The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau announces $165,850 in financial support for the Club de ski de fond Parc du Mont-Orford
News release
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions supports the maintenance of cross-country skiing trails in the Cantons-de-l’Est region to draw winter activity lovers from home and abroad in coming years.
Sherbrooke, Quebec, April 8, 2021 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The practice of winter trail activities contributes to Quebec’s regional vitality. In the context of a global pandemic, several regions have been impacted by the temporary absence of international tourists. Outdoor activities have nonetheless enabled local residents to enjoy themselves and take advantage of Canada’s natural beauty and richness, while also helping to diversify the economies of our communities.
To showcase more broadly the unparalleled attractions around Quebec’s regions and to enable businesses and organizations offering winter trail activities to be ready for the next season, we must continue to invest in trail maintenance and provide an optimal experience to tourists from home and abroad.
Enhancing the experience of future winter seasons in the Cantons-de-l’Est region
With this in mind, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for
Compton‒Stanstead and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED, today announced $165,850 in financial support for the Club de ski de fond Parc du Mont-Orford through the Winter Tourism Initiative. This non‑repayable contribution will enable the organization to acquire a tracked groomer and a snow flattener to ensure the quality and sustainability of cross‑country ski trails.
A non-profit organization established in 1996, the Club de ski de fond Parc du Mont-Orford has 500 members. The Club’s new site, located on the campus of Bishop’s University, has only been open for two years and is gradually becoming well known.
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 investment announced today is helping to improve and prepare facilities for the post-COVID-19 recovery, and these initiatives will benefit all Canadians and then, eventually, tourists from around the world.
Quotes
"The pandemic reminds us how important it is to get out, to move, to get some fresh air, including on the many beautiful trails in our region. It is good for morale, good for the health of users and our communities. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in protecting and making our parks, our landscapes and our sports facilities accessible to locals and tourists alike."
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton–Stanstead and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food
“Tourism is an economic engine for all our communities and will be a key part of our economic recovery. Winter tourism dynamizes regions during the coldest months of the year and, as we have seen during the pandemic, it contributes not only to citizens’ well-being but also to the vitality of local economies. Our government is proud to promote initiatives such as the one by the Club de ski de fond Parc du Mont-Orford, which are having a positive impact on regional economic development, supporting good jobs for the middle class and bringing joy to people in a Nordic 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 $10M over two years from CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program, the Winter Tourism Initiative aims to boost the practice of winter trail activities and sports and the resulting economic spin-offs. It enables organizations to acquire equipment and sustain safe maintenance activities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and quad trails. Given the significant spin-offs of many of the projects presented through the Initiative, the budget has been topped up to a current total of nearly $13M.
- CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.
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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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