Interregional Cycling Network: Three RCMs join forces to shape the future of active mobility in Montérégie and Estrie

Saint-Hyacinthe, September 17, 2025 – Against the backdrop of a recent cabinet shuffle and with municipal elections approaching, the RCMs of Les Maskoutains, Rouville, and Brome-Missisquoi are issuing a joint call to the Government of Québec. They wish to draw attention to the historic opportunity represented by the potential acquisition of the former railway rights-of-way known as Saint-Guillaume Spur 1 and 2 and the Stanbridge Spur, whose market value is currently being assessed by the Canadian Transportation Agency.

These corridors represent a unique opportunity to develop a 69 km interregional cycling trail, including approximately 25 km in Les Maskoutains RCM, 19 km in Rouville RCM, and 25 km in Brome-Missisquoi RCM. The three RCMs are inviting the Government of Québec—particularly the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility—to begin considering various scenarios now, in order to be ready to seize this exceptional opportunity as soon as the value of these infrastructures is confirmed. 

A structuring project with multiple benefits

This project would:

• Connect more than 250,000 people within a 40 km radius by filling a missing link in the Montérégie and Estrie cycling networks
• Boost cycle tourism and agrotourism, economic drivers in Montérégie and the Eastern Townships, generating direct benefits for local businesses, producers, and attractions
• Improve active mobility by offering a safe, accessible alternative for all, including families, seniors, and people with reduced mobility
• Position Montérégie and Estrie as must-visit cycling destinations, linking seven municipalities and two administrative regions through a safe and structuring north-south corridor

Three wardens united

“This corridor is essential for connecting our territories with each other and with the rest of Montérégie. Currently, Les Maskoutains RCM has no direct cycling connection to regional networks. This project would finally open up our RCM and provide citizens with a safe, structuring network, while also attracting cyclists from elsewhere to discover our beautiful region,” said Mr. Simon Giard, Warden of Les Maskoutains RCM.

“This project represents much more than a simple cycling trail: it is an investment in the quality of life of our citizens and in the sustainable future of our region. At Rouville RCM, we firmly believe this initiative will be a driver of attractiveness and pride for all our communities. It is also a great opportunity to showcase our landscapes, producers, and local attractions to visitors from near and far,” added Mr. Denis Paquin, Warden of Rouville RCM.

“The opportunity before us is unique and will not come again. With this corridor, we could finally provide the population with a safe, structuring link, while highlighting the landscapes and attractions of Brome-Missisquoi, including the Wine Route. It is a sustainable initiative that will benefit citizens as well as the tourism vitality of our region,” concluded Mr. Patrick Melchior, Warden of Brome-Missisquoi RCM.

The three RCMs will actively pursue their political and institutional efforts to ensure the acquisition of these corridors is completed quickly once their value is known.

For more information on this initiative, please visit the RCM’s website: https://www.mrcmaskoutains.qc....

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Source :
Communications Department
MRC des Maskoutains 
450 774-3141, ext. 3137 
dbegin@mrcdesmaskoutains.ca 

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