While it won't go away, the famous Dufferin Terrace slide today has to deal with a new reality as it is increasingly affected by climate change over the years.
“This is my tenth season as owner and we see a big difference year on year. Winter conditions fluctuate much more, but we find ways to adapt,” says Marc Duchesne, owner of Au 1884.
“Yes, this is a worrying new reality, but we are actively looking for solutions that are more promising for the future while being concerned about the environment,” he told the Journal on Saturday at the Great Winter Festival.
Marc Duchesne, owner of Au 1884 | Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
The latter also explains that the weather this year is already not easy and that the slide will “without a doubt” be closed on Monday due to bad weather conditions.
However, the holiday season does not worry him: according to him, the slide will actually be open during this period.
Possible solutions
“Fortunately, we have been able to limit the impact so far. In particular, we have adapted the sleds so that they are more efficient regardless of the conditions,” emphasizes Marc Duchesne.
He also points out that previously sleds could only slide on white ice. The modifications made now allow operation on a mixture of snow and ice.
DIDIER DEBUS SCISSORS/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
“All we need is minimal snow, sub-zero temperatures and ideally a night or two of -10C or colder so we can water the slide.”
“We must also remember that this is all happening the old-fashioned way. We don’t have any machinery other than hand tools and arm oil, but we have developed our expertise and found solutions,” says Mr. Duchesne with a laugh.
Still popular
With around 100,000 sliders per winter, the reputation of sliding has become established. Numerous visitors also came to the 9th Big Winter Festival on Saturday, which marked the official opening of the slide.
DIDIER DEBUS SCISSORS/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Many of them took advantage of the free activities, while a range of entertainment with historical characters was on offer, particularly stories and legends around the fire, as well as other activities for the more sporty guests.
“The slide is a classic and has been part of the facility for so long. Where a profit can be made is at the level of the local population, because the majority of customers are tourists who come from all parts of the world, but that is why we organize the Great Winter Festival. , concluded Marc Duchesne.