François Carrier
Local Journalism Initiative
CAMPBELL’S BAY – On January 17, Carrefour jeunesse-emploi du Pontiac (CJEP) announced a new ski and snowshoe loan program to be hosted in a cabin adjacent to their Campbell’s Bay office. The program is part of the Circonflex Project, an initiative of Loisir Sport Outaouais (LSO) in collaboration with Ski at School and several local partners including CJEP, the Maison des Jeunes and Le Patro de Mansfield. Sylviana Geoffray, a development officer at LSO, explained that Ski at School is looking to expand its popular programs to make cross-country ski equipment accessible to the general public. She said that to begin, the loan centre will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that anyone can borrow skis or snowshoes for free, on a first-come, first-served basis. She said they are working on implementing an online booking system
Campbell’s Bay Councillor Jean-Pierre Landry said the project fits well with his municipality’s vision for outdoor recreation, as they have invested heavily in the infrastructure of nearby Maurice Beauregard Park and the municipality wanted to offer something for the winter months. “It fits in well with the development of our year-round activities. So, Maurice Beauregard Park has been ‘3 seasons’ and now we’ve just added a fourth season, with skiing. As a result, we will have a year-round service offer for recreation and sports right here in Campbell’s Bay.”
According to Karim El Kerch, Executive Director of CJEP, this new project should also generate economic benefits for merchants and demonstrates the potential of the recreational tourism sector in the Pontiac. “The Carrefour, their main role, or mission is supporting the development of the population of the Pontiac in a general way through continuing education, access to the job market, and personal, social and professional autonomy.” explained El Kerch. More details are available on site in Campbell’s Bay or on the CJEP website.
