The return of the alley of umbrellas
Articles
1 June 2023

The iconic umbrellas on rue du Cul-de-Sac in the Quartier Petit Champlain are finally back! This magnificent aerial decor so admired by passers-by is now accessible to all lovers of this heritage area until October. With the financial support of the City of Québec and Destination Québec Cité, the Quartier Petit Champlain can once again host safer facilities than ever before. This time, red, blue, green and beige, the colours of the Destination Québec Cité logo, are the star colours that adorn the sky to honour this major financial partner.

A COLOURFUL COMEBACK
After a one-year break, the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain can finally announce the return of the magnificent umbrellas installed between the historic buildings bordering Cul-de-Sac Street. Last year, a restriction from the fire department prevented the installation of umbrellas. The Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain was challenged to find a solution that would allow firefighters to unhook umbrellas quickly in the event of a fire, in a single manoeuvre, from the ground. The Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain team did not give up. It is therefore after several months of research and prototypes that it can finally allow the reinstallation of this artistic show highlighting 95 floating umbrellas for a sky of the most colorful.

 

A PROFITABLE COLLABORATION
It was thanks to the collaboration of MFX Production, accompanied by senior rigger Jean-Sébastien Fortin, under the supervision of the director of communications and marketing of the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain, that the solution was created. In order to counter safety issues, cable cutters attached to a network of electrical wires are intended to automatically cut the facility’s ropes when the detonator is activated. This system is effective in less than a minute and allows fire crews to bring the facility down, deploy the large scale and reach tall buildings. This revolutionary tailor-made solution meets the requirements of the City’s authorities and ensures a safe response by firefighters. The Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain is proud to have collaborated with such a qualified and professional team, allowing this street considered one of the most beautiful streets in Canada to shine with all its colours again!

ABOUT THE COOPÉRATIVE DU QUARTIER PETIT CHAMPLAIN
Formed in 1985 following the restoration of its iconic buildings, the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain brilliantly innovates to breathe life into its historic area, and thus offer a unique experience to the people who visit it. Recognized as one of the most beautiful sites in Quebec (and one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the world!), the Quartier Petit Champlain enjoys an ideal geographical position in any season: at the foot of the cliff that separates the upper and lower levels of the provincecity, directly under the magnificent Château Frontenac. Its authentic character and extensive offer give the sector a key role in Quebec. About 40 member shops, including a legendary theatre, beautiful shops, restaurants, cafes and friendly bistros, line its charming pedestrian streets, open all year round, to the delight of people here and abroad.

Communiqué par Brouillard