Better-quality trails for an enhanced snowmobiling experience in the southern Gaspésie region

The Government of Canada awards almost $70,000 in funding to the Mont-Carleton snowmobile club

CARLETON-SUR-MER, QC, Jan. 17, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Club Mont-Carleton Ltd. is responsible for maintaining 320.5 kilometres of snowmobile trails, 92.2 kilometres of which are Trans-Québec trails. The trails are located between Escuminac and Maria. Every year, they are used by numerous snowmobilers from Quebec, Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) has provided the organization with a non-repayable contribution of $67,200 to allow it to improve the quality of the trails and paths and continue ensuring the safety of the winter sport enthusiasts who use them.

The funding was announced today by Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED. This Government of Canada assistance will allow the Mont-Carleton snowmobile club to acquire a groomer and a grader. In addition to reducing maintenance times and improving safety along the trails, the funding will also contribute to the vitality of winter tourism in the southern part of the Gaspésie region.

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 in effect until March 31, 2020, the initiative aims to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside 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 Gaspésie region.

Quotes

"I am very pleased with CED's support for this initiative, which will definitely make snowmobilers and local tourism businesses happy. Tourism infrastructure such as snowmobile trails helps make our region more attractive and stimulates economic activity."

Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia

"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, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"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

"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. 
• 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

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development, for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]