Nearly $175,000 for Pontiac snowmobile and ATV clubs

Allyson Beauregard

On March 1, Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Families and Minister Responsible for the Outaouais Region, announced that nine Outaouais snowmobile and ATV clubs will receive a total of $488,631 in funding through the Ministry of Transport in order to “safely maintain the trails under their responsibility while respecting the environment”. 

“The ATV and snowmobile trails that crisscross all of Québec are an essential economic development engine for many regions. They are maintained and supervised by outstanding volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of users and the sustainability of an industry that is very close to their hearts,” said Lacombe. 

The Pontiac’s three clubs secured $173,004 of the funding envelope: Pontiac Snowmobile Drivers’ Association - $23,981; Pontiac Quad Club - $45,819; and the Pingouin Snowmobile Club - $103,204. 

President of the Pingouin Club, Wayne Venne, stated they all receive roughly the same amount every year from the Ministry, which is used to cover operating expenses like equipment, grooming trails, paying operators, etc. The amount awarded depends on the number of kilometres each club manages, said Venne, with Pingouin administering to about 600 kilometres of trail.