All Options On The Table Following Quebec Ski Resort’s Latest Blunder
Quebec — As the cliche goes, desperate times call for desperate measures. In this case, it could result in the Government of Quebec asserting control over the struggling Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Last Friday, Quebec’s Régie du bâtiment (RBQ) ordered the closure of four lifts at Mont-Sainte-Anne. Previously scheduled to open the mountain for the season on Saturday, they were only able to open the ski resort partially. This news follows two notable lift incidents there over the past several years, and a gondola incident that occurred earlier this year at a ski resort (Kicking Horse) owned by the same company: Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (affectionately known as RCR).
So what comes next? Here’s a recap of the local government’s response, potential interest from the private sector, pressure from a union, and the ski resort’s actions since the announcement.
Government Response
The CBC reports that Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré MNA Kariane Bourassa and the Capitale-Nationale Minister Jean-François Simard threw into question Quebec’s previously agreed-upon $50 million CAD investment in the ski resort. This would have also included a $50 million CAD investment from RCR. That deal was supposed to be finalized and move forward this week. Now, they are saying that no money should be paid to Resorts of the Canadian Rockies until the results of the investigation are finalized.
“The government can’t invest a single dollar in the mountain until [RCR] resolves its lift problems and we have confirmation that there was no negligence,” said Kariane Bourassa. “Until all of this is clarified… no money will go into the mountain.”
In addition, a leader from a minority party in the province is calling for drastic changes. Pascal Paradis, a member of the Parti Québécois party, called for Quebec to forcibly take back ownership of the ski resort. He called for a special session of their legislature to bring it back into provincial hands. Their power in the National Assembly of Quebec is minimal, so it’s unclear whether they really have much influence here.
New Private Operator?
Regarding private interest, Quebec Mountain Ski Company has reiterated its desire to take over the business. We shared a story earlier this year that they have been slowly building a portfolio of ski resorts in Quebec. Since that article, the Quebec Mountain Ski Company acquired Massif du Sud but failed to acquire Mount Adstock. Le Massif also previously expressed interest in Anne, but RCR declined their offer.
Worker’s Union Speak Out
Pressure is also coming internally for change. The Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN), which represents workers at the ski resort, issued a statement today. The union called out management for the lack of upkeep at the ski resort. CSN also called for RCR to begin investing in the mountain to restore it to its former glory.
“It’s one of the most beautiful mountains in Quebec and the employees are eager to offer a great experience to customers, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to compensate for years of underinvestment by management,” said Michel Valiquette, treasurer for the union’s Federation of Commerce.
Mont-Sainte-Anne’s Response
Mont-Sainte-Anne remains open, albeit with a limited number of lifts operating. The ski resort’s cross-country trail network is also open.
On Monday, Mont-Sainte-Anne issued the following statement, which has been translated:
“Following the publication of the ordinance of the Régie du bátiment du Québec (RBQ) on Friday at the end of the day, we indicated in our latest bulletin that we will fully cooperate with all the steps to come.
Over the weekend our teams worked closely with the RBQ to formulate an action plan. At this stage, an audit of electrical systems is planned by the RBQ on Tuesday, December 16 at the Station. Other verifications, confirmations and reports requested of us are in the process and will be carried out with the utmost care. We have also ordered a consulting engineer to accompany us.
We confirm that we will remain partially open starting today, for the coming week.
Alpine hiking enthusiasts will be able to continue to enjoy the mountain while several services remain accessible:
– School slope and magic carpet open to all
– Services at the base: cafeteria, Sports Alpins shop, workshop and rental services
– Alpine hiking: access to the skiable area by a climb on the South and North slopes. Several downhill tracks, both worked and untreated, are accessible on both sides.
We ask all users to respect the signage and notices of the ski area closure, for their safety and that of our teams. Our patrols are present to ensure the operations run smoothly and offer first aid.
Waiting for the full opening of Mont-Sainte-Anne, all our subscribers and guests have access to the Stoneham Tourist Station as well as the Mont-Saint-Anne Cross-Country Ski Center, open 7 days a week.”
Image/Video Credits: Mont-Sainte-Anne
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