The last chance meeting did not save the Charlevoix Train which will officially cease its operations.
Last week, The Journal mentioned a shortfall of $350,000 in the organization’s budget.
The general director had set the deadline for December 20. The Charlevoix Train had already made job cuts and was wondering if the region still wanted this tourist attraction.
No miracle
A meeting held Wednesday morning in Baie-Saint-Paul, between those responsible for the train, local elected officials and other partner organizations, concluded with the end of activities.
The president of the board of directors of Réseau Charlevoix, Bruno Labbé, confirmed the decision.
The MRC also briefly commented. “It was becoming difficult for us to continue financing. We did not see the long-term viability,” explained Patrick Lavoie, prefect of the MRC of Charlevoix.
The latter was unable to say whether a rescue plan was still possible. The chances, however, appear quite slim.
“In their hands. The ball is in their court,” concluded the prefect.
According to information published on December 10, the operating deficit is $625,000, but two private donors and the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale ($50,000) increased $275,000.
Disappointing season
On December 20, administrators must decide whether or not there will be a 2025 season and a few days before Christmas, they will probably close the door.
The last tourist season did not live up to expectations, mentioned Nancy Belley, general director of Réseau Charlevoix.
The train’s annual budget is approximately $5 million. After a record year of more than 90,000 boardings in 2023, it still welcomed 80,000 people this year.
The MRC of Charlevoix has reportedly injected $240,000 into the train since 2015. For its part, the contribution from the city of Baie-Saint-Paul is close to $3,000,000.
Vincent Desbiens
