{"id":5330,"date":"2024-11-06T09:26:13","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T14:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/?p=5330"},"modified":"2025-03-05T18:12:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T23:12:13","slug":"parce-quil-faut-toute-une-vallee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/parce-quil-faut-toute-une-vallee\/","title":{"rendered":"Because It Takes a Whole Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Because It Takes a Whole Valley<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Behind the church steeple of Saint-Raymond, the Laurentian massif stretches all the way to the horizon. It is across this vast, glacier-shaped territory that Vall\u00e9e Bras-du-Nord unfolds.\n\nFar beyond the landscapes and adventures that captivate visitors, these forests and waterways hold the roots of a unique vision: a solidarity cooperative<\/a> strong enough to transform an entire village.<\/p>\n

Alongside a small team united by shared ideals\u2014including Danielle Larose, a key visionary behind the project\u2014Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Asselin launched Vall\u00e9e Bras-du-Nord in 2002.\n\nThe first challenge was to convince the people of Saint-Raymond of their land\u2019s potential as a major outdoor destination. Then came the task of building and promoting that vision.\n\nThe ambition was also to create a cooperative model that was both innovative and economically viable\u2014a path filled with obstacles.<\/p>\n

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Drowster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIt was a challenge at every step. We were facing headwinds, and the community was skeptical,\u201d recalls \u00c9tienne Beaumont, who now co-leads the cooperative alongside Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric.\n\nOriginally from Saint-Raymond, \u00c9tienne had left the region for his studies but returned for a six-month contract building trails with young people who had nowhere else to go.\n\nNearly 20 years later, he\u2019s still here\u2014standing alongside Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric. And the cooperative model remains strong.<\/p>\n

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Drowster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Today, the cooperative brings together worker-members, supporting members, and producers. From the farmer who grants a right of way to the staff who dedicate their time each day, everyone plays a part in making the cooperative a social pillar and a source of pride for the Saint-Raymond community.<\/p>\n

Young Families in Search of Community<\/h3>\n
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Beyond preserving an exceptional territory, Vall\u00e9e Bras-du-Nord has become, for many, a reason to stay in Saint-Raymond, to return, or even to settle there for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u00c9tienne Beaumont is especially proud to be part of this revitalization. \u201cThe people who come to work here are passionate. They leave better-paying jobs to join a coop. They feel like they belong to something bigger.\u201d\n\nThat\u2019s the case for Alexandra, adjusting her baby carrier while keeping an eye on her two-year-old, always ready for adventure. Nearby, her colleagues follow similar rhythms: Gabrielle rocks her second child, and Jasmine, eight months pregnant, plays with her three-year-old daughter.\n\nThe Bras-du-Nord family is putting down roots.<\/p>\n

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Drowster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Drawn by a community of shared values and a haven of nature, Alexandra and her partner, Alexandre, chose to settle in Saint-Raymond during the pandemic\u2014joining Alexandre\u2019s parents, who were already living there. Without knowing what to expect after leaving Sept-\u00celes, Alexandra found her role as Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Vall\u00e9e, along with a daycare spot for little Gr\u00e9goire.\n\n\u201cRaising our children here feels reassuring, especially with everything coming our way\u2014from climate change to rising polarization,\u201d she says. Since then, her parents and brother have also relocated to the region.<\/p>\n

As for Alexandre, he's rediscovering a transformed Saint-Raymond after 20 years away. \u201cWhen I left in 2001, two lumber companies were shutting down, and all my uncles were out of work\u2026 It was hard to imagine a bright future,\u201d he recalls.\n\nSitting on a large rock, the trained geographer points toward Delaney Falls. \u201cHere, waterfalls are high-elevation lakes that spill over. This landscape is shaped by glacial erosion.\u201d\n\nIn this setting, the Finance and Sales Coordinator feels fully at home.<\/p>\n

NURTURING CONNECTIONS AND THE LAND<\/h3>\n
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Visiting Vall\u00e9e Bras-du-Nord means discovering a rich diversity of breathtaking landscapes: shimmering bodies of water, 80 km of hiking trails<\/a>, and an extensive network of mountain biking paths<\/a>.\n\nThese trails, crossing both public lands and private properties, are accessible thanks to the invaluable collaboration of local landowners. Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Asselin still remembers going door to door to request those rights of passage: \u201cWe convinced them one by one, saying, \u2018Give it a try for a year, and we\u2019ll see from there.\u2019\u201d\n\nSince then, the wheels haven\u2019t stopped turning.<\/p>\n

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Drowster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just a few minutes from downtown Saint-Raymond, \u201cMont du Suisse\u201d is home to a mountain biking zone. Just across the way, the dairy cows of Fanny Roy and Pierre Eggen watch the steady flow of cyclists. The name \u201cMont du Suisse\u201d pays tribute to Pierre, who is of Swiss-German origin and agreed to partner with the cooperative. \u201cI figured the bike trails would discourage people on dirt bikes from damaging my land,\u201d he explains. And it worked\u2014the cyclists passionately protect the trails from any intrusion.<\/p>\n

As the sun begins to set, the kids from the local bike club ride single file into the forest. From their land, Fanny and Pierre watch them with care. This summer evening feels almost pastoral\u2014though on busy days, hundreds of bikes may pass right by their home. Still, as long as the benefits outweigh the inconveniences, the couple remains committed.<\/p>\n

One of the young cyclists calls out to Pierre: \u201cOne of your cows is wandering near the trails\u2014I don\u2019t know if you saw.\u201d Pierre smiles and heads off to retrieve the bold explorer. A quick check of the fence is in order.<\/p>\n

Sustainable Tourism Is Overused<\/h3>\n

GHG calculations, quality jobs, commitment to the \u201c1% for the Planet<\/a>\u201d movement, environmental preservation, and gender equality promotion\u2014Vall\u00e9e Bras-du-Nord is a shining example of sustainable tourism.\n\nAnd yet, neither Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric nor \u00c9tienne put these achievements front and center. Their blend of cooperative values and sustainable development stems from a vision of prosperity deeply rooted in their founding principles.<\/p>\n

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Drowster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether it\u2019s by developing a modern accommodation<\/a> offering or designing mountain biking trails that attract enthusiasts from across Qu\u00e9bec, the Vall\u00e9e knows how to stand out.\n\nFor \u00c9tienne, \u201cIf you don\u2019t have economic strength, you rely on everyone else. Your vision is weak.\u201d\n\nThis independence protects the integrity of the land: each trail is carefully planned to minimize logging and anticipate erosion\u2014even if it takes more time. The land has limits, and so does the forest.\n\n\u00c9tienne hopes that \u201cthe day I\u2019m no longer here, these trails will still serve the community, and this economic model will remain rooted in a strong social fabric.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the years, the community has rallied around the cooperative: a mountain bike club, a high school outdoor education program<\/a>, and large-scale sporting events. Saint-Raymond moves to the rhythm of the Vall\u00e9e.\n\nResidents pitch in for volunteer trail work and help patrol the network. \u201cThey\u2019re our best ambassadors! There are still differences, but little by little, we\u2019re coming together.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sound of snowmobiles and ATVs will always echo through Saint-Raymond. The territory is vast, with room for everyone\u2014as long as the Vall\u00e9e continues to preserve this delicate balance, with respect for all.<\/p>\n

A Trail for Everyone with the En Marche Project<\/h3>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s gonna take two of us to move this one, guys.\u201d\nThe rock \u00c9tienne Beaumont points to seems impossible to shift. Around him, the 2023 participants of the En Marche Project<\/a> get to work, shovels and pickaxes in hand\u2014a team of forestry workers like any other.\n\nBut these ten young adults are also facing an invisible challenge: the challenge of rebuilding themselves.\n\nHaving been pushed aside in school or the workforce, some are living with intense social anxiety; others are struggling with addiction.<\/p>\n

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Drowster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThey're young people who don\u2019t really know where they\u2019re headed in life, and here we are... building a trail in the woods!\u201d says \u00c9tienne.\n\u201cWe involve them in the decision-making: how are you going to get it done, do you have the right tools, are you well supported to make it happen? If you don\u2019t put in much effort, not much will get done. But look at what\u2019s possible when you work hard!\u201d<\/p>\n

The En Marche Project offers them an opportunity for professional reintegration. For six months, they work 35 hours a week in the Vall\u00e9e\u2014without substances, without phones, without music. In addition to building trails, they learn outdoor skills and take part in workshops led by a social worker, a psychoeducator, and community organizations.<\/p>\n

Annie Plante, the project coordinator for the past 11 years, meets with participants today beneath a large yellow tarp. Once again, nature- and adventure-based intervention proves its power.\n\u201cThe youth see that no matter what, we\u2019re here for them. Three out of four will genuinely improve their situation after the project ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Drowster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of them, William, walks up to Annie with a confident look in his eyes.\n\u201cHow\u2019s it going today, William?\u201d she asks.\n\nHe\u2019s working hard to build his confidence and stay away from substance use.\n\u201cWhen I started here, I couldn\u2019t even look people in the eye. Just going to the grocery store and seeing people stressed me out.\u201d\n\nToday, he walks with his head held high\u2014and even smiles at strangers.<\/p>\n

The En Marche Project has been at the heart of Vall\u00e9e\u2019s mission since the very beginning. \u00c9tienne finds daily inspiration in the courage of the participants.\n\u201cWorking with these young people was a revelation for me. I had this inner mission to share this way of life\u2014the outdoors\u2026 They\u2019re my heroes, truly.\u201d\n\nAnd for a glimpse of the incredible work they\u2019ve accomplished, just look at the Giant Steps Staircase\u2014a 100% En Marche creation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A text by L\u00e9a Beauchesne, herself a proud adopted resident of Saint-Raymond, originally published in Beside magazine<\/a> in November 2023.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Parce qu’il faut toute une Vall\u00e9e Derri\u00e8re le clocher de l\u2019\u00e9glise de Saint-Raymond, le massif laurentien s\u2019\u00e9tend jusqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019horizon. C\u2019est sur ce vaste territoire, fa\u00e7onn\u00e9 par les glaciers, que se d\u00e9ploie la Vall\u00e9e Bras-du-Nord. Bien au-del\u00e0 des paysages et des aventures qui captivent les visiteurs, cette for\u00eat et ces cours d\u2019eau abritent les racines d\u2019une … Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"class_list":["post-5330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nouvelles"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5330"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5387,"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5330\/revisions\/5387"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valleebrasdunord.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}