Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter
The non-profit organization, Corporation plein air de la Lièvre de Buckingham, has been selected as a finalist in the Tourism Initiative category presented by Tourisme Outaouais for the 29th edition of the Excelor Gala to be held on November 15 at the Hilton & Casino du Lac Leamy from 4 pm to 10 pm.
“When we learned we were a finalist, we were extremely proud, because we’ve overcome so many challenges this year,” said Élodie Cyr, coordinator at the Corporation plein air de la Lièvre. “This is a great recognition for all the work we’ve accomplished.”
According to Buckingham City Councillor Edmond Leclerc, the Corporation is a source of pride for Buckingham.
The Excelor Gala
Presented by Enbridge Gaz Québec in collaboration with the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce, the Excelor Gala is a unique event in the Outaouais region, where nearly 1,000 people gather each year to promote local businesses by celebrating and honouring their success and contribution to the region’s economic development.
Corporation plein air de la Lièvre
In March 2009, a group of Buckingham residents wanted to boost outdoor activity services in the Lower Lièvre region and created the Corporation plein air de la Lièvre. Recognizing the recreational tourism potential of the Lièvre River, several financial partners, including Evolugen, the Caisses Desjardins, and the City of Gatineau, quickly joined the organization to develop the project, whose mission is to make quality outdoor activities accessible in a safe environment.
Thus, in 2012, the Lièvre Nautical Centre, located in Landing Park at 241 Buckingham Avenue, was created with a wide range of activities and events taking place on the Lièvre River with the rental of kayaks, pedal boats, paddleboards, canoes, and more.
In 2019, the non-profit organization expanded its entertainment offerings by taking over operations of Les Renards Blancs trail network, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing activities on over 25 kilometers of marked and maintained trails. This is a “stand-alone” site where people of all skill levels can enjoy their activities freely.
During the same year, the municipality of L’Ange-Gardien acquired the Champboisé Regional Park, a site of over 165 acres of forest located along the Lièvre River. The corporation then developed a partnership with the municipality to organize outdoor activities over five kilometers throughout the four seasons. “During the summer and fall, we offer yoga and walks with interpretations of the flora and fauna,” said Cyr. “In the winter, we offer equipment rentals, cross-country skiing lessons, and more.”
To book an activity and learn more about the organization: https://pleinairlievre.ca/boutique/ and: https://www.facebook.com/corpo.lievre. People can also visit the site. “They can present their Gatineau access card, which offers discounts, but it’s not mandatory,” Cyr explained. “For boat rentals, it’s preferable to book online due to high traffic.” Prices vary from one activity to another, and some are offered free of charge.
To book tickets and for more information on the Excelor Gala: https://ccgatineau.ca/evenement/gala-excelor-2025-presente-par-enbridge/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNCVYVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBajlJT3IxUHdUZVpTY1JzAR7Ibsi4Hr_ZEPJlOzJ_IvyenOELb0u1iCAHpd2a3rYViUW4DQqCtbQzqcR81g_aem_SyNm259VT9I3TVFUnAxtrg
Photo: Excelor Gala finalists in the Tourism Initiative category (From left to right): Corporation plein air de la Lièvre, FMG-Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, and Terre & Neige (September 17, 2025) (MG) Photo: Courtesy of the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce