In reaction to the letter sent by the mayor of the City of Rivière-du-Loup Mario Bastille, on April 30, the mayor of Cacouna Suzanne Rhéaume also launched a cry from the heart. However, he is addressing the Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault.
“[Il ne concerne] not the choice that must be made, but rather the urgency of having a response quickly. I want confirmation from Mr. Legault that our file is a priority and that we will be able to have a response by the end of the parliamentary session.”
Ms. Rhéaume recalls that the entire region is waiting for a conclusion to this matter in order to be able to move on.
“I understand the concerns of the mayor of Rivière-du-Loup. All we do is pit two projects against each other. We are convinced that we have the best file and enormous development potential,” she adds.
The mayor of Cacouna emphasizes that the port of Gros-Cacouna is located in deep waters. It therefore does not need to be dredged annually and the option of operating a crossing all year round would be possible.
“I feel that there are things pending, decisions that we don’t make right away because we don’t know where the crossing will go. We feel excitement. This must be resolved and we must put an end to this matter.”
The Société des ferry du Québec announced an opportunity study in December 2020. At that time the riding was represented by the member of the Coalition Avenir Québec, Denis Tardif. The conclusions of this report were to be known in spring 2022.
“We are still waiting two years later. We are patient and we know that the file is sensitive. We will leave the decision to the experts and the council of ministers.”
At the beginning of March, the STQ launched a call for interest addressed to private shipowners who would like to operate the crossing. Currently, the private operator Clarke inc. has operated the Rivière-du-Loup-Saint-Siméon ferry for more than 50 years, while the Société des ferry du Québec manages the infrastructure. The company will provide service until the end of the 2025 season at the Rivière-du-Loup wharf.
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