The former Youville Pumping Station (1916-1990) is at the heart of this surprising, multi-faceted adventure! Immersed in this original industrial heritage site, young people will face several fascinating challenges that address fundamental historical, technological, and environmental issues. The best possible solutions to problems encountered in each era have been based on the technology available at the time. Young people will get to play along and have a hand in the choices made, right here in the renovated Youville Pumping Station. Both entertaining and educational, the exhibition also offers a chance to broaden their horizons on environmental questions of concern.

Through various challenges and teamwork, this activity is a fun and unique opportunity to raise young people’s awareness of public health concepts and the environment.

What will the students experience?

The Museum offers them a novel experience, in which action and collaboration go hand-in-hand with discovery, fun, reflection, and engagement!

During their visit, students will:

• Explore the remains of the Youville Pumping Station, where they will get to see impressive industrial structures.
• Learn about the station’s role and operation through interactive technological and mechanical devices.
• Discover how, from past to present, we have found solutions to water-related issues in an urban setting.
• Get introduced to the concepts of permeability and planning to manage wastewater in an urban milieu.
• Create links to the past, the world around them, and the future.

Concepts covered in the activity

• Heritage: Exploring the Youville Pumping Station and the former collector sewer, part of Montréal’s important industrial heritage.
• History: Understanding past and present solutions to water-related problems in an urban setting, including access to drinking water, the evolution of hygiene requirements, and impacts on human health.
• Environment: Reflecting on our approach to the environment and our use of water as an essential natural resource.

Competencies developed

The activities on this interpreted tour are in line with the aims of the Quebec education programs and help develop the following competencies.

The activities in this workshop are in keeping with the aims of government education programs in that they help develop certain competencies. They address broad educational concerns related to environmental awareness by encouraging students to create a dynamic relationship with their surroundings, while maintaining critical judgment concerning the exploitation of the environment and technological development.

By examining the urban territory of Montréal and its development from the 17th to the 21st centuries, students will reflect on issues surrounding water supply and wastewater management by applying the following subject-specific competencies:

In Quebec

In Ontario