Better-quality trails for an enhanced snowmobiling experience in the La Vallée-de-l'Or RCM

The Government of Canada awards over $300,000 in funding to two snowmobile clubs in Val d'Or and Senneterre

VAL D'OR, QC, March 27, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Club motoneige Val-d'Or is responsible for maintaining some 679 kilometres of trails, 520 km of which are Trans-Québec (#63 and #83) and trans-regional (#309, #313, #366 and #386) trails. The Club de motoneige Lions de Senneterre maintains some 427 kilometres of trails, 385 kilometres of which are Trans‑Québec trails (trail #83 links the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region to the Mauricie and Laurentides regions, and trail #93 links the northern part of the region to the Lac Saint-Jean region).

The Abitibi-Témiscamingue region has 4,032 km of trails maintained by 12 clubs, including the Val-d'Or and Lions de Senneterre clubs. CED has provided the Val-d'Or and Lions de Senneterre clubs with $146,362 and $166,435, respectively, in non-repayable contributions to allow them to improve the quality of the trails and paths and continue ensuring the safety of the winter sport enthusiasts who use them. This Government of Canada funding will allow the two clubs to acquire a new groomer and related equipment, including a scraper.

The contributions awarded to the two clubs were announced by Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. In addition to reducing maintenance times and improving safety along the trails, this support for the development of winter tourism in the region will help create more good jobs for the middle class and boost economic growth in the surrounding communities.

The funding was provided under the Winter Tourism Initiative, part of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. This initiative supports the acquisition of snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance equipment. With a budget of $10 million, and in effect until March 31, 2020, the initiative aims to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec. It is part of the Inclusive Growth in all Regions pillar of the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions announced in November 2018.

A non-profit organization, the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) oversees the development and promotion of safe snowmobiling. The 200 snowmobile clubs affiliated with the FCMQ maintain over 34,000 kilometres of trails across Quebec.

The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports recreational, cultural and sports projects that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy; that further showcase the incomparable assets all around us; and which resonate well beyond the La Vallée-de-l'Or RCM.

Quotes

"Winter tourism contributes significantly to the economic vitality of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, and snowmobiling attracts enthusiasts, not only from the region but from around the world. Better quality trails will help enhance the visibility of the region and build its reputation as a destination of choice."

Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Tourism is a very significant activity sector for Quebec's regions, and the Government of Canada is working hard to make it profitable for everyone. There is no doubt that the Winter Tourism Initiative will create jobs and generate wealth for the regions, while helping to showcase all Quebec communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Tourism is an economic driver in all our communities. Winter tourism helps stimulate the local economy by revitalizing the region during our coldest months and ensuring a year-round influx of visitors. Our government is proud to promote initiatives that contribute to the economic development of communities and support good middle-class jobs."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"In Quebec, snowmobiling generates over $3 billion annually in economic benefits. This major industry, operated through the sheer dedication of thousands of volunteers, is grateful for CED's financial assistance which, through the Winter Tourism Initiative, will help rejuvenate the fleet of equipment used to maintain the largest network of snowmobile trails in the world."

Mario Gagnon, President of the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec

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. 

Led by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions prioritizes Government of Canada actions aimed at fostering the adoption and development of innovative practices and ensuring inclusive growth in all regions of Quebec. In doing so, the Strategy helps create sustainable, well-paying jobs.

To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action targeting the growth of Quebec's regions and businesses.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [e-mail]