Located in the subarctic town of Kawawachikamach, QC – 1150km North of Montreal – the Naskapi Community Boardwalk is a multi-phase master plan project which provides the vibrant community of ±1000 people an accessible and safe route to walk along lakefronts and riversides.
A 2km boardwalk will stretch the length of the community as it follows and bends along Lake Matemace and Lake Peter’s waters. Additionally, a 4km long trail will link the community in Kawawachikamach with their Lac Hanas cultural site. Pockets of programs located along the way will activate the route and provide places of repose or sites for education and enjoyment.
Phase 1 of the master plan (completed in August 2024) features a 400m boardwalk that wraps around a minor peninsula to a river lookout and then connects to the heart of the community. It includes a forest entrance and resting spot, various types of Corten steel artwork, a central gathering space for community or learning events, and integrates picnic tables and benches located conveniently along the boardwalk.
The location, landscape, and community of Kawawachikamach present a collaborative and unique design opportunity. The fragility of this subarctic ecosystem requires care and protection of existing plant life and thoughtful consideration when planting vegetation. The area also has a significant average annual snowfall with snow build-up lasting for eight months. The community demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability during these cold, snowy months. The vast landscape of frozen lakes and thick snow enables the Naskapi to explore the unlimited terrain by snowmobile. During the summer months, connecting to the lakes is not as easy without trails or a canoe. The project addresses this by providing the community with easy and walkable access to the water via the boardwalk. Construction activities are thoughtfully planned to occur during the few warmer months after the last snow has melted. By working with local experts and Naskapi members who understand the project’s unique conditions, the boardwalk fosters a sense of ownership and pride, creating lasting ties to the development.
The boardwalk and trail system is a transformative addition for the Naskapi People, offering many benefits to the community. Positioned along the tranquil shores of the nearby lakes, the boardwalk will provide a serene and dust-free environment for residents to walk, exercise, and gather. Overall, the boardwalk master plan will become a focal point for community activities and cultural events, fostering a stronger sense of unity and pride, and enriching connections to the landscape.
