The United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR) and VIA Rail agreed on an interim deal to extend the current lease on the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail for another two months. The extension lasts until August 31 while both sides continue talks about a renewal of the existing user lease for the trail.
«It is important for us to take the time necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties in the matter,» stated Stéphane P. Parisien, UCPR chief administrator. «Negotiations are ongoing, and we are confident that we will reach an agreement in the coming weeks.»
The PR Trail follows a former railway road bed route that belows to VIA Rail. The rail company and the UCPR have a lease arrangement for several years that allows use of the former road bed as a recreational trail. The UCPR is responsible for maintaining the trail while VIA Rail also retains control over its rights-of-way concerning private properties that are adjacent to the trail route.
