The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne announces over $2 million in funding for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and quad trail maintenance in the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions provides funding for 16 organizations in the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions for cross-country ski, snowmobiling and quad trail maintenance to help attract winter activity enthusiasts from home and abroad in the coming years.

Trois-Rivières, Quebec, April 8, 2021 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Practising winter trail activities contributes to the vitality of Quebec’s regions. Many regions have been impacted by the global pandemic and, specifically, by the temporary absence of international tourists. Outdoor activities have, however, allowed local inhabitants to have fun and take advantage of Canada’s natural beauty and richness, while at the same time helping our communities diversify their economies.

To further showcase the unparalleled attractions of the regions of Quebec and to ensure that businesses and organizations offering winter trail activities are ready for the next and subsequent seasons, we need to continue investing in trail maintenance so as to provide an optimal experience for tourists both from home and abroad.

Enhancing the future winter season experience in the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions

With this in mind, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for
Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, acting on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED, today announced a total of $2,137,446 in non-repayable contributions under the Winter Tourism Initiative for 16 cross-country ski, snowmobiling and quad organizations in the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions, namely the Club Quad Mégaroues Joliette; the Club de motoneigistes Manawan; the Société de développement des parcs régionaux de la Matawinie; the Club Motoneige Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci; the Club Royaume de la motoneige; Quad Matawinie; the Club quad Les Randonneurs, le Paradis du Quad Ouareau; the Club Moto-Neige St-Donat; the Club de ski de fond La Tuque Rouge; Énergie CMB; the Club de Motos-Neige du comté de Champlain; the Club Quad Mékinac (2011); Quad Mauricie 2006; the Club Motoneige Armony; and the Club de Motos-Neige de la Mauricie.

Additional information on the projects is provided in the related backgrounder.

The Government of Canada is keen to support recreational, cultural and sports projects that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy, especially in these uncertain times. The investments announced today will help with the upgrading and preparation of facilities for the post‑COVID-19 recovery, and these initiatives will benefit all Canadians and, eventually, tourists from all around the world.

Quotes

“CED’s funding announced today highlights our willingness to support winter tourism projects and confirms our commitment to the country’s businesses, organizations and citizens in these difficult times. The announcement of the financial contributions awarded to these businesses and organizations is very good news in terms of the attractiveness of the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions. Our government’s investment in winter attractions will help ensure that we are ready to welcome both local tourists and, eventually, tourists from around the world.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Tourism is an economic driver for all our communities and will be a key part of our economic recovery. Winter tourism energizes the regions during the coldest months of the year and, as we have seen during the pandemic, contributes not only to the well-being of citizens but also to the vitality of local economies. Our government is proud to promote initiatives such as these, which are having a positive impact on regional economic development, supporting good jobs for the middle class and bringing joy to people in a northern country such as ours.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, is also the minister responsible for the six regional development agencies (RDAs), including CED.
• With an initial budget of $10 million over two years under CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program, the Winter Tourism Initiative aims to increase the practice of winter trail activities and sports and the resulting economic benefits. It helps organizations acquire equipment and pursue maintenance activities that ensure the safety of cross-country ski, snowmobiling and quad trails. Given the significant benefits of the many projects submitted through the Initiative, the budget has been topped up to a current total of nearly $13 million.
• CED is the key federal partner for regional economic development in Quebec. Through its 12 regional business offices, CED helps businesses, support organizations and the regions of Quebec prepare for the economy of tomorrow.

Associated links

• Winter Tourism Initiative
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
dec.media.ced@canada.ca

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca

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