The Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail stands to benefit as part of a new cycling corridor being developed to connect Ottawa and Montreal.
The corridor’s development will involve connecting existing bike routes within Ottawa, Cornwall and Montréal and creating new routes for accessible, year-round enjoyment. The corridor will feature local artisans, wineries, breweries, and culinary experiences to celebrate the unique cultural and natural heritage of the region, while providing economic and social benefits.
Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail Executive Director Eric Collard said the Eastern Ontario Regional Tourism Operating Organization 9 (RTO 9) and Velo Quebec have jointly received a $250,000 grant from the Destination Canada Tourism Corridor Strategy Program to examine ways of resolving gaps in trail connections.
“We have to work with our partners in Ottawa. We’re working with partners in Rigaud and Montérégie,” Collard said.
The 72-kilometre Prescott and Russell Trail goes from the Ottawa city limits in the west to the Quebec boundary in the east. In Ottawa, the trail connects with the pathways maintained by the National Capital Commission. Work is being done in the Rigaud area to connect a cycling path with the Ontario boundary. Collard is hopeful the connection will be completed in 2025.
“We have the goal to be the cycling superhighway between Ottawa and Montréal,” Collard said.
The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program aims to contribute to a more resilient tourism industry through accelerated destination development of multiple corridors across Canada. This program is a key initiative of Destination Canada’s 2030 Tourism Strategy with its bold goal to propel Canada back into the top seven global tourism destinations.
The corridor program will invigorate Ontario and Quebec’s tourism landscape, enticing visitors to discover the area’s diverse regions and contributing to a more dynamic and competitive tourism industry.
