RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP – The faces of business people and municipal elected officials were long at noon Thursday in Rivière-du-Loup since the Quebec government confirmed the move of the ferry, founded 115 years ago, to Cacouna.
“It’s a sad day. The deputy [Amélie Dionne] will go down in history, but not for the right reasons. I consider it a dirty move,” insisted the mayor of Rivière-du-Loup, Mario Bastille, after the announcement.
The NM Trans-Saint-Laurent has provided the link between Rivière-du-Loup and Saint-Siméon for 60 years. The service is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year.
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According to the opportunity file, maintaining the ferry service in Rivière-du-Loup would have required work worth $665 million, while the relocation to Cacouna will cost $172.5 million, according to figures presented by the Société des ferryiers. of Quebec (STQ).
“It is the most responsible and logical decision,” repeated the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Development, Geneviève Guilbault, at a press conference.
Mme Guilbaut assured that the amount injected into this project was already budgeted in the Quebec Infrastructure Program.
Political prize
The member for Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata presented herself in hostile territory to announce her government’s decision.
“We will ensure the sustainability of our crossing,” said Amélie Dionne, adding that it was the best decision to take even if it was not unanimous.
The minister’s announcement caused a shock wave among traders. Some have mentioned that the CAQ will have a political price to pay in the next election.
“If we are not happy, we will fire them,” said the owner of the Hôtel Universel, Gilles Lortie.
The mayor of Rivière-du-Loup, Mario Bastille, accompanied by his advisors and business people, who united against the announcement by Minister Geneviève Guilbault.
Photo Louis Deschenes
The former mayor of Rivière-du-Loup, Sylvie Vignet, who worked on this issue during her time in politics, considers that the costs presented for the transfer of the service do not hold water.
“What was said was an insult to the intelligence of business people.”
From 2028
The new facilities in Cacouna will be operational, but considered temporary from 2028. The work will continue until 2031.
This is the NM Saaremaa which will be the ship in service to link Cacouna and Saint-Siméon in Charlevoix.
In the long term, the STQ is considering the possibility of extending the service year-round. Currently, the ferry is in service from April to January.
For her part, the mayor of Cacouna, Suzanne Rhéaume, welcomed the news with humility.
“The important thing for me was that the crossing remained in our MRC, in the region.”
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115 years of history in Rivière-du-Loup
27 avril 1909
Foundation of the company Trans-Saint-Laurent Limitée by Malcolm Fraser, the mayor of Fraserville which today became Rivière-du-Loup.
June 24, 1909
The SS ship Contest makes a first crossing towards the north shore. At that time, the maritime link for mail distribution was to Saint-Siméon and Tadoussac.
July 4, 1963
First crossing for the NM Trans-Saint-Laurent which is still in service today. The ship built at the Davie shipyard in Lévis is currently at the end of its life and will need to be replaced in the coming years, estimates the STQ.
December 19, 2024
The Quebec government announces the relocation of the crossing to Cacouna.
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