Located between Val-d´Or and Mont-Laurier, the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve covers nearly 13,000 km2 of contiguous forest and wilderness areas. Its rich wildlife offers exceptional opportunities for hunting, fishing and enjoying nature. Its 4,000 lakes and rivers that meander through the territory also benefit canoe-camping enthusiasts who come to enjoy the 2,000-kilometer circuit each summer, which is one of the largest networks in Quebec. Many camping grounds and rustic sites also offer the possibility of a peaceful retreat in nature.

Unfortunately, what the majority of Quebecers remember about the La Vérendrye Park is the long and arduous crossing to get to Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Indeed, this important road segment of nearly 290 km, which is the main link between Abitibi and the rest of Quebec, has been the subject of numerous complaints for years. The government is criticized mainly for the blatant lack of services, the disuse of rest areas and the lack of a cellular network on most of the route. The fact that the Algonquin communities that occupy the territory are generally excluded from any government intervention also hinders multiple conflicts. Finally, despite the goodwill of the government in the electrification of transport, it remains almost impossible with current technologies to get by with electric transport, making it unattractive to consumers of the region.

The modernization of the road network, brought about by the transport electrification policy, would offer an exceptional opportunity to not only modernize these service areas, but also to transform them into inclusive and connected places that would allow visitors and local communities to enjoy this wilderness gem, particularly through the shift towards digital tourism.

References