With a network of trails stretching across Quebec, quad enthusiasts will get their money’s worth. None of this would be possible without the work of volunteers from associations that need financial support.
“As in all volunteer circles, the sticking point remains the money available to finance the club’s activities,” explains the general director of the Fédération Québécoise des Clubs Quads (FQCQ), Yohan Perron.
“The clubs’ most important source of income is the sale of annual access rights. Therefore, it is very important for enthusiasts who want to continue to benefit from the current trail system to maintain their right of access to directly help their club with financing. »
The access rights sales campaign will begin shortly. They cover the period from November 1st to October 31st, 2024.
“If enthusiasts purchase their annual access right between November 1st and 15th, they can benefit from a discount. For an access right purchased outside this period, they will pay $349.75 instead of $379.75, the Director General adds. It is possible to make the purchase online by visiting the association’s website at fqcq.qc.ca. »
Remember that other rights are also offered, for example for the summer season, valid from May 1st to October 31st. If purchased between May 1 and May 15, it will cost $224.25 compared to the list price of $264.25. There is also the option to purchase a three-day access right for $150 and a single day access right for $60.
The vignette and the right of access are mandatory on the cross-country ski trail. Anyone who attempts to drive without access rights will face a fine of between $350 and $700 and an immediate ban if intercepted.
BECOME A MEMBER
Annually, the number of club members throughout Quebec is approximately 60,000.
“I’m sure there are more people on the trails,” says the general director. There are more than 440,000 vehicles registered in Quebec. A large portion is intended for business or agricultural use.
Across Quebec, quad riders can benefit from trails maintained and marked by volunteers who require their financial support through Right of Access to carry out their duties. Photo provided by Info Quad
“Acquiring a right of access is a form of active participation in maintaining safe trails. Great effort must be made to keep a trail safe and properly maintained while maintaining environmental standards, summer and winter. »
Volunteers have become rarer in recent years.
“There is an increasing lack of volunteers in the clubs. Often you have to hire paid people. There are also machines that are becoming increasingly expensive to purchase and maintain. All materials for bridges, culverts and wood are becoming more and more expensive.
“Even climate change is linked to the very heavy rainfall we have experienced in several places. These rains wash away parts of the paths that need to be replaced. »
FINANCING AND ECONOMY
Clubs receive royalties for every access right sold.
“We must not believe that all the money comes from the government. The majority comes from the sale of access rights. »
Of the amount paid for the access fee, $132.34 goes to the clubs. Another part goes to programs offered to clubs to help them run their seasons.
The General Director also explains that the practice of quad biking contributes to increasing the economic development of the regions.
Quad riders form real communities almost everywhere and travel longer distances, allowing the economy to function all year round and take advantage of the various services offered to them.
