Photo credit: Christian Leduc
Rouyn-Noranda, Thursday April 30th, 2026 – Today, the Bonapace Foundation officially launched its activities at the Rouyn-Noranda Convention Centre. This new family foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities’ capacity to act in order to promote a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable environment. The event provided an opportunity to present the Foundation’s mission, introduce its team, and launch its first fundraising campaign for the project Continuous Environmental Data. The project aims to establish rigorous, accessible, and independent documentation of air quality in Rouyn-Noranda.
A Collaborative Approach
More than 50 participants from diverse backgrounds attended the event, including business leaders and entrepreneurs, representatives of institutions and organizations, physicians, and community groups. This diverse turnout reflects the Bonapace Foundation’s commitment to working collaboratively with community stakeholders to implement initiatives of shared interest that support the improvement of environmental health. Mr. Dany Bonapace, a well-known entrepreneur in Rouyn-Noranda and Founder and President of the Foundation, expressed his appreciation for the strong community participation: “Here, everyone knows each other. The ties that bind us are strong: our families interact, our children play sports together, we go to the same restaurants, the same parks… We must find ways to move beyond what divides us and move forward together to build a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future for our children,” he stated.
Turning Facts into Action
Developed with the contribution of several scientific collaborators, the Continuous Environmental Data project aims to establish rigorous, accessible, and independent documentation of air quality in Rouyn-Noranda using advanced technologies. The Foundation and its partners seek to create the conditions for a sustainable future grounded in informed collective decision-making. “The challenges are significant. It is essential to rely on reliable and independent data to make the best decisions for our future,” explains Mr. Bonapace.
A Local Issue with Global Relevance
Through its initiatives, the Bonapace Foundation aims to contribute to societal and scientific progress at both the local and international levels. “Our story is part of a broader world in transformation. The solutions we develop here may serve other communities facing similar challenges,” Mr. Bonapace notes. “With the Bonapace Foundation, we choose to learn from our experiences, to move forward, and to position Rouyn-Noranda as a global leader in environmental health in industrial contexts. This is our vision, and it reflects our deep commitment to building a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future for our children,” he concludes. The public is invited to support the Bonapace Foundation’s mission and projects by making an online donation.
Testimonials
“It is a great pleasure for Angelo and me to contribute to the establishment of the Bonapace Foundation. The kindness and courage that drive this entrepreneurial family are already translating into concrete actions. We are confident they will have a real impact here and beyond.”
— Ms. Patricia Saputo, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Board member of the Bonapace Foundation
“The situation we are experiencing in Rouyn-Noranda deeply affects me. Our industrial reality is part of our past, present, and future. It shapes our identity. We have a responsibility to act and find solutions to the challenges we face to build a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future for our children.”
— Mr. Steve Jolin, entrepreneur, artist, citizen of Rouyn-Noranda, and Board member
“My involvement with the Bonapace Foundation is a continuation of what has guided me for decades: the health and well-being of the people of Rouyn-Noranda. I am proud to contribute to this project.”
— Dr. Frédéric Bonin, physician in Rouyn-Noranda and Board member
“Philanthropy is a powerful lever to improve quality of life within communities. I am pleased to put my expertise at the service of meaningful projects grounded in knowledge and focused on lasting impact.”
— Ms. Karine Gareau, Executive Director of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue Foundation, citizen of Rouyn-Noranda, and Board member
“Community involvement is a valuable legacy passed on to us by our parents. I am honored to join my brother Dany in continuing this legacy and contributing to building a sustainable future in Rouyn-Noranda.”
— Ms. Lina Bonapace, member of the Bonapace family, entrepreneur, and Board member
