Having become an innkeeper in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, the former boss of Gestev, Patrice Drouin, is slowly turning the page on the heartbreaking election evening of his friend Marie-Josée Savard, who had recruited him to lead her campaign l last fall.
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Two months after a victory turned into a heartbreaking defeat, the pioneer of mountain biking at Mont Sainte-Anne seems as serene as the former number two of the City, disappeared from the radar since mid-November.
For his part, Patrice Drouin has managed to overcome this by opening Auberge & Campagne, a nine-room establishment, which will also house the Chez Pat Ski Vélo Apéro bar.
He would have continued the adventure if Ms. Savard had become mayor of Quebec, but his new project thrills him just as much.
“Marie-Josée had confidence in my abilities and it was new for me. We had a very good campaign and I should have arrived two months before. When you look at the gap in the end, it’s nothing, ”explains the businessman.
Courtesy picture
The chalet style should appeal to a large clientele passionate about sports and the outdoors.
Hard to manage
What happened during the evening of November 7, 2021 remains unreported. The incident is now an unavoidable political ephemeris.
Marie-Josée Savard risks being apostrophized again in 20 years, a bit like Alain Côté, who must explain his goal of April 28, 1987.
On the human level, several situations were difficult to manage. Quickly, the emotions climbed to an unparalleled threshold before falling to the lowest.
“It’s really a media thing that we have never seen. We couldn’t dispute that. We were winning and we had to go back. There was a loss of control of information and we got caught up in it. There was no indicator to say otherwise. The case of Marie-Josée will be studied and will be used, but it is not a remedy for what happened, ”he adds.
Marie-Josée Savard and Patrice Drouin even waited an hour before coming out publicly after she was declared elected.
“We still had the same leader. There was no red flag. It was an unintentional mistake. Nobody wanted to fool anyone. Understood. At one point everyone was upset and I told him to go join his family. It happened, you have to live with it and rebuild afterwards. »
no bitterness
Patrice Drouin affirms that he is not bitter. He regrets nothing of the campaign. Under identical circumstances, he would once again plunge into the political arena.
“It’s an experience I wanted to have. We lost by a few votes, but there are still 10 candidates who surrendered. We really came close. »
Ms. Savard has been asked for various end-of-year programs, but she has declined all the invitations.
Marie-Josée Savard gave a helping hand
In recent weeks, Marie-Josée Savard has also changed her mind by helping out with the work at the new inn located in the village’s former general store.
“We talk to each other often. She came to help me here at the hostel for two or three days. We had fun,” says Patrice Drouin.
With Auberge & Campagne, owners Lisa Linton and Patrice Drouin made it a priority to preserve the original attractions of the building.
In a chalet style, the rustic concept should please, especially with the outdoor madness that does not run out of steam. Despite the pandemic, the hostel can accommodate three families in safe conditions.
The local and eco-responsible establishment also wants to offer gourmet and artisanal products from the village.
Prior to the latest pandemic-related restrictions, the start-up of the business was going smoothly.
The atmosphere
For a long time, customers have been looking for an après-ski atmosphere near Mont-Sainte-Anne. Having a drink near the mountain remains an impossible mission. Chez Pat, it may be necessary to reserve your place.
“People have responded well. We were full some nights. Some have postponed. I take it in a positive way because it gives us time to get to know the building. I see winter as a break-in. With cross-country ski trails, fat bike and the hiking trail nearby, we will be selling resort tickets right here. »
Committed
At the end of 2020, the former boss of Gestev had come out of retirement to give Quebec City a boost in order to attract major events to the capital. He then left his post as senior adviser for the November 2021 ballot.
In order to honor its past, the inn makes a few nods to the history of mountain biking.