Through conversations with various stakeholders in the quad world in Quebec, we can see from their reactions that the current season is truly disastrous in several regions.
“We have really big problems this season that could recur from year to year,” explains the president of the Laval Quad Club and representative of the Federation of Quad Clubs for the Laurentides region, André Vigneault. “Most hiking trails are closed due to the severe lack of snow. The paths are dangerous and unsafe. We built a lot of ice bridges in the trenches and everything melted. In my region, the Laurentians, it is extremely difficult. »
For the specialist, the situation in which he finds himself is, with a few exceptions, not an isolated case.
“I can't answer you for all of Quebec, but from what I heard it would still be possible to ride on the winter quad tracks in Gaspésie, the North Coast and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. This is because these regions have been spoiled by the amount of snow much more than many others. »
The president admits that this season could get worse in the future.
“I have been president for 15 years. I'm experiencing the worst year of my life. The situation affects the clubs on site, on their trails. I fear that the season will have a direct impact on membership. People will wait as long as possible to buy their access rights, penalizing clubs. You will need money at the beginning of the season as there are recurring expenses every year. »
DO NOT JUST REOPEN
The president believes it will be difficult to get the machine running again.
“Clubs have had a lot of problems in their attempts to provide pathways. Several resurfacers were thrown into wet environments or even fell into water. Even when the cold returns, we will need heavy snowfall to get around this problem, as many of our trails pass through agricultural land where owners have plowed in the fall. We need snow to fill the plow. The rain and heat of the last few weeks have made it almost impossible to tackle the trails again. »
In the interview, André Vigneault reminds us that there are also significant economic consequences.
“Gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more – everything related to quad biking brings with it many lost economic benefits. We have to be realistic. On this day the sun shines very strongly, the little snow that falls disappears quickly. For all of these reasons, I say it will be difficult to reopen several trails across Quebec. It's a season to forget. »
Sugar season is starting very soon, which will result in the closure of several trails. The thaw season is approaching. Before leaving me, Mr. Vigneault explains to me: “We have made attempts on our paths and things are stalling everywhere. We are at the mercy of the temperature. We will dream of summer or even go on a hike on the grounds of clubs that offer year-round trails. »
Congress of Trappers
The Quebec Trappers Federation will hold its annual conference on Saturday at the Lévis Convention Center. During the day, participants can attend five very interesting conferences with a scientific focus. Among other things, coexistence and conflict management with beavers in urban areas as well as research projects on black bears will be discussed. These are just two examples. You can attend that day, attend the conferences and visit the exhibitor booths by choosing one of two options: $40 in advance for the day including lunch box dinner or $25 in advance on site on Saturday with access to conferences and exhibitors , without lunch. For more information: 418 872‐7644 ext 407 or ftgq.qc.ca/boutique.