoming visitors to the park.

In total, the project’s cost came to just under $200,000.

Alain Baudry was on site to dedicate the project on behalf of his family.

“I have had the privilege of being a part of the Ste. Agathe community all my life,” said Baudry. “Today I’m filled with gratitude and pride. One of my fondest memories from the early days of this project was being invited to join the seniors club and students from the local school as they painted birdhouses. Seeing the smiles on the seniors’ faces as they connected with the students was a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from community and intergenerational connection.”

Those painted birdhouses still hang along the Baudry trail, serving to connect outdoor enthusiasts with the wildlife habitat that surrounds them. 

According to Ste. Agathe councillor Joel Lemoine, a donor wall will soon be erected to pay tribute to the many who’ve invested their time and money into this community project.

The event concluded with live music and a hot dog lunch at the new shelter.