Phase 2: Path from yesterday to tomorrow: a trail and digital platform

On October 24, the Town of Sutton and the Corporation de développement économique de Sutton (CDES) celebrated the official inauguration of the Community and Family Westwood Trail, marking the closing of the “D’hier à demain” (Yesterday to Tomorrow) project.

The Westwood circuit, a beautiful 8.7 km loop offering magnificent views of our landscapes, promotes active mobility, discovery of the territory and environmental awareness. The result of a rigorous consultation process, it uses an old road and existing routes, limiting its ecological footprint while offering a safe, user-friendly experience shared by residents and visitors alike.

Please note that the trail will be closed during hunting seasons to ensure the safety of all: the closing dates for this year are October 18 to 22 and November 8 to 23, 2025.

An inauguration in the image of the project: collaborative and inclusive

The inauguration of the Westwood Trail began with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by project partners. A convivial gathering then took place at the Town Hall, over coffee and pastries, to share the pride of this achievement.

More than 75 people – partners, citizens, members of the municipal council and administration, local organizations – were on hand to mark the completion of this collective initiative, which began more than two years ago. Johanne Gauvin, director of the constituency office of the MNA for Brome-Missisquoi, Isabelle Charest, was on hand to highlight the Quebec government’s participation in the “Yesterday’s path to tomorrow” project. Sutton mayor Robert Benoît also congratulated the project’s coordinators, Janna Hubacek and the Corporation de développement économique de Sutton (CDES).

During this festive event, new educational content, focusing on local history and produced in collaboration with Héritage Sutton, was unveiled. The Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton (PENS) also revealed its 2026 program, which will feature eight free activities on themes revolving around nature, conservation and environmental awareness.

Playful installations and video vignettes created for the new Westwood circuit were also presented: a giant nest designed by artist Marek Latzmann on the edge of the trail; the visual identity of the trail signs signed by Marie Bilodeau, playful video vignettes on the Leave No Trace principles created by Mikaël Theimer and La Brimbalante, and comic-book-style illustrated posters created by Fred Nony.

It was in this collaborative spirit that several of the partners present, including representatives of PENS, Groupe Sentier Village Montagne (GSVS), Plein air Sutton and the citizens’ initiative for a multifunctional trail linking Sutton and Lac-Brome, were able to discuss the prospects for trail development in Sutton. The wish of all concerned, including the Town of Sutton, is that other trails accessible to the whole community and accepted by all should see the light of day in Sutton.

Read all the information about the project on the Dream Sutton website:

• Phase 1: Taking Care of Our Destination Together 2023-2024
• Phase 2: Path from yesterday to tomorrow: a trail and digital platform
• Unveiling of the Westwood trail and testimonials

The Town of Sutton and the Corporation de développement économique de Sutton (CDES) warmly invite you to celebrate the completion of the Westwood community trail on Friday, October 24, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Council room of the Town Hall.

Many citizens and organisations support this project, which aims to promote active mobility, health and a connection with nature. Official thanks were even expressed at the last municipal council meeting on October 1 by a spokeswoman for the osteoporosis exercise group and the quality of life advisory committee.

On the morning of October 24, you’ll learn more about the new Westwood community trail. During this event of sharing, discovery and collective pride, pastries and coffee will be offered, encouraging convivial exchanges. The event will be an opportunity to discover the “Parcours d’hier à demain” project’s achievements:

• Images of the layout and facilities of the Westwood family and community trail;
• Unveiling of the trail’s new visual identity, which will be displayed on signs;
• Screening of the original “Sans trace” video clips created especially for the trail in the spirit of respect for nature and living together;
• Sharing of the 2026 program of the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton (PENS) concerning the Westwood sector;
• Portrait of the results of heritage research carried out on this part of the territory by Héritage Sutton.

Afterwards, an overview of current and future digital projects and prospects for future trail development will launch a discussion to be continued.

The event will end with an informal moment of celebration in the form of discussions, questions and bubbles, without alcohol!

Don’t miss this great opportunity to celebrate our territory, our achievements and the collective energy that drives Sutton forward!

Please confirm your attendance by filling in the form.

Quotes

For over a year, the Corporation de développement économique de Sutton (CDES) and the Town of Sutton have been working hand in hand to develop a meaningful community trail. The Westwood trail is born, offering a new bucolic stroll.

Rooted in values of land stewardship and shaped through a consultation process involving over 400 people, the project aims to offer a trail that reflects the community’s values. It was included specific consultations with numerous landowners, who raised major concerns relating to privacy, traffic, agricultural uses and control of the territory. Given these issues, which ruled out the idea of developing trails on private land, other options had to be considered.

This led to the selection of the Westwood Loop: an 8.7 km route that follows a closed former municipal road (1.5 km) and existing rural roads, minimizing ecological impact while ensuring a safe and accessible experience. Already used informally despite muddy, uneven conditions, the proposed trail meets several citizen-driven priorities:

• Integrated and eco-responsible: enhancement of an existing path, preservation of sensitive natural environments and control of invasive plants;
  
• Accessible and conducive to active mobility: route suitable for all ages and all types of users (walkers, cyclists, horseback riders, strollers);
  
• Educational and cultural: collaboration with Heritage Sutton and PENS to highlight local history and raise environmental awareness;
  
• Sustainable: built on public land, ensuring long-term durability.

A rigorous, inclusive and innovative approach

This project stems from a structured and collaborative process supported by the Living Lab in Open Innovation (LLIO), affiliated with the Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup. In 2024, an advisory committee and three thematic working groups – Traces, Culture, and Terroir – enriched the vision. The process included three public presentations, over 100 individual meetings, the development of ecological criteria, corridor analyses, Indigenous awareness training, a sustainable tourism survey, and greenhouse gas (GHG) awareness tools, and much more.

In April 2025, following cross-analyses (environmental, logistical, legal, etc.) conducted with municipal departments, the Westwood route was selected. Preparatory work is underway with PENS and the Town of Sutton’s Public Works and Fixed Assets Department, including accessibility adjustments (in collaboration with the Kéroul organization) and an ecological evaluation led by Isabelle Grégoire (Fiducie foncière du Mont Pinacle). At the same time, in response to concerns expressed by a group of nearby residents, a constructive dialogue was initiated to find solutions and work toward a collective understanding. Respect for the land and for the coexistence of different types of users is central to the project.

An Invitation to Citizen Participation

This trail initiative is part of the Caring for Our Destination Together and Path from  Yesterday to Tomorrow programs, supported by the Government of Quebec. It also complements Sutton’s revision of its active transportation networks (see: Active Circuits Map) and aligns with the Town’s Family and Senior Policy.

👉 To follow the project, learn more, or get involved: revons.sutton.ca

The trail’s inauguration is planned for fall 2025 — a concrete step toward active, sustainable, and inclusive mobility in Sutton, for generations to come!

Open to citizen participation

The project is part of the Taking Care of Our Destination Together and Parcours d’hier à demain initiatives, supported by the Quebec government. It also enhances the revision of Sutton’s active routes (see map) in line with the Town’s Family and Seniors Policy.

Work began this week, and the trail is scheduled to open at the end of this fall.

This will be the culmination of a concrete project for active, sustainable, and inclusive mobility in Sutton for generations to come!

Beginning in 2024, the CDES has been dedicated to developing a new trail near the heart of the village, with the goal of improving walkability all the while protecting the natural environment.

As part of conversations with more than 20 landowners, several concerns emerged — including the importance of protecting privacy, avoiding overcrowding, supporting ongoing agricultural uses, and maintaining a sense of care and oversight for their land. Past incidents — particularly during the pandemic, such as unintentional trespassing, wild camping, and littering — have understandably shaped these concerns.

These realities invite us to move forward with mutual respect and a shared sense of responsibility. As part of this effort, the trail will include a Hiker’s Code of Conduct (see reference by Réserve Naturelle des Montagnes vertes)— a collective guide to encourage discretion, a respect for private property, and the protection of the natural environment we all value

Even if some initial trail routes have been set aside, these discussions underscore how important it is to build a culture of respectful coexistence — a foundation that will make future community projects possible.

An Inspiring Example: The Village-Mountain Trail

Right here in Sutton, we already have a great example of a success story: the Village-Mountain Trail, which links the village centre to the mountain along a scenic stream. This trail exists thanks to gegenerous landowners who offered a right of way, and it is maintained with care by the PENS.
[Watch their video testimonial]

The projects Caring for Our Destination Together (Phase 1) and Pathways from Yesterday to Tomorrow (Phase 2), led by the Sutton Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with the Town of Sutton, aim to foster a tourism model that is vibrant, respectful, and deeply connected to the land. By focusing on active mobility, culture, landscapes, and heritage, these initiatives invite us to collectively reflect on the impacts of tourism and explore strategies for more sustainable development.

A recent survey of 339 visitors confirms that Sutton is on the right path:

• 80% believe it is essential to develop sustainable tourism;
• Their top priorities include protecting and raising awareness about natural environments, supporting local purchases, and improving green infrastructure;
• 88% would like to better understand the initiatives already in place.

These encouraging results motivate us to continue making our commitments more visible and accessible—particularly through upcoming interactive tools and immersive experiences.

Thank you to everyone helping make Sutton an inspiring, sustainable destination rooted in its core values!

The Corporation de développement économique de Sutton will receive a $400,000 grant to develop the trail, part of a provincial program supporting sustainable tourism. This initiative seeks to build a four-season accessible trail linking natural sites, and encouraging residents and visitors to discover Sutton’s landscape and heritage. Alongside the physical trail, a digital platform will be developed to enhance the visitor experience and highlight the area’s natural features, culture, and terroir. This project is part of a broader commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in Sutton, encouraging active transportation, and protecting the integrity of our natural spaces.

Liens média :

Media coverage – La Voix de l’Est (French)

Provincial funding announcement (French)