PQ calls on Legault government to ‘retake control’ of Mont-Sainte-Anne

The Parti Québécois (PQ) is urging the Legault government to terminate its contractual relationship with the current operator of the Mont-Sainte-Anne ski resort and to “take back control” of the site, after the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) ordered the closure of four aerial ski lifts.

The RBQ’s decision last Friday, which led to the postponement of the ski resort’s opening, is not an isolated incident, argues PQ MNA for the Capitale-Nationale region, Pascal Paradis. According to him, it illustrates the “negligent management” of the Alberta-based company, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.

“The Régie du bâtiment states that this is due to shortcomings over the past few years. And yet, the CAQ government turned a blind eye to these problems. It hasn’t taken stock of the disastrous management by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies that has led to the deterioration of the Mont-Sainte-Anne facilities,” he lamented in an interview with The Canadian Press on Monday.

Paradis listed the events that have occurred in recent years at the Quebec City ski resort: lift problems causing injuries, a gondola fall, a footbridge collapse, a parking lot subsidence, and the demolition of the Crête summit chalet.

Accusing the CAQ government of having “remained on its knees before RCR,” Paradis now believes it is urgent for Quebec to take “all necessary measures to end the contractual relationship with RCR and regain control of Mont-Sainte-Anne.”

This could involve special legislation, if necessary, Paradis believes.

“Since RCR is failing to meet its obligations, since RCR is jeopardizing public safety and security, then we can terminate the contractual agreements between the Quebec government and RCR. And if necessary, this could even lead to special legislation to urgently take over the management of Mont-Sainte-Anne,” stated Paradis.

The operation of Mont-Sainte-Anne was transferred to the private sector under a 99-year lease that is set to expire in 2093.

Paradis also believes that the CAQ government should cancel the agreement under which Quebec and RCR committed last year to each invest $50 million to improve the entire ski area and install new ski lifts.

“The government will not release any funds from the agreement” without having “the results of the RBQ’s work,” indicated the office of Jean-François Simard, minister of natural resources and forestry and minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, on Monday.

“It is completely irresponsible of RCR that the necessary work to prevent this situation has not been carried out over the years,” the minister’s office stated in an email, referring to the closure of the ski lifts.

Describing the current situation at Mont-Sainte-Anne as “unacceptable,” the minister’s office indicated that “all options are currently being considered for the future.”

“Our objective is clear: to save this ski season while ensuring everyone’s safety,” they commented.

After pressing the government on this issue for two years, Paradis noted a “change in rhetoric” among CAQ members regarding RCR.

“They are forced to realize that there is negligent management of the mountain,” said the Parti Québécois MNA. He reiterated the urgent need to act to avoid jeopardizing the ski resort’s winter season, which generates significant economic benefits for the region.

The Mont-Sainte-Anne resort opened in January 1966.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews