The death knell has sounded for the Charlevoix train

After 13 years of existence, the Charlevoix train will cease operations on Friday due to lack of funding. Around fifty people will lose their jobs.

Réseau Charlevoix, the non-profit organization that operates this train, has failed to obtain the support sought from its regional partners.

The president of its board of directors, Bruno Labbé, who does not wish to grant an interview for the moment, confirmed Wednesday to - that the train will officially cease operations on December 20.

Most of the approximately 50 permanent and seasonal employees of the Charlevoix train have received notice of termination of employment.

Some members of the administrative staff will remain on duty for a few more days. However, their departure is planned for the return of the holidays.

$625,000 to find

On December 10, Réseau Charlevoix reported a shortfall of $625,000 to complete its budget.

Failing to obtain financial assistance, its general director, Nancy Belley, had warned that the train might have to cease operations as of December 20.

The Capitale-Nationale secretariat and two private partners said they were ready to make up part of the shortfall.

THE MRC of Charlevoix and Charlevoix-Est, the municipalities of Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie as well as Tourisme Charlevoix did not, however, have the means to provide the $350,000 requested from them.

During a meeting which took place Wednesday morning, they had to, with regret, decline the request for funding from Réseau Charlevoix.

We have choices to make

The mayor of Baie-Saint-Paul, Michaël Pilote, attended the meeting. A contribution of $50,000 was requested from the Municipality, an amount that is too high in the current context.

The municipal world is not swimming in budget surpluses and we have choices to make […]. Unfortunately, it was not possible for us to respond favorably to the request.said Mr. Pilote in an interview with -.

In light of the help that Baie-Saint-Paul has given to the Charlevoix train since it was put into service, the mayor believes that his Municipality nevertheless has the feeling of duty accomplished.

Nearly $3 million in aid

We find it very unfortunate that the Charlevoix Network is putting an end to [à son service]. It’s still a few days before Christmas, it’s jobs, it’s an economic engine, but we’ve still put in $3 million since the start, whether in tax credits or financial assistance.recalled Michaël Pilote.

- attempted to contact the management of Réseau Charlevoix. At the time of writing, his representatives had not yet called us back.

With the collaboration of Audrey Paris, Christiane Latortue and Louis-Philippe Arsenault