Climate change: a “worrying reality” for the Dufferin Terrace slide

Even if it is not about to disappear, the famous Dufferin Terrace slide must today 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 huge difference from year to year. Winter conditions are much more fluctuating, but we find ways to adapt,” says Marc Duchesne, owner of Au 1884.

“Yes, this is a worrying new reality, but we are actively seeking solutions that will be more promising for the future, while being concerned about the environment,” he told the Newspaper Saturday, on the occasion of the Great Winter Festival.

The latter also explains that the weather is already not easy this year and that the slide will “without a doubt” be closed on Monday due to bad weather conditions.

However, he is not worried about the holiday season: according to him, the slide will indeed be open during this period.

Possible solutions

“Fortunately, we have been able to limit the impacts so far. In particular, we adapted the sleds so that they are more efficient, regardless of the conditions,” underlined Marc Duchesne.

He also specifies that previously, sleds could only slide on white ice. The modifications made now allow them to run on a mixture of snow and ice.

“All we need is minimal snow, subzero temperatures and ideally one or two nights at -10 or colder so we can water the slide.”

“We also have to remember that this is all done the old-fashioned way. We have no machinery other than manual tools and arm oil, but we have developed our expertise and we have found solutions,” says Mr. Duchesne with a laugh.

Still popular

With around 100,000 sliders each winter, the reputation of sliding is well established. A crowd of visitors were also present on Saturday for the 9^e Great Winter Festival, which marks the official opening of the slide.

Many of them took advantage of the free activities while a range of entertainment was offered by period characters, notably Tales & Legends around the fire as well as other activities for the more sporty.

“The slide is a classic and has been part of the decor for so long. Where there is a gain to be made is at the level of the local population, because the majority of customers are tourists who come from the four corners of the planet, but that is why we organize the Great Winter Festival. , concluded Marc Duchesne.