| History of the Véloroute |
The Véloroute des Bleuets is one of the finest examples of collaboration in Saguenay−Lac-Saint-Jean. This project, having received strong support from several regional stakeholders, is comprised of 15 municipalities, the Mashteuiatsh Montagnais Community, and the “Tour du lac Saint-Jean” Cycling Network Corporation. It needless to say that the project would not have been possible without the support of the Government of Quebec.
The very first steps of the project go back to the beginning of the 1980s. Several municipal leaders were convinced of the economic potential of such a recreational tourism infrastructure.
During the 1991 socio-economic conference, the proposal for the establishment of a cycling network was accepted as a pilot project in Quebec.
In 1995, the construction of the Véloroute des Bleuets looped circuit was announced by the Government of Quebec and Lac-Saint-Jean municipalities. Work began in 1996 and ended in the summer of 2000.
The Véloroute des Bleuets is part of the Quebec cycling network development plan. It was the first project to be announced within the framework of the “Route verte” project (Provincial project totalling 4,300 km). Over $10 million had to be invested to achieve the construction of such a large cycling network.
Open to bike riders since 2000, the regional economic spin-offs generated by the Véloroute des Bleuets reach $6 million annually.
The very first steps of the project go back to the beginning of the 1980s. Several municipal leaders were convinced of the economic potential of such a recreational tourism infrastructure.
During the 1991 socio-economic conference, the proposal for the establishment of a cycling network was accepted as a pilot project in Quebec.
In 1995, the construction of the Véloroute des Bleuets looped circuit was announced by the Government of Quebec and Lac-Saint-Jean municipalities. Work began in 1996 and ended in the summer of 2000.
The Véloroute des Bleuets is part of the Quebec cycling network development plan. It was the first project to be announced within the framework of the “Route verte” project (Provincial project totalling 4,300 km). Over $10 million had to be invested to achieve the construction of such a large cycling network.
Open to bike riders since 2000, the regional economic spin-offs generated by the Véloroute des Bleuets reach $6 million annually.
Corporate Mission, Role and Responsibilities
- To be the spokesperson and the “heart and soul” of the Véloroute;
- To provide quality reception and information services to its clients;
- To supervise and coordinate cycling network maintenance and improvement work;
- To position the Véloroute as a first-rate tourist facility;
- To develop the Véloroute des Bleuets, in collaboration with its municipal partners, into a superior quality product for regional residents and visitors alike;
- To manage circuit marketing efforts and maximise economic spin-offs;
- To promote the Véloroute on the regional, national, and international levels;
- To ensure self-financing activities.
