OTTAWA, June 14, 2024 – Yesterday, the Vanier Museopark paid tribute to some Vanier Sugar Shack pioneers and trailblazers. To salute the passion and dedication of a volunteer for his longstanding role in maple syrup-making, it has chosen to name its evaporator room in his honour: the “Espace acéricole Marc Madore (Marc Madore Maple Syrup Production Room).”
“Marc Madore has been the Vanier Sugar Shack’s head maple syrup producer for more than 16 years and is an outstanding volunteer,” said Jonathan Paquette, president of the Vanier Museopark’s Board of Directors. He does his part and looks after the Sugar Shack and sugar bush year-round as though it were his own business. He’s generous, always ready and willing to work, and has a boundless passion for maple syrup-making and Francophone heritage. It is for all these reasons that our Board of Directors wanted to make this gesture here at the Sugar Shack.”
“Marc Madore’s commitment since the fire has been remarkable,” said Museopark Executive Director Madeleine Meilleur. He’s devoted countless hours to support our team and that of the contractor, MAYLAN – from preparing inventory to choosing Sugar Shack building materials and equipment. Aside from sitting on the Sugar Shack Reconstruction Committee, Marc has visited the work site almost every day. His syrup-making expertise and trusted advice has helped equip the new Vanier Sugar Shack with an efficient, state-of-the-art maple syrup production room. Naming the new room in his honour is just one way we can thank Marc for his long years of service!”
The Museopark also wanted to use these celebrations to unveil a new memorial plaque for René L. Doré, former president of Action Vanier, which helped build the third sugar shack in Richelieu Park. Mr. Doré was a prominent figure in Vanier, a great builder, and a key figure in founding the Vanier Museopark. Mr. Doré’s family, including his wife, Diane, were in attendance, and were visibly moved by the tribute given that the original plaque was lost in the August 2020 Sugar Shack fire.
About the Vanier Museopark
The Vanier Museopark is a non-profit organization in the heart of Vanier, a working-class district near downtown Ottawa, which celebrates the community’s rich heritage and history. Through exhibitions, talks, workshops, school programs, and interpretive tours, the Vanier Museopark helps curious people of all ages and cultures discover and learn about the habits and customs of the local Francophone community. It is Ottawa’s only French-language museum and one of the few Canadian museums devoted entirely to the Francophone community outside Quebec. The Vanier Museopark operates an authentic sugar shack in the heart of an urban maple forest, the only one of its kind in the world. It also hosts the Sugar Festival, an annual event that promotes maple syrup culture, showcases Franco-Ontarian and Indigenous artists, and is a hugely popular family activity. Proud of its roots, the Vanier Museopark has been a fixture of the community since it was founded in 2004. www.museoparc.ca
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If you have questions or wish to learn more, please contact:
Annick Normand
Communications and Marketing Manager, Vanier Museopark
communication@museoparc.ca