The foundation's president, Denis Martel, explains that acquiring the planetarium was a project for the organization practically from the beginning, shortly before the outbreak of the pandemic. However, it was too large an investment for the nonprofit. Thanks to the financial participation of the MRC of Montmagny, of the population through a crowdfunding campaign, of the Caisse Desjardins of the MRC of Montmagny, of the municipality of Saint-Pierre-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, of the CLD de Montmagny, of the Richelieu Foundation and of the Regional Deputy Mathieu Rivest, The planetarium has now been installed at the company's headquarters.
According to Mr. Martel, there are no limits to what can be displayed inside the planetarium. Whether it's the constellations, the sun, the International Space Station, the Milky Way, etc., it's possible to adapt the animation to the audience's interests or the knowledge we want to impart. The President himself hosted the first sessions in the planetarium and witnessed the amazed faces of both young and old when they saw the various animations displayed at the ball.
Since the structure is inflatable and very compact when stored, it can be moved very easily, even in a small car according to Mr. Martel. When inflatable, it is about five meters in diameter and can accommodate 15 children or 10 adults.
For now, the planetarium will be available by appointment at Espace Maat, the former treasury of Saint-Pierre-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud. Starting in the summer season, the organization will begin traveling to stadiums and events throughout the region. In the fall, the organization will also begin providing services to schools.
