Given the enthusiasm for quad biking in Quebec, an adventure activity accessible to individuals and families, the Quebec Federation of Quad Clubs wishes to propose a new approach to monitoring and promoting the practice of this activity.
During the association congress on June 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Rivière-du-Loup, the delegates of the 109 member associations have to decide on several measures.
“We’re giving the clubs a say to find out how they want to organize themselves to respond to the new reality of the quad world,” explains the federation’s president, Réjean Blouin. We had very clear mandates in 2019.
“We will take stock of the situation we find ourselves in. We want to start with a new foundation in order to face the challenges of tomorrow. Labor, volunteering, material prices are all increasing, and our funding method hasn’t changed in the meantime. Membership card sales and license plate fees are still our sources of income. This is public money that must be returned to quad enthusiasts. We must use it to improve and unify our trails, to standardize the entire exercise of the activity. »
NECESSARY CHANGES
The President has seen the environment change.
“You have to understand that the quad world wasn’t organized the way we are now. We went ahead, but always in response to what was happening. Today we are better structured and can anticipate what will happen. We have permanent staff in the Federation who are functional and specialized. You know your job. Yes, there are costs for this.
“We have to manage to convince the reluctant that what we are doing has only one goal: to ensure their prosperity and the sustainability of quad biking in Quebec.” People are used to working in one direction. They are resistant to change. We make sure to be transparent about the amounts we invest in the various programs. Our expenses must be justified. »
EVERYTHING TO DISCOVER
Even at the government level, the association has had to adapt its practices.
“The government doesn’t give us a blank check without knowing where the money is going. We have standardized our accounting, which allows us to know whether financial commitments are being met. The different departments feel more comfortable with us. We have to professionalize our methods and bring them to a level where we are recognized when we want to discuss. »
Photo courtesy of Tourisme Chaudière-Appalaches
Reshuffles are an avenue to be explored, the President said.
“For example, if there are 15 clubs in a given region, why multiply all the equipment needed to maintain the trails by that much? If we pooled our resources, it could well be that seven devices would be enough and the maintenance would still be done.
“We are committed to maximizing our revenue and helping clubs modernize to meet today’s realities. I understand very well that the volunteers, who have built an association from scratch and brought it to a top level, have reservations about the new methods that we want to propose. It is our job to state that we want standardized operations so that the quad becomes an activity that is recognized at fair value. »
The FQCQ has 109 clubs bringing together more than 60,000 quad riders. The trail network includes 33 km of winter, summer and year-round trails.
“Thanks to the work of more than 2,500 volunteers, our community generates billions of dollars in economic benefits each year. We must ensure that their work is recognized and organized in a way that will ensure the future of our leisure activities, contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions. »
