Nature Lover 93, Donates Private Island Nestled Between Montreal and Laval to Conservation Group

December 14, 2021

Hear Thor Vikström talk about his donation of the Île Ronde island to The Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Ninety-three-year-old nature lover and sportsman Thor Vikström donated his private island, which sat opposite his riverside home in Laval, to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).

The NCC is the largest national land conservation organisation in the country, helping to protect 14 million hectares (35 million acres) of land since 1962.

Vikström’s act of generosity ensures the island, a haven of biodiversity, he purchased in the late 60s and refused to sell to developers, remains protected for future generations.

“Nature was more important than some stupid money in my pocket,” he said in the video interview. “It’s just a good feeling in my heart. I know this will be there forever.”

The seven-acre area named Île Ronde sits in the middle of Rivière-des-prairies nestled between Montreal and Laval. And is home to a unique species called the shagbark hickory, various waterbirds, and the vulnerable northern map turtle.

A Shelter for Biodiversity

This donation increases the number of protected areas in the area and improves the habitat for many species. Of note:

Shagbark hickory, a tree species in Quebec that is likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable.
Wetland ideal for fish and amphibian reproduction.
Map turtles, a species listed as vulnerable in Quebec and of special concern at the federal level, frequently use the natural shores of this island, which provide them with a safe resting place.
Waterbirds and waterfowl, including the Canada goose, wood duck, gadwall, black duck, American wigeon, and common merganser.
Burbot, northern pike, yellow perch, bowfin, largemouth bass, and black crappie can all be found in the waters of the Rivière des Praires. The preservation of undisturbed shorelines contributes to the water quality required by these fish.

The island is called Île Ronde and sits in the middle of Rivière-des-prairies nestled between Montreal and Laval. Image Courtesy Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Vikström Family

Immigrating to Canada from Sweden in 1962, the Vikström family settled in Quebec, eventually founding Scanada, a successful family company in the hydraulics industry.

Over the years, the island served as a family vacation destination. A cable ferry was built to access the island, and the family regularly invited neighbours and friends to join them.

“I bought the island because I couldn’t see it destroyed,” Vikström said.

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