Alain Nadeau and His Story

On March 6, 1974, six-year-old Alain Nadeau was playing with friends at the Glanlynn entrance to Terra-Cotta Natural Park, just a few minutes from his family home. At the time, it was one of the parks for which his father, Claude Nadeau, worked as foreman for the City of Pointe-Claire.  

While innocently exploring his surroundings, the young boy accidentally ventured too close to the edge of the stream leading to the storm sewer main, which was protected only by a simple snow fence, and fell into the water. The area is submerged during snowmelt, creating a fast-flowing body of water at the entrance to the Glanlynn pipe. Alain was unfortunately swept away by the waters and tragically lost his life. 

This devastating incident left an indelible mark on his family and friends, as well as on the community and everyone who lent a helping hand to find him. His memory lives on for those who knew him.  

It is a tragedy that must never be forgotten and one that will live on forever in the history of Pointe-Claire. 

Following this tragedy, a protective fence was installed around the stream to prevent such accidents from happening again. 

In Memory of Alain Nadeau 

On March 6, 2026, to mark the 52nd anniversary, the City of Pointe-Claire installed a memorial near the stream in Terra-Cotta Natural Park to honour the memory of Alain Nadeau, whose life was cut short far too soon. This monument keeps his memory alive and provides the community with a place for meditation and reflection. 

On your next visit to Terra-Cotta Natural Park, the Alain Nadeau memorial will remind you of his story and his memory.