P’tit Québec Unveils Le P’tit Parvis, a New Gathering Place at the Heart of Rivière-Éternité
Through its annual P’tits projets pas si P’tits initiative, P’tit Québec transformed the heart of the village into a welcoming community courtyard where local residents and visitors can gather year-round.
RIVIÈRE-ÉTERNITÉ, Québec, Friday August 21, 2026, – Every year, P’tit Québec’s P’tits projets pas si P’tits initiative supports the revitalization of a municipality through a project designed to strengthen local life. This year, Lactalis Canada’s P’tit Québec unveiled Le P’tit Parvis: a permanent public square at the centre of Rivière-Éternité where neighbours, families and visitors can gather for generations to come.
Following the devastating floods and landslides that affected Rivière-Éternité in 2023, P’tit Québec chose to support the municipality’s continued revitalization through a project designed to strengthen local life. Le P’tit Parvis represents an investment of $100 000 and will provide its 445 residents with a permanent space to gather, celebrate and create new traditions together for years to come.
Designed with togetherness in mind, Le P’tit Parvis features a custom-built communal table where residents can share meals and create new traditions. The space also features an herb garden and integrated BBQ grills and swing, ensuring the youngest residents can be part of the gathering too.
“For years, we imagined creating a gathering place at the heart of our town, but we did not have the opportunity to make it happen. The P’tit Parvis will allow us to enhance and improve the safety of this public space. It is a wonderful addition to our community and a way to make this area even more welcoming for residents and visitors alike.” said Rémi Gagné, mayor of Rivière-Éternité.
About P’tits projets pas si P’tits: Bringing Quebecers together, one community at a time.
Since its launch, the initiative has supported lasting community projects in small municipalities across Quebec, from lakeside parks in Sainte-Aurélie to collective kitchens in Saint-Léonard-de-Portneuf. Each year, the initiative responds to a different local need, proving that even small projects can leave a lasting mark on community life. This year marks the sixth edition of P’tits projets pas si P’tits, which has invested more than $390 000 in local initiatives across Quebec since its launch in 2021.
“Communities are built through the moments people share together. After everything Rivière-Éternité has experienced in recent years, Le P’tit Parvis is about creating a place where new memories can be made. Every edition of P’tits Projets pas si P’tits begins by listening to what a community needs most, and we’re honoured to help create a space that will belong to residents for generations.” says Melanie Isaac Taitt, Sr. Director of Marketing for Cheese & Tablespreads at Lactalis Canada.
“For generations, P’tit Québec has been woven into the fabric of communities across Québec, bringing people together through shared meals and memorable moments,” said Burhan Khan, General Manager, Cheese & Tablespreads, Lactalis Canada. “Through P’tits projets pas si P’tits, we’re proud to invest in initiatives that create lasting community impact, foster meaningful connections and help communities thrive.”
A Community Celebration Inspired by The Region
To celebrate the inauguration of Le P’tit Parvis, renowned Montréal chef, Chuck Hughes, joined local chef Emmy Plante, previous candidate of Radio-Canada’s Les Chefs! and chef and co-owner of Verre Lime, a restaurant specialized in hyper-local cuisine in Chicoutimi. With her deep regional expertise and signature culinary edge, Plante collaborated with Hughes to design an exclusive seasonal menu inspired by the flavours of Saguenay. Together with P’tit Québec, they hosted a free community celebration on Saturday August 15, and prepared the full menu created for the occasion.
“Although I’m originally from Lévis, Saguenay has truly become home. I fell in love with this region the moment I arrived. Its landscapes, its producers and, above all, its people have shaped the way I cook. Being able to celebrate Rivière-Éternité through a menu inspired by local ingredients is a wonderful way to give back to the community that welcomed me.” says Emmy Plante.
The meal was served family-style at a custom-built permanent communal table that will remain part of Le P’tit Parvis long after the inaugural celebration, inviting residents to continue gathering around food for years to come. The centerpiece of the festivities was a unique signature dish co-created by Hughes and Plante: Oven-Baked Lamb Meatballs with Rustic Tomato Sauce and P’tit Québec Mozza & Cheddar Cheese. Attendees had a firsthand taste of the region’s culinary identity through a variety of dishes showcasing P’tit Québec products.
“There’s nothing better than seeing people smile over a good meal. Food has this incredible ability to bring people together, spark conversations and create memories. To do that in Rivière-Éternité, while celebrating Québec ingredients alongside Emmy, makes this event really special.” says Chuck Hughes.
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ABOUT LACTALIS CANADA INC.
With over 140 years of brand heritage, Lactalis Canada is the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, P’tit Québec, Balderson, Cheestrings Ficello, aMOOza!, Astro, Khaas, siggi’s, IÖGO, IÖGO nanö, Olympic, Lactantia, Beatrice, B-Fit, Enjoy!, Marie Morin Canada, Galbani and Président. With more than 30 operating sites, including 19 manufacturing facilities across Canada, the company and its more than 4,500 employees are committed to enriching and nurturing the lives of Canadians through their sustainable and responsible growth, high-quality products, contribution to communities and partnership with farmers, customers, partners and suppliers. Lactalis Canada has been named on Forbes’ 2025 Best Employers in Canada list, and as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2025 and 2026. The company is part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, headquartered in Laval, France. For more information, visit www.lactalis.ca
More about P’tits Projets pas si P’tits HERE.
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