The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) announced at the Warden’s Banquet on Saturday, November 20, that they would continue supporting the operation and maintenance of the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail. This comes on the heels of the agreement in principle between VIA Rail Canada and the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Corporation (PRRTC), which has transferred ownership of the trail to the PRRTC.
Stéphane Sarrazin, Warden of the UCPR, said during the banquet that the UCPR would be providing a total of $540,000 over the next ten years, $70,000 each year for the first two years and $50,000 each year for the next eight. The money will be used to cover some of the cost of maintaining the trail and its infrastructure, and the UCPR will remain responsible for trimming the brush along the trail.
“I would like to sincerely thank the UCPR Council for its commitment to preserve this gem for all the communities of Prescott and Russell while ensuring its sustainable development,” said Pascal Roy, Director of the PRRTC. “I would also like to thank the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Stéphane Parisien, and the staff of the UCPR for having negotiated in good faith with their counterparts at VIA Rail, allowing us to reach such a positive outcome.”
The terms of the agreement will be finalized and shared in the coming weeks.
“It is clear that we still have work to do before reaching a final agreement, but we are grateful for the trust and patience of Trail users in our efforts,” added Stéphane P. Parisien, Chief Administrative Officer of the UCPR. “We are pleased to be able to support the PRRTC and are confident that all the elements are aligned to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Trail.”
