EDMUNDSTON, NB, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ -- Building a strong Canada starts with investing in the modern and reliable infrastructure that makes it possible to increase housing supply and create resilient communities.
The Build Communities Strong Fund is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.
To that end, Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska--Restigouche and the Honourable Gilles LePage, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, announced a federal investment of more than $2 million and a provincial contribution of $395,400 in the rehabilitation and modernization of operational infrastructure at the Mont Farlagne and Madawaska Trails four-season outdoor recreation destination in Edmundston through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund.
This project involves the rehabilitation and modernization of the visitor lodge and the installation of a new all-season chairlift. The visitor lodge will undergo accessibility improvements and energy efficiency upgrades, which include new windows and insulation, modernization of the mechanical systems, and the creation of flexible community spaces for year-round use.
The new chairlift will increase operational capacity by supporting a new four-season service model. In addition to greater service continuity and safety during the winter months, the new chairlift will support year-round activities such as mountain biking, hiking, sporting events, and other mountain-based activities during the spring, summer and fall.
When completed, these improvements will strengthen a regionally significant tourism asset and support economic activity across Northwestern New Brunswick through increased visitation and year-round recreation opportunities. The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's plan to build the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come.
Quotes
"The Build Communities Strong Fund is supporting the essential infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day. Today's investment in the modernization of the infrastructure at Mont Farlagne will help improve the visitor experience, encourage year-round tourism, contribute to community well-being and generate long-term economic benefits."
Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska--Restigouche
"Investments like these help strengthen tourism and create new opportunities for communities. By supporting projects like this, we are enhancing visitor experiences and fostering economic growth."
The Honourable Gilles LePage, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
"Mount Farlagne has been part of Edmundston's identity for generations. Thanks to this major investment by the Government of Canada, it will become a true all-season outdoor destination, welcoming families, sports enthusiasts and visitors all year round. This is a significant boost to our citizens' quality of life, to our local businesses and to the economy of the entire region. The City is proud to be investing in this project alongside the federal government, and I congratulate the Républik Nature Co-operative on its vision."
His Worship, Eric Marquis, Mayor of Edmundston
"Since its founding, the Républik Nature Co-operative has had an ambitious vision: to develop a four-season outdoor destination, accessible to all, that promotes healthy lifestyles and the vitality of our community. Thanks to our valued partners and now the federal and provincial government's investment, we are taking a major step towards realising this vision. The modernisation of our visitor centre and the diversification of our activities will not only generate significant economic and tourism benefits for our region, but above all ensure the long-term future of Mont-Farlagne and Républik Nature for generations to come. Our mountain has been bringing our community together for nearly 60 years, and we hope it will continue to do so for at least another 60 years."
Denise Landry-Nadeau, Co-President, Coopérative Républik Nature Ltée
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $2,023,562 in this project through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund; the Government of New Brunswick is investing $395,400; and Coopérative Républik Nature Ltée is contributing $3,035,343.
- Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund will deliver funding through three major streams:
- A Provincial and Territorial stream, which provides $17.2 billion over 10 years, including $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
- A Direct Delivery stream, which provides $6 billion over 10 years, including $1 billion over 4 years as part of a Local Impact Stream that is being delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support community infrastructure projects with local impact; and,
- A Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), which provides $27.8 billion over 10 years and, indexed at 2% to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
- The Buy Canadian Policy is an important part of the Build Communities Strong Fund. It will help ensure that more of every public dollar goes right into the Canadian economy – creating Canadian careers, using Canadian resources, and benefiting Canadian communities.
- The Build Communities Strong Fund will help create thousands of good jobs, including careers in the skilled trades, by encouraging the use of Red Seal endorsed tradespeople, apprentices, and unionized labour.
- The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will also boost Canada's GDP by $95 billion over the next decade.
- Under the Direct Delivery stream, at least 10% of the funding will go towards investments in Indigenous communities.
- Project funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling requirements, including those related to consultation with Indigenous peoples and environmental assessment obligations, if applicable.
Associated Links
- Build Communities Strong Fund
- Prime Minister Carney launches the Build Communities Strong Fund and announces the first tranche of projects
- Prime Minister Carney shares Budget 2025 plan to build communities strong
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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Jenna Ghassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Jennifer MacNeil, Communications Director, Government of New Brunswick, 506-259-4759, [email protected]; Céline Parent, Directrice générale, Coopérative Républik Nature Ltée, 506-253-9793, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960- 9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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