Residents push for winter maintenance on Lac-des-Fées trail

Tashi Farmilo

A popular multi-use trail in Gatineau, the Lac-des-Fées promenade, has become the focus of a growing call for improved winter maintenance. During the snowy months, a key section of the trail remains uncleared, rendering it nearly unusable for pedestrians and cyclists who depend on it for daily travel. Instead, users are forced onto a nearby road where vehicles travel at speeds up to 60 km/h, conditions that residents say are unsafe and unacceptable.

The trail runs through central Gatineau and connects several neighbourhoods, serving not only as a recreational path but as a practical route for students commuting between buildings at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), as well as for residents who rely on active transportation throughout the year. In cities with cold climates, active winter mobility like walking and cycling has gained traction as a sustainable and healthy alternative to driving, provided that infrastructure is properly maintained.

Frustrated by years of inaction, residents launched a petition on Change.org titled Pétition pour le déneigement de la piste cyclable — promenade du Lac-des-Fées. The initiative was started by Alex Fedarenka and has quickly gained support from residents concerned about safety and accessibility. The petition urges the City of Gatineau and the National Capital Commission (NCC), which manages much of the region’s pathway network, to clear the Lac-des-Fées trail of snow in the winter. It highlights that failure to do so not only undermines the safety and efficiency of the active transportation network, but also runs counter to public safety norms already in place in many northern cities, where snow clearing of bike paths is treated as essential infrastructure maintenance. The petition also cites a 2017 incident in which a cyclist was killed on the adjacent roadway in winter, underscoring the risks faced by users diverted from the trail.

Supporters argue that adding the trail to the winter maintenance network would directly align with regional goals around active mobility, enhance quality of life for students and residents, and come at a relatively low cost compared to building new infrastructure or dealing with the fallout of collisions and injuries.

In response to the petition, the NCC stated it is aware of the concerns and remains in communication with the City of Gatineau to explore options for collaboration. The City confirmed that it recognizes the importance of the trail and has received several maintenance requests over the years. City officials added that following the NCC’s openness to allowing Gatineau to assume responsibility for winter maintenance of the segment, both parties engaged in discussions. However, due to the need for a formal agreement and associated administrative steps, the City said it will not be possible to include the trail in its snow-clearing operations for the upcoming 2025 to 2026 winter season.

The City and the NCC are currently renegotiating broader agreements covering NCC-owned trails already maintained by Gatineau. Once finalized, these talks are expected to clarify who is responsible for financial, legal, and operational aspects of snow removal. Gatineau officials expressed optimism that the process will be completed soon, potentially paving the way for the Lac-des-Fées promenade to be cleared in future winters.

The Bulletin sought comment from petition organiser Alex Fedarenka; he did not respond by press time.