Better-quality trails for an enhanced snowmobiling experience in the RCM of Maskinongé

The Government of Canada awards a total of over $300,000 in financial assistance to two snowmobile clubs

LOUISEVILLE, QC, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Club de motoneige Armony inc. is responsible for maintaining roughly 217 km of trails, 132 km of which are Trans-Québec trails (TQ 3 and 63). As for the Club de motoneige de Mastigouche inc., they are responsible for maintaining roughly 145 km of trails, 32 km of which are Trans-Québec trails and 81 km are inter-regional trails (#318, #349 and #350) connecting the Mauricie region with the Lanaudière region.

The Mauricie region is criss-crossed by 1,928 km of trails maintained by seven snowmobile clubs, including the Armony and Mastigouche clubs. To improve the quality of the trails and paths and to continue ensuring the safety of the winter sports enthusiasts who use them, these two clubs received non-repayable contributions from CED in the amounts of $147,000 for the Armony club and $164,500 for the Mastigouche club.

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that funding today. The Government of Canada's assistance will enable each of these two clubs to purchase a new groomer and related equipment, including a grader. In addition to reducing maintenance time and improving trail safety, this assistance will contribute to the vitality of winter tourism in the Mauricie region.

The funding was awarded under the Winter Tourism Initiative of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. This initiative supports the purchase of equipment for maintaining snowmobile trails or cross-country ski trails. With a budget of $10 million in effect until March 31, 2020, it aims to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec.

The Government of Canada does not hesitate to support recreational, cultural or sports-related projects that have a positive impact on local tourism and the local economy, that further showcase the unique attractions around us and that resonate far beyond the region.

Quotes

"I am very pleased with CED's support under this initiative, which will definitely make snowmobilers and local tourism businesses happy because the use of the snowmobile trails is closely tied to the quality of them. Tourism infrastructures, like snowmobile trails and cross-country ski trails, help enhance our region's appeal and stimulate its economic activity."

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

"Tourism is a very important industry sector for the regions of Quebec, and the Government of Canada makes every effort to make it profitable for everyone. There is no doubt that the Winter Tourism Initiative will help create jobs and wealth for the regions, while contributing to the reputation of all Quebec communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Tourism is an economic driver in all of our communities. Winter tourism vitalizes the region during our coldest months and ensures a year-round influx of visitors, which contributes to the vitality of the local economy. 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, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"Our trails provide access to several hundred kilometres of trails in Mauricie, close to resorts. This activity naturally occupies an important place in the region, and is a definite asset in the winter tourism offering. CED's support enables us to provide safe, high-quality trails, making our region a prime destination for snowmobile enthusiasts."

Yvon Bergeron, President, Club de motoneige Armony and Claude Hamelin, President, Club de motoneige Mastigouche

"Snowmobiling generates economic benefits of over $3 billion a year in Quebec. This major industry, operated through the sheer dedication of thousands of volunteers, is grateful for CED's financial support that, through the Winter Tourism Initiative, will help renew the fleet of equipment used to maintain the largest snowmobile trail network 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.
• For more information about CED and its priorities, read 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 dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 514-283-7443, [e-mail]