The Biophare is a museum accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Communications. It’s located in a prime position in Regard-sur-le-Fleuve park.
The Biophare stands near the mouth of the Richelieu River and has a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence. It celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Saint-Pierre biosphere reserve.
History
In 1992, to mark the 350th anniversary of the City of Sorel-Tracy, the city council decided to create a regional-level museum for the community. Backed by financial contributions from the federal and provincial governments, the City of Sorel-Tracy began work on a building known as the Centre d’interprétation du patrimoine de Sorel.
To operate this institution and help the region make the most of it, a group of nine people set up the Corporation soreloise du patrimoine régional. This organization originally opened the museum under the same name as the building itself. In 2009, as part of an effort to promote the regional scope of the institution, the board of directors of the Corporation soreloise du patrimoine régional decided to rename the museum. After an extensive public consultation process, it became known as the Biophare. This name emphasizes the living aspects of the site and its ability to communicate an inspiring, innovative vision of the vibrant heritage of the larger Pierre-De Saurel region. The name change was aligned with the higher global profile of the Lake Saint-Pierre region resulting from its recognition as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Mission
The Corporation soreloise du patrimoine régional’s / Biophare mission involves communicating a dynamic, modern view of the rich and multi-faceted heritage of the Sorel-Tracy area, the Pierre-De Saurel region and the Lake Saint-Pierre biosphere reserve. The CSPR / Biophare is also dedicated to building collections and documenting, preserving and promoting the diverse heritage of the Pierre-De Saurel region. As such, the musem fosters education and promotes openness to the world by presenting exhibitions and developing activities that highlight the vibrant and diverse local environment.
Vision
As the only museum in the Pierre-De Saurel regional county municipality, the Biophare uses exhibitions and activities to raise awareness about the natural and cultural heritage of the region, the Lake Saint-Pierre biosphere reserve and the St. Lawrence River.