Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier / Portneuf

Description

Trail administrator :

The Société de la piste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf (SPJCP) is a non profit organization founded in 1994, incorporated since November 30th, 1994 in accordance with the 3rd section of the Law regarding businesses and with headquarters in Saint-Raymond. It ensures the management and maintenance of the Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf trail.

Its board of directors is made up of nine members and includes a representative from each MRC as well as a spokesman for the snowmobile organizations.

MRC of Portneuf
Jacquelin Genois, president Lucie Lajoie, vice president René Mainguy, secretary - treasurer / rep. of snowmobile organizations Ghislaine Noreau, administrator/representative
MRC of Jacques-Cartier
Guy Maranda, administrator/representative Claude Martel, administrator Marie-Claude Coté, administrator

History

:: 1993 ::
A cyclist suggests transforming the old Canadien National (CN) railway into a multifunctional trail linking Shannon to Rivière-à-Pierre.

:: 1994 ::
Incorporation of the Société de la piste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf.

:: 1995 ::
Permission given to snowmobilers to use trail in winter.

:: March 1996 ::
78 036$ grant awarded from the CRCDQ (Conseil régional de concertation et développement de la région de Québec) for the restoration of the railway’s right-of-way and reconditioning of bridges.

:: Fall 1996 ::
The MRCs of la Jacques-Cartier and Portneuf sign an agreement making them the administrators of the railway right-of-way for a period of 60 years.

:: December 1996 ::
The SPJCP is awarded a two year 397 000$ grant from the CRCDQ.

:: May 1997 ::
Restoration of the trail begins.

:: July 1997 ::
A first section of 27 kilometres is completed between Shannon and Saint-Raymond. The surface is made of stone dust.

:: 27 july 1997 ::
Inauguration of la Piste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf and its first 27 kilometres.

:: August 1997 ::
A new section is added. The trail now stretches all the way to Saint-Léonard (Lac Simon), for a total of 45 kilometres.

:: 1998 ::
Elimination of voluntary membership.

New mandatory price scale adopted along with use of stickers from the “Association des réseaux cyclables du Québec”.

:: March 1998 ::

Recipient of the Small public business award
at the “Grands Prix” of regional tourism.

:: July 1998 ::

Inauguration of an additional 18 kilometres between Saint-Léonard (Lac Simon) and Rivière-à-Pierre. The 63km trail is now completed.

:: October 1998 ::

Announcement made by the MTQ of the construction of a tunnel under route 369, in Shannon, to ensure the security of cyclists and snowmobile enthusiasts.

:: 1999 ::

Recipient of Cultural and tourism enterprise award at the “Gala Valoris de Portneuf”.

:: March 1999 ::

Recipient of the Small public business award at the “Grands Prix” of regional tourism for a second consecutive year.

:: May 1999 ::

Recipient of the Small public business award (bronze) at the “Gala national des Grands Prix du Tourisme Québéçois”.

:: May 1999 ::

Work begins between Shannon and the “Corridor des Cheminots”. (3.5 kilometres)

:: May 1999 ::

A 1.5 kilometre extension is made between route 367 and municipal station in Rivière-à-Pierre.

:: April 2000 ::

Recipient of « Plein Air et Aventure » award (over 10 000 visitors), during the « Grands Prix du Tourisme Régional ».

:: June 2000 ::

Link completed between the “Corridor des Cheminots” allowing for direct access to the city of Quebec.

:: June 2001 ::

Reforestation in different sections
(over 750 trees are planted along the trail).

:: October 2005 ::

Important damage caused by torrential rains.

:: May 2006 ::

Opening delayed because of damages incurred during the fall of 2005.

:: April 2007 ::

Official announcement of partnership with « la Route Verte ». Participation in financial aid program for the maintenance of « la Route Verte ».

:: Avril 2007 ::

Announcement of the elimination of user fees.