First phase of multi-use trail opens in Buckingham

Taylor Clark

A new multi-use trail has been added to the current network in the east of Gatineau. The first phase of the Lièvre Ouest trail, located between rue Pierre-Laporte and rue Maclaren East, was officially opened on June 27.

“This project, awaited by the community, is a great addition to existing links in the east of the city, allowing various modes of active transportation to be practiced in a safe manner. These are significant benefits for the entire population of Gatineau, particularly for residents of Buckingham and potentially for those of Masson-Angers, when the second phase of the project has been completed,” wrote Buckingham district councillor Edmond Leclerc in a press release.

Spanning 1.75 kilometres, the first phase of the trail included a route through a wooded area along with a portion of rue Georges which can be explored on foot, by bike, or even by scooter.

The new addition will allow safe access to the Brady Bridge and cross the Lièvre River. The link will also double as an incentive to abandon their vehicle for active transportation, said Leclerc.

The creation of the trail in a wooded area was possible due to an agreement with Evolugen, which offered the required land. “Contributing to the quality of life of the communities near our activities is part of our values and allowing citizens to benefit from the land that belongs to us is one of the ways of doing so. Thanks to the City, our land, like this trail, allows people from the east to move, gather, and have fun,” wrote Evolugen’s director of Quebec operations, Mathieu Daoust.

Photo caption: Representatives from the Ville de Gatineau and Evolugen mark the official opening of the first phase of a new multi-use trail in the east end of the city.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Website