In Estrie, in the municipality of Potton, several residents are concerned about the permit that the city has just issued for the movement of all-terrain vehicles on its territory. Contrary to popular belief, the Fédération québécoise des Clubs Quads has not lobbied on the matter.
Several RV users have already been traveling illegally on the territory of this municipality.
“The off-road vehicle file has existed in Potton for several years,” said association president Réjean Blouin. Local authorities wanted to regulate the movement of all-terrain vehicles on their territory. For this reason, it was decided to grant road approval for an ORV over a distance of 250 kilometers, which the then Minister of Transport, François Bonnardel, refused. »
“In collaboration with the community, a group of citizens formed the Club VHR Canton de Potton to oversee the practice of quads in accordance with the ORVs Act. Discussions then took place between the municipality and officials from the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité Durable, which led to the creation of a 50-kilometer route of hiking trails that will allow users to move from a place of residence to a place of commerce or services.
SAFETY FIRST
“The association is also working on creating access to the cross-country ski trails that are open in the region in summer. At each stage, the FQCQ was asked to provide an opinion, but no more,” the President explained.
In the President’s view, the Potton Municipality’s initiative is purely for safety.
“The aim of the municipality’s initiative is to regulate the traffic of quads, which is unavoidable in this sector. Instead of continuing to live in a truly anarchic situation, as is currently the case, by creating this corridor it will be possible to exercise control and apply the laws against criminals.
“Some people who are against the project want people to travel with their quad only on a trailer. We also talked about competitions that were taking place. Yes, that’s true, but the whole thing took place on private property with the permission of the owner and not on a quad track. »
“These were motorcycle competitions and not quads. It has nothing to do with the quad world. The FQCQ does not organize competitions. »
The President specifically recalled that the development of quad activity, with an appropriate framework, could lead to the development of quad tourism in the region.
He also expressly emphasized that his association, by virtue of its mandate, is a reference organization both at a technical and safety level, attached to the VHR law and its regulations.
“It is therefore wrong to claim that the FQCA could in any way influence the MTMD and its minister, Ms. Geneviève Guilbault, on the decisions taken in this case. We are not a printing organization. This file is a municipal and provincial responsibility. »
In Quebec, there are more than 1,400 kilometers of hiking trails within the metropolitan area.
ELSEWHERE IN QUEBEC
“In more than 480 municipalities where ORV are approved, the risk of accidents is very low,” explains the expert. According to frequent reports sent to the federal government by coroners, the majority of fatal accidents in 2020, 2021 and 2022 were the user alone after loss of control or reckless behavior on or off federal roads, with no involvement of other road vehicles. cyclists or hikers. »
“So don’t think that the streets of Potton are being invaded by dangerous people. We are there as an association, only as advisors and not as decision-makers. It must be remembered that anything framed is safer than in the case of an anarchic situation. When it comes to the fact that children will be in danger on the side of a road where the quads will be riding, there are cars, trucks and motorcycles on the same road.
“We’re no more dangerous than a car if we follow the rules. We follow exactly the same regulations. It has been proven that the accident rate is significantly lower where we are authorized to drive. My biggest regret is that no one consulted us to get our point of view and explanations in order to better understand the situation,” concluded the President. »
IN SUMMARY
GENEROUS HUNTERS
The FédéCP, in partnership with the Food Banks of Quebec, announced that the seventh season of the Generous Hunters program was a huge success. Following the 2022 hunting season, 7,850 pounds of game meat donated by hunters grew into more than 49,000 portions redistributed by food bank affiliates across most of Quebec’s regions. The largest amount of meat was harvested in Estrie with a total of 2240 pounds. This fund is organized in collaboration with Magasins Latulippe.
WILDLIFE LEGACY DRAWING
Under the motto “Anticosti here I am”, the Foundation Héritage faune organizes a raffle, the profits of which are invested in activities to ensure the sustainability of hunting and fishing activities for future generations. The grand prize is a resort package on Anticosti Island for two people with Sépaq Anticosti. Second prize is a LETHAL405 crossbow and third prize is a beginner fishing set. The drawing will take place on April 22nd. To participate and learn all about it: www.fedecp.com
