Free winter sports equipment now available in Laval’s wooded areas through mobile lending initiative

Residents will once again be able to borrow sports, recreational and adapted equipment free of charge in several wooded areas across Laval this winter.

The initiative is a partnership between Sports Laval and CANOPÉE, made possible through the Prêt-pour-bouger program of Circonflexe. The program aims to make outdoor physical activity more accessible by offering free access to leisure, sports and adapted equipment throughout the winter season.

A new feature introduced this year is a mobile equipment lending unit, which will rotate through multiple natural sites across the city. According to the organizers, service points include Bois de l’Équerre, Bois Sainte-Dorothée, l’Orée-des-Bois, Bois Papineau, Bois Armand-Frappier and Bois de la Source.

Launch event held at Bois de la Source

The initiative officially kicked off with a public event held at Bois de la Source. According to the organizers, the launch included on-site equipment lending alongside activities such as traditional music, hot chocolate, snacks, guided tours, a snow-castle challenge, a rally and a naturalist kiosk. The event was intended to introduce the service to the public and encourage winter outdoor activity.

Improving access and inclusion

According to Sports Laval, the project is designed to lower financial barriers associated with winter sports and outdoor recreation.

“The goal is to encourage Laval residents to stay active, even in winter, without having to invest in expensive equipment,” said Claudelle Desbiens, coordinator at Sports Laval, in the press release. She added that the availability of adapted equipment and additional service points is intended to reach a broader range of users while also supporting physical and mental well-being.

Environmental considerations

CANOPÉE stated that the initiative aligns with its socio-ecological transition values. In the press release, the organization emphasized that sharing equipment rather than purchasing new items contributes to reducing environmental impact, while encouraging nearby outdoor activities helps limit travel-related greenhouse gas emissions. According to CANOPÉE, increased familiarity with local wooded areas may also foster a greater desire to protect them.

How the equipment lending works

The free lending service runs until March 8 and is available from 10 am to 4:30 pm:

• at Bois de la Source on Saturdays and Sundays
• at various wooded areas on Fridays via the mobile unit

The organizers recommend consulting the detailed schedule online before visiting. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations at least 48 hours in advance are required for groups of 10 people or more, as well as for adapted equipment such as sleds.

Available equipment

According to the press release, the winter equipment available includes:

• ice cleats
• walking poles
• snowshoes
• sleds
• adapted sleds, by reservation

Binoculars, outdoor creative kits, balls and other items are also available.

Additional details and reservations can be found on the CANOPÉE website.