A cycle route project is taking shape between Amos and Val-d’Or

Cycling enthusiasts and tourism stakeholders are trying to advance a cycle route project that could connect Vallée-de-l’Or and the MRC Abitibi.

The committee’s dream is to develop a 160 km loop that would pass through Val-d’Or, Amos, and Rivière-Héva, along routes 111, 109 and 117.

First launched by a citizen committee, the project Harricana Cycle Route is now supported by Tourisme Val-d’Or, which sees strong potential both for the citizens of the region and for tourism development.

Initially, it is a great project, launched by citizens, which promotes active transportation and healthy lifestyle habits, underlines Nancy Arpin, general director of Tourisme Val-d’Or. It could also become a tourist attraction for the region. We receive a lot of requests from visitors who want to do active tourism. It’s very trendy.

The committee, on which representatives from Tourisme Harricana also sit, now hopes to find funding to carry out a feasibility study and develop a route.

We want to be able to maximize the tourism contribution of the project by providing access to attractions, to maximize the economic benefits in each small community along the route, adds Ms. Arpin. In the best of all worlds, we would like to have a clean circuit, independent of the road. But we also know that in certain cases, it will not be possible or too costly. The firm will have to offer us alternatives. We want to make it as safe and pleasant as possible for cycle tourists.

For several days, the committee has been seeking support from municipalities and MRCs to help it in its search for funding.

We also want them to join the project to collaborate and improve it, in connection with their own projects in development, explains Nancy Arpin. We really feel the enthusiasm in both territories. We have quality people who get involved and bring their expertise. I am very confident that it will evolve well over time.

The director of Tourisme Val-d’Or is well aware that the project could take some time before seeing the light of day.

We won’t build everything in a year, any more than the Véloroute des Bleuets in Lac-Saint-Jean was done in two weeks, she notes. It will probably have to be done in phases and we have no idea how many years it will take. We start with the plan, then the financing, and we can take action.