Media Release

Mansfield, June 1, 2009 – The summer season officially began today with the opening of the much anticipated giant canyon zip and Via Ferrata at the Chutes Coulonge park.  

The 250+meter (820ft) zip down the ragged canyon is an experience guaranteed to take your breath away as you glide to the far side of the water chasm to a secluded lookout.  Adventurers return to the main site by crossing a newly installed cable footbridge 25m (82ft) and climbing 15m (50ft) up the canyon rock wall at the junction called ‘Devil’s Dihedral’; assisted by handholds and footholds that have been installed in the canyon rock face.

In addition to the giant canyon zip, the Via Ferrata is now open to the public.  Via Ferrata, Latin for iron roads, is quite literally and iron trail along the prehistoric rock face.  It was designed for both the rock climbing enthusiast and the intrepid beginner.  Two sections of difficulty and a continuous cable life line assure a safe and secure progression on this daring adventure.

 “It’s a way to discover the site again from a whole new perspective.” said Denis Blaedow, President of the Chutes Coulonge. 

These are the final of the five installations that were under construction at the Chutes site, at the end of last year.  In September of 2008 they opened the 8 zip series and at Easter of this year, they opened the two children’s challenge courses. 

“These installations will have a significant economic impact,” said Christine Mitchell, Director of the Chutes Coulonge park, “not only because of the additional employment created, but through the potential increase of visitors to the site and consequently to the other area attractions and services.”

The design and installation of the new elements at the site were the realization of the Montreal business PRISME EQUIPEMENT CANADA.  The entire project was made possible by the financial support from organizations such as the MDEIE (Ministère du Développement Économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation, the MRN (Ministère des ressources naturelles, via the Volet II program) the MRC Pontiac, CLD Pontiac, SADC Pontiac, the Caisse Populaire Desjardins of Fort Coulonge and the Chutes Coulonge Foundation.

The Chutes Coulonge aerial park and interpretation center provides the ideal day trip; offering you everything from local history to magnificent views to stimulating and challenging adventure for the entire family. Make your reservation, bring your picnic and spend a day this summer in the great outdoors at the Chutes Coulonge park!

For further information, contact:

Chrstine Mitchell, Project Development Officer

Director Chutes Coulonge Park

819.683.2770

www.chutescoulonge.qc.ca