LAVAL, Quebec — The city of Laval played host to a resounding success in Canadian archery this past weekend as the Quebec Provincial Archery Championship unfolded at the Centre de tir à l’arc de Laval, drawing over 180 athletes from across the province and marking one of the largest turnouts in the event’s recent history.
Organized by Tir à l’arc Québec, the provincial governing body for the sport, the two-day competition featured divisions ranging from youth recurve to senior compound categories, with athletes competing in both individual and team events under World Archery-approved rules. Favorable spring weather and meticulous venue preparation contributed to smooth operations throughout the tournament, according to event officials.
“We saw incredible energy from the moment the first arrow was shot,” said Marie-Claude Gagnon, competition coordinator for Tir à l’arc Québec, in a post-event interview verified through the organization’s official communications channel. “The facilities in Laval were ideal — well-lit, accessible, and equipped to handle the technical demands of modern competitive archery. Athletes and coaches alike praised the setup, which helped us deliver a seamless experience.”
The Centre de tir à l’arc de Laval, located within the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles complex, has undergone recent upgrades to its target ranges and scoring systems, including the installation of digital timing equipment compliant with international standards. These improvements, confirmed via municipal infrastructure reports from Ville de Laval, positioned the venue as a capable host for high-level provincial competition.
In the senior men’s recurve division, Étienne Dubois of Club de tir à l’arc de Montréal emerged victorious with a cumulative score of 1,287 points over 72 arrows, edging out longtime rival Félix Lemieux of Québec City by 11 points. Dubois, a national team alternate who represented Canada at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, credited his win to consistent form under pressure.
“It’s not just about strength — it’s about repetition and mental discipline,” Dubois said in a verified statement posted to his personal athletic profile, which Archysport cross-referenced with his national federation registration. “When you’re at full draw, everything else fades. That focus is what separates good days from great ones.”
On the women’s side, Laurence Bergeron of Club de tir à l’arc de Laval claimed gold in the senior recurve category with a score of 1,245, becoming the first local athlete to win a provincial title at her home venue in over a decade. Her performance sparked celebration among Laval’s archery community, which has grown steadily since the club’s founding in 2010.
“Winning here means something different,” Bergeron told regional media outlets, including a verified segment aired on Ici Radio-Canada Première. “You’re not just shooting for yourself — you’re shooting for the people who’ve watched you grow, who’ve brought their kids to practice, who believe in this sport even when it doesn’t make the headlines.”
The championship likewise highlighted the rising popularity of archery among youth participants. Over 60 competitors under the age of 18 took part in the event, reflecting a 30% increase in youth registration reported by Tir à l’arc Québec over the past two years. Growth has been driven in part by school outreach programs and increased visibility following Canadian successes at international events, including Crispin Duenas’ Olympic podium finish in 2016 and Eric Peters’ medal at the 2023 World Archery Championships.
“Archery is unique in that it welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities,” said Gilles Lavoie, president of Tir à l’arc Québec. “We’ve seen grandparents competing alongside teens, and that intergenerational appeal is rare in sport. Events like this one in Laval support showcase that inclusivity even as maintaining high competitive standards.”
Beyond individual accolades, team results underscored regional strength. Club de tir à l’arc de Laval secured the provincial team title in the mixed recurve division, combining scores from Bergeron, junior athlete Antoine Roy, and master-level archer Danielle Moreau. Their combined total of 3,621 points outpaced second-place Club de tir à l’arc de Sherbrooke by 89 points.
Officials noted that the event’s success was bolstered by strong volunteer engagement and partnerships with local businesses, including sponsorship from Archery Laval Pro Shop and nutritional support from a regional health food cooperative. Venue logistics, including waste management and accessibility accommodations, were reviewed and approved by Laval’s recreation department prior to the event.
Looking ahead, Tir à l’arc Québec has confirmed that the 2025 Provincial Championship will rotate to Quebec City, with preliminary planning already underway at the Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard. Though, Laval organizers expressed interest in bidding for future editions, citing the positive athlete feedback and community engagement observed this year.
For global readers unfamiliar with the sport’s structure, competitive archery in Canada follows World Archery guidelines, with athletes shooting at targets 70 meters away for recurve divisions and 50 meters for compound. Scoring is based on concentric rings, with the innermost gold circle worth 10 points. Tournaments typically consist of a ranking round followed by head-to-head elimination matches, a format used in Olympic competition.
The sport continues to gain traction nationwide, supported by Sport Canada’s long-term athlete development model and increasing integration into physical education curricula. According to the most recent Participation Report from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, archery ranks among the top 20 fastest-growing recreational sports in Quebec, particularly among women and girls aged 12–17.
As the provincial circuit prepares for its next series of regional qualifiers beginning in May, athletes and coaches alike pointed to the Laval championship as a benchmark for excellence in event delivery. With facilities improving, participation rising, and competitive depth expanding, archery in Quebec appears poised for sustained growth.
For ongoing coverage of provincial archery events, athlete profiles, and tournament results, visit the official Tir à l’arc Québec website or follow their verified social media channels for updates.
Have thoughts on the growth of archery in Canada or memories from competing in Laval? Share them in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you.
