Repeated waves closures at Habitat 67
- Surf Grand Montréal
- Nov 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Since the end of the summer, the City of Montreal has been conducting technical studies on the H67 wave, forcing its closure on a number of occasions. The purpose of this article is to explain why these closures have taken place and how Surf Grand Montréal has positioned itself in this matter.
🧪 Technical studies by the City of Montreal
The studies carried out by the city aimed to characterize the river bed around Dieppe Park. This is known as bathymetry. It's like a topography exercise, carried out in the water rather than on land.
Source : Aquaportail.com
These bathymetric measurements will be used to characterize the site and prepare for possible restoration work on the banks of nearby Dieppe Park, which are in a very poor state of repair. As bathymetric data for the area of the Sainte-Marie current - where the H67 waves are formed - were non-existent, the city also took the opportunity to complete its documentation on the sector.
🧐Brief history of the site
The Cité du Havre has its origins in the construction of a jetty, originally designed as a defense against flooding and ice. This maritime structure remains essential to Montreal's security and the smooth operation of its port. Located at the end of Pointe Saint-Charles, at the entrance to the Victoria Bridge, the original pier, erected in the late 19th century, was designed to protect the city from spring flooding and ice jams. First named “Quai de Garde” in 1891, then renamed “Mackay Pier” in 1908, it was also used for the construction and repair of the port's dredgers and tugs. Over the years until the 1960s, it underwent various ongoing improvements. In the mid-1980s, the northern end of the Cité du Havre was redeveloped as a park, known as Parc de la Cité-du-Havre, and since 2017 as Parc de Dieppe.
Source : Musée McCord Stewart
🏄♂️ Surf Grand Montréal intervenes with the City of Montreal
Conditions in the area, including very strong currents and rapids in the H67 sector, made it difficult to take the measurements. For this reason, the city had to repeat the measurements several times, using different types of instruments and boats.
We understand that many of you have been frustrated by these repeated wave closures, especially during the most beautiful time of the year.
Rest assured that as soon as Surf Grand Montréal was made aware of the city's plans, we took action. We tried to explain to the city how much this period was expected and important for H67 surfers, and we expressed our desire to preserve access to the wave. But the city had to go ahead with these tests, which can only be carried out in the absence of surfers. However, they accommodated us as best they could, scheduling their interventions over half-days rather than full days.
You'll understand that Surf Grand Montréal has no control over the final decisions taken by the city and simply relays the information it receives. We therefore apologize for any inconvenience caused by these closures.
🧑🤝🧑 Increasing Surf Grand Montréal's influence
Surf Grand Montréal would like to remind you that its impact is closely linked to its membership numbers. So if you're not already a member of Surf Grand Montréal, don't delay and give us one more reason to make our voice heard.
You can join here. It's free.
📢 Message published by Surf Grand Montréal on social networks
Remember that Surf Grand Montréal saved you the unpleasant surprise of going to the wave when it was closed, by transmitting the following type of messages on social networks.
