November 28, 2024

The Queens County Citizen

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Groupe Le Massif wants to buy Mont-Sainte-Anne resort

Groupe Le Massif wants to buy Mont-Sainte-Anne resort

At this stage, the owner does not know if he wants to sellClaude Choquette, president of Groupe Le Massif, agrees.

Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), the company that owns the Mont-Sainte-Anne resort, acknowledged receipt of the purchase offer but did not respond.

Although the offer has expired, Claude Choquette expects the parties to start a dialogue soon.

It would be ideal if our owner, Daniel Gauthier, could speak directly to RCR’s boss, Murray Edwards.Claude Choquette says. The beginning of our initial purchase offer process.

Help from Quebec

In the summer of 2021, the non-profit organization Les Amis du Mont-Sainte-Anne offered $175 million investment plan To return to the mountain the letters of its lords.

Without disclosing the extent of the work envisaged by Groupe Le Massif, Claude Choquette estimated the investments Important The need and support of the Legault government would be a condition But there is no sign Reopening of Mont-Sainte-Anne Resort.

If we buy, it will be conditional on aid from Quebec. It is clear to us, He directs.

Claude Choquette (left) and Daniel Gauthier (right)

Photo: Courtesy: Le Massif Group

Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon’s office declined our request for an interview, but said it was aware of the actions taken by Groupe Le Massif.

However, Ottawa and Quebec had already contributed about forty million, mainly in the form of repayable loans. Installation of Club Med at the Massif de Charlevoix Last winter.

Exploitation side?

Groupe Le Massif debuts in the Mont-Sainte-Anne station saga An arbitrator is going to decide the dispute Resorts of Quebec and the Canadian Rockies (RCR) opposes the government regarding the use of the mountain perimeter.

CPR An agreement signed with the Société des Établissements de Plein Air du Québec (Sépaq) in 2008 runs cross-country skiing and mountain biking trails in the area.

However, the government feels that the company has not honored its commitments and intends to withdraw the exploitation of these lands.

This controversy is in addition to this Reviews of downhill skiing fans In recent years, in the background Several cable car brakes It enables quick access to the top of the mountain.

Resorts of the Canadian Rockies did not respond to our request for an interview.

A proven buyer

Alex Harvey, organizer and spokesperson for the Friends of Mont-Sainte-Anne, looks on With a very good eye Groupe Le Massif’s interest in the resort of Mont-Sainte-Anne.

The goal from the beginning was to ensure the stability of the mountain, to invest new money in the mountain and to have accountability. […] If we believe the course, the roadmap of the massif of the last decades, all these ticks will be tickedThe former founder responded.

[Au Massif], innovation is there, infrastructure is well maintained. There are new buildings. Development is happening around the mountain. »

A quote from Alex Harvey, organizer and representative, Friends of Mont-Sainte-Anne
Alex Harvey in an interview outdoors on Mont Saint-Anne in autumn.

Alex Harvey welcomed Groupe Le Massif’s desire to take control of the Mont-Sainte-Anne resort.

Photo: Radio Canada

Alex Harvey was convinced that the group could produce a credible recovery plan for the Le Massif mountains to gain Quebec’s support when the time came.

It requires accountability, and then I don’t think people in government want to write blank checks. So, if there’s an investment, I’m sure it’s give and take. There are responsibilities that come with it, then really the operator should have royalties and targetsHe argued.

A good news

Center Plein Air Mont-Sainte-Anne, a non-profit organization (NPO) Regulate recreational tourism activities Around Mont Saint-Anne, measures taken by Groupe Le Massif were also welcomed.

Any project that puts Mont Sainte-Anne in the local fold, it provides investments for the development of outdoor activities and preserves the natural heritage of the area.Its president Jean-Pierre Dufour responded.

Le Massif Group is already collaborating with a NPO Recognizes the value of community involvement in its operationsHe added.

In collaboration with Marie-Pierre Mercier

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