Canada Economic Development Invests Almost $2.5 million to Give Percé’s Downtown Core a Facelift

From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

News Release

Percé, Quebec – February 14, 2018 – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and MP for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, together with the Mayor of Percé, Cathy Poirier, announced today an investment of $2,457,715 in the project involving the protection and rehabilitation of the waterfront in the Anse-du-Sud sector of Percé (website in French only). The financial assistance, which is in the form of a non-repayable contribution, is provided by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), through the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP). It should be noted that an additional $542,285 in funding was granted in 2016 for preliminary studies to be carried out prior to the start of the work.

This major investment, which is in addition to contributions from the Government of Quebec and the City of Percé, will complete the project’s recreational tourism component, evaluated at $7.2 million. Along with a new 800-metre wooden boardwalk, this component includes constructing a new building in the municipal park, renovating the Espace culturel Suzanne‑Guité, setting up a children's playground and parking areas and installing outdoor furniture. Planting, lighting and landscaping work is also planned. Everything will be completed by June 15, 2018, in time for the upcoming tourism season.

Large-scale project

The major damage experienced in Percé in December 2016 had confirmed the urgent need for a sustainable solution to protect the waterfront from storms and coastal erosion, the effect of which is aggravated by climate change. In total, the project involving the protection and rehabilitation of the waterfront in the Anse-du-Sud sector of Percé has required over $20 million in funding, the bulk of which was provided by the governments of Quebec and Canada.

Nourishment activities along a 900-metre stretch of beach were carried out in the summer of 2017 to protect the coastal infrastructure. The work included in the recreational tourism component will give Percé a facelift that will last for many years to come.

Quotes

“Percé has always been the ideal meeting place, both for our community and for tourists. The funding announced today will foster tourism growth and the economic vitality, not only of Percé but of the region as a whole. This large-scale project will ensure the sustainability of tourism facilities and will allow residents and visitors to reclaim the waterfront.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, MP for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

“By supporting tourism projects, such as the one in the City of Percé, the Government of Canada is helping to strengthen the vibrancy, vitality and visibility of our communities and boost economic activity.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

“These major investments will leave a permanent legacy in Percé. Residents and visitors alike will benefit from modern recreational tourism infrastructure and facilities, and Percé will be able to maintain its status as an international tourism destination for decades to come.”

Cathy Poirier, Mayor of Percé

Quick Facts

  • CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

  • For more information on CED’s key directions until 2021, consult the Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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