Ski Jasper Alberta News

Groupe Le Massif Presents Recreation Tourism Project for Charlevoix

As part of the public dialogue initiated with the community a few months ago, Groupe Le Massif and its President, Daniel Gauthier, are currently holding information and public consultation sessions in Québec’s Charlevoix region in an effort to keep residents informed and give them the opportunity to express their opinions about the proposed four-season recreational tourism project.

The Concept

The project spans more than 20 kilometers (13 miles) of shoreline and more than 120 square kilometers (75 miles) of mountain area (public and private land) between Baie-Saint-Paul and Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. It focuses on three major environments: the base of Le Massif, located at the western boundary of the village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François at the foot of the existing ski center, the peak of Le Massif, and La Ferme, an agricultural area located in the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul and which Mr. Gauthier purchased in the spring of 2005.

These sites will be linked by a tourist train, a 137-kilometer (86-mile) route between Québec City and La Malbaie. The railway, which runs along the shoreline, offers travelers panoramic views. The inter-modal transportation available on the sites is one of the project’s defining aspects. The various methods of traveling on the site (hiking trails, ski runs, toboggan runs, cycling paths, funicular, water taxi, dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, etc.) will not only encourage visitors to leave their cars behind but will also be an integral part of the experience itself.

“The project is designed to develop and offer outstanding world-class experiences in recreational tourism. The spotlight will be on culture and creation,” Mr. Gauthier says, adding: “We want to create an area where visitors will take pleasure in learning and discovering new things and where freedom of action, thought, and movement will be paramount. We want to focus on innovation while offering an ecological showcase at the very heart of the project. We place considerable value on managing the area responsibly and protecting its landscape.”

Based on the values of environmental protection and sustainable development, the proposed recreational tourism project will offer visitors an “integrated” concept that will include a wide variety of experiences, activities, and learning opportunities in the areas of culture, adventure, science, sport and well-being. All this will be set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery.

The Ski Area

As part of the development project, the Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François center will increase its ski area by more than 30 percent. In fact, the promoter plans to develop Mont à Liguori, located in the easternmost part of the current ski area. New ski runs and a new lift will be part of a more natural development of the mountain and skiers will be able to enjoy a different experience, including off-trail skiing. Finally, visitors will enjoy stunning views as far as the vast expanse of the Saint Lawrence River (Charlevoix residents call it the sea, because this is where the saltwater begins) as they enjoy the 10-kilometer (6-mile) route of the family toboggan run.

Benefits for Charlevoix Region

The project will have a considerable economic and social impact on the region. Given its four-season operational model, the project will provide significant structuring benefits for the region, in addition to creating 600 attractive and permanent jobs and collective wealth. “The project will also connect to the activities currently available in the region and will position Charlevoix as an integrated destination offering diversified activities throughout the year,” Mr. Gauthier notes.

Additionally, the tourism industries in Charlevoix, Québec City, and across Québec will benefit from the international attention the regions will receive. “We will primarily focus on attracting an international client base, which will represent new funds for Québec without detracting from the profitability of other tourist destinations,” Mr. Gauthier adds.

The project will respect the community’s capacity for tourism, the integrity of existing ecosystems, and the variety of users and local communities. The construction and operating phases of the project will use methods that respect the fragility of the natural, cultural and human environments.