FW de Klerk, South Africa's last apartheid president, dies at 85
FW de Klerk, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela and as South Africa's last apartheid president oversaw the end of the country's white minority rule, has died at the age of 85.
De Klerk died after a battle against cancer at his home in the Fresnaye area of Cape Town, a spokesman for the FW de Klerk Foundation confirmed on Thursday.
It was de Klerk who in a speech to South Africa's parliament on February 2, 1990, announced that Mandela would be released from prison after 27 years.
The announcement electrifying a country that for decades had been scorned and sanctioned by much of the world for its brutal system of racial discrimination known as apartheid.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/the-city-of-mirabel-has-officially-unveiled-during-its-presentation-on-future-development-projects-for-2025-an-exceptional-rec.jpg?id=56534468&width=2000&height=1500&coordinates=152%2C0%2C152%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Montrealers, get ready to swap snow for sand — without leaving the province.</p><p>The highly anticipated <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-waterpark-mirabel-montreal" target="_blank">indoor waterpark coming to Mirabel</a> finally has a name: Mōrea Parc Aquatique. Inspired by the lush beauty of French Polynesia, the massive complex promises an immersive island getaway experience, complete with tropical décor, Polynesian-inspired architecture, and water attractions designed for both thrill-seekers and relaxation lovers.</p> <p>Originally announced in 2021 as the <em>MOANA Aquatics Centre</em>, the project faced delays due to economic challenges. But as <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-waterpark-mirabel-montreal" target="_blank">MTL Blog reported last month</a>, construction is now set to begin in summer 2026. Now, with a fresh name and expanded vision, Mōrea Parc Aquatique is officially moving forward as the largest indoor waterpark ever built in Quebec.</p><p>According to developers Investissement Ray Junior, the name "Mōrea" represents adventure, family fun, and tropical escapism. In a <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/morea-parc-aquatique-a-la-cite-mirabel-nouveau-nom-officiel-825238633.html" target="_blank">Monday press release</a>, Ray Junior Courtemanche, the project's lead developer, describes it as "a dream come true," inspired by his own travels and a desire to bring a world-class aquatic experience to Quebecers.</p> <h3>What to expect inside Mōrea Parc Aquatique</h3> <p>Located in Cité Mirabel, just an hour from Montreal, the waterpark will feature:</p> <ul> <li>A water roller coaster and indoor surf zone</li> <li>A lazy river and tropical-style wave pools</li> <li>A spa and wellness center for relaxation</li> <li>Themed restaurants and boutiques designed to transport visitors to the South Pacific</li> </ul> <p>To enhance the island ambiance, the park will be designed with Polynesian-inspired cabanas, lush greenery, and an exotic atmosphere, making it feel like an escape to the tropics — even in the middle of winter.</p> <h3>A game-changer for Quebec tourism</h3> <p>Beyond the waterpark itself, the $175 to $200 million development is expected to be a major tourism driver for the region. The complex will also include:</p> <ul> <li>Two hotels connected by a sky bridge</li> <li>A 1,500-seat performance venue</li> <li>A 70,000-square-foot convention center with city views</li> <li>Eco-conscious parking solutions and a public transit-friendly layout</li> </ul> <p>Mōrea Parc Aquatique is set to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract visitors from across the province and beyond.</p> <h3>When will Mōrea Parc Aquatique open?</h3> <p>With construction kicking off in 2026, the first phase — including the waterpark and hotel — is expected to open by 2028.</p><p>Would you check out Mōrea Parc Aquatique once it opens? </p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
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French cyclist Julien Bernard was fined over $200 by by the Union Cycliste Internationale for kissing his wife and son during the Tour de France on Friday.
