Walk of the Wind
Lac-Mégantique, CA
In a city, the downtown area is the heart of the community. Walk of the Wind (La marche du vent) is a commemorative path created for Lac-Megantic following a tragic accident that destroyed most of its city center. This elevated boardwalk pays tribute to the victims of the tragedy, providing a therapeutic moment to help in the healing of the local population.
The Project
During the night of July 6, 2013, a freight train of 72 crude oil tank cars derailed in Lac-Mégantic. The explosion caused by the crash led to the loss of 47 lives and destroyed half the city’s historical center: 44 buildings burned down, as well as 35 stores and 60 apartments. Contaminated by the fire and the oil spill, the space became isolated from the rest of the city.
In this context, it was important to imagine a way for the local inhabitants to not only move around in their town again, but also how to gather on the site of this tragedy.
© Daily tous les jours
Walking to Heal
In the wake of the tragedy, walking became a therapeutic tool for the community on multiple levels. It gave them an opportunity to meet again, and gather as a community. The elevated structure of the boardwalk offers a welcomed step back from the land that was marked by the fire, contributing to making people feel safe again.
By centralizing pedestrian traffic, the boardwalk was also a key observation point to keep track of the ongoing downtown renovations; a way to reinforce civic action and help the population reclaim their city.
The Boardwalk
Installed alongside the railroad, The Walk of the Wind spans over 300 meters of the site of the accident. Built above the ground, the boardwalk is punctuated by a series of interventions highlighting the story of this shaken community.
© Daily tous les jours
Introduction
At the entry of the boardwalk, a welcome panel, carved in stone, tells the story of the accident next to a map of the trail.
© Daily tous les jours
The House of the Wind (La maison du vent )
Angled to face the Lac-Mégantic lake and wind corridor, The House of the Wind provides a vantage point onto the ravaged downtown area and the Ste-Agnès Church, which became an important gathering point after the crash. Suspended under its roof, 79 wind chimes representing the victims ring with the wind, calling for a moment of introspection.
The House of Stories (La maison des histoires)
Made of five wooden panels, The House of Stories is an exhibition about the history of Lac-Megantic, from its origins to present-day. It highlights the strengths and resilience of the local community over the generations, going beyond the tragedy.
Meeting with the Stars
The famous Dark Sky Reserve of the region is a key destination for anyone interested in studying astronomy or simply enjoying a wonderful starry sky. Five giant hammocks, weaved in collaboration with the community, allow everyone to spend time watching the stars with their friends and families.
Credits
- This project was commissioned by the Commission des arts, de la culture et du patrimoine de Lac-Mégantic.
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- A Project by Daily tous les jours
- Creative Direction
- Mouna Andraos
- Melissa Mongiat
- Production
- Antoine Cayette
- Creative Team
- Pierre Thirion
- Anne Ouellette
- Michael Baker
- Eva Schindling
- Project Coordination
- Anna Gazel
- Sophie Tarnowska
- Environment Design
- SSSVLL - Guillaume Sasseville
- Artistic Direction
- Studio Pilote
- Illustration
- Stéphane Poirier
- Gilles Claudel
- Content Direction
- Émilie Grenier
- Copywriting
- Cécile Chandran
- Manufacturing and Installation
- Côté Jardin
- Jack World
- Enseignes Bouffard
- Monument Gagnon
- Engineering
- Latéral - Thibaut Lefort
- Textile Conception
- Jenn Pocobene
- Printing
- Quadriscan
- La bourgeoise Sérigraphe
- Thank you
- La Commission des arts, de la culture et du patrimoine de Lac-Mégantic, Développement Économique Canada, Stéphane Lavallée, Richard Michaud, André Samson. Capucine Diancourt, the hammocks weaving team — Malcolm Remple, Marine Holub, Mylène Benoit, Corinne Archambault, Caroline Bergeron, Julie Chaffarod, Jacqueline Ung, Mélanie Guilbaut, Mourad Bennacer and Julien Bourgeois. And finally, to all the inhabitants of Lac-Megantic, thank you for your trust..