Bonjour from a fellow who also happens to be a Quebecer.
I thought Jay's suggestion about wire cages was a good one. Alternatively, rather than leaves, which may be abundant, yet time-consuming to collect, you might want to consider an ancient Roman idea; the Gabion wall.
Essentially a wire cage, filled with a natural resource that is in great abundance on the Canadian Shield: ROCKS!
You would have the benefit of a strong windbreak as well as the added benefit of a thermal mass.
Anyway, it's an idea.
Bonne chance.
