Canada/Senneterre achieves Relay Village status

Senneterre becomes the 3rd Village-relais in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, after La Sarre and Témiscaming.

This recognition from the French Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is awarded to towns with populations of less than 10,000. These towns are able to ensure a quality welcome and a diversity of services for road users, such as stopping places, accommodation, restaurants and tourist and natural attractions.

According to Mayor Nathalie-Ann Pelchat, Senneterre easily met the program's new basic criteria. The town was also able to secure the commitment of several businesses as partners.

They came on board easily, knowing that it wouldn't involve any major changes to their opening hours or the services they offer," she explains. Now they have to become ambassadors to welcome people and direct them to the various services offered in Senneterre. We sincerely hope that this program will become a source of pride.

Impact on tourism

Nathalie-Ann Pelchat believes that the status of Village-relais will have an impact on the number of visitors to Senneterre.

We want to continue to develop as a municipality, and this could give us a boost. Promoting the network will encourage more people to stop, especially as it's a long way to Chapais, the next Village-relais on Route 113. So much the better if people can feel safe passing through Senneterre.

The mayor also adds that a new resto-bar is due to open soon in Senneterre. This service has been unavailable in the municipality for over a year. A mobile application is also available to find Villages-relais in Quebec.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca