What is the BLEU BLANC BOUGE Rinks program?
In 2008, the Foundation launched its flagship project which involves the construction of outdoor, refrigerated and multisport rinks. By providing leadership for this initiative, the Foundation ensures the realization of this unifying project according to defined criteria and in line with its objectives.
Over the last 15 years, the Foundation has invested more than half of its funds in the implementation of its BLEU BLANC BOUGE program, which represent an investment of close to $2 million per rink.
The success of the BLEU BLANC BOUGE program lies in the mobilization and commitment of stakeholders from different sectors: contractors, community consultation committees, schools, unions’ volunteers, people from the corporate world and all the boroughs involved in this project. The Foundation is proud to partner with them and offer a unique program of its kind, which contributes to the quality of life and health of thousands of children.
Helping underprivileged youth to be active
The Foundation responds to the crying need for quality sport infrastructures for underprivileged neighborhoods, allowing thousands of children and their families to benefit from an active lifestyle. This program supports the efforts of local organizations and is part of a concerted strategy to help children in these areas. It primarily aims to develop healthy lifestyles among youth of the neighborhoods where they are located. Primary and secondary schools are the first to hold a variety of supervised activities. Program committees of each borough also make facilities available for citizens.
Quality community rinks all year-round
Built according to NHL standards, the infrastructure provides the necessary versatility to enjoy other sports according to the time of year. Predominantly used for ice hockey from November to mid-March, the rinks become an ideal playground for disciplines such as ball hockey, basketball, soccer and pickleball during the spring, summer and fall months.
The infrastructures built since 2019 are distinguished by the use of a new energy efficient refrigeration system powered by CO2 and by their universally accessible facilities for the practice of sledge hockey.
To date, 14 BLEU BLANC BOUGE rinks have become active gathering places of pride for communities in the following boroughs and cities:
Montréal
- Ahuntsic-Cartierville : Parc de Mésy
12100 Grenet St., H4J 2P4 - Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce : Parc de la Confédération
6262 Fielding Ave., H4V 2W6 - LaSalle : Parc Hayward
170 Orchard Ave., H8R 0A2 - Montréal-Nord : Parc Le Carignan
11481 P.-M.-Favier Ave., H1G 3X9 - Verdun : Parc Willibrord
800 Willibrord St. H4G 2T9 - Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension : Parc François-Perrault
7525 François-Perrault St., H2A 1M1
Joliette
- Saint-Pierre-Nord
1081 Lépine St., J6E 7R1
Laval
- Laval-des-Rapides : Parc Émile
55 Cartier W. Blvd, H7N 2A3
Longueuil
- Sacré-Coeur: Parc Lionel-Groulx
2700 Périgny St., J4L 4X1
Saguenay
- Jonquière : Patro de Jonquière
2565 Saint-Dominique St., G7X 6J6
Saint-Jérôme
- Saint-Jérôme : Parc Honorine-Melançon
451 Melançon St., J7Z 4K4
Sherbrooke
- Du Mont-Bellevue : Parc Alfred-Élie-Dufresne
525 Galt W. St., J1H 1Y8
Trois-Rivières
- Des Rivières : Parc du Cardinal-Roy
4095 Jacques-De Labadie St., G8Y 1T6
Val-d’Or
- Downtown
1350 6th St. J9P 1B5
The construction of one additional infrastructure was announced in the fall of 2019: the opening of the 15th is scheduled for January 2025 in Quebec City.