Facilities of the Parc écotouristique de la MRC des Laurentides improved with a little help from the Government of Canada

Government of Canada invests more than $50,000 to support this community project in the Laurentides region

SAINT-FAUSTIN-LAC-CARRÉ, QC, Aug. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Key local stakeholders have long been asking for concrete, sustainable measures to improve community and recreational infrastructure. As part of the Canada 150 celebrations, the Government of Canada is proud to support projects like those of the Laurentides RCM, which contribute to the region's appeal, vitality and quality of life.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, David Graham, Member of Parliament for Laurentides–Labelle, announced that the Parc écotouristique de la MRC des Laurentides has been granted $50,777 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to improve its recreational infrastructure.

The Parc écotouristique de la MRC des Laurentides is a non-profit organization that was incorporated in 2011. Its mission is to enhance and promote accessible Crown land reflecting the rich diversity of the Laurentians' soil, watercourses and plant and animal species through outdoor activities and accommodations that mark its distinctive character. The organization operates and maintains an interpretation centre; a network of 10 hiking trails; access to four lakes, three of which are for fishing and the other for canoes, kayaks and pedal boats; and 80 campsites set up in 10 different areas of the park.

The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate the shoreline of Cordon Lake, the main body of water in the Parc écotouristique de la MRC des Laurentides. More specifically, the work involves upgrading the access trail to Lake Cordon and rehabilitating the shoreline.

This natural 1,770-hectare park in Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré is the former Centre éducatif forestier created in 1979 by the ministère des Ressources naturelles. It became the Centre touristique et éducatif des Laurentides in 1995 and has always had an educational purpose with respect to the environment and sustainable forest management.

Quotes
"I am very pleased about CED's support in the region. This federal partnership with the Laurentides RCM ties in with Canada's 150th anniversary and is among the numerous community projects that have received support over the past year. I congratulate all the passionate people who manage, maintain, enhance and preserve this magnificent park and provide visitors with information, giving locals and visitors an accessible, educational wilderness experience."

David Graham, Member of Parliament for Laurentides–Labelle

"The Government of Canada supports projects like this one by the Laurentides RCM, which mobilize and unite our communities. These projects strengthen Canada's communities, stimulate economic activity, have a positive impact on the environment, and benefit families and the middle class."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Parc écotouristique de la MRC des Laurentides is a natural wonder and we are very proud of it. The members of the council of mayors and I are very grateful for the Government of Canada's financial contribution, which has made it possible to enhance this enchanting place, the Parc écotouristique de la MRC des Laurentides. We will now be able to provide the local community and visitors with a park that meets their expectations."

Steven Larose, Deputy Warden of the Laurentides RCM and Mayor of the Municipality of Montcalm

Quick facts

• Since its creation in 2015, CIP150 has invested nearly $61M in more than 470 projects contributing to the vitality of Quebec's communities.
• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Luc Lefebvre, Office of David Graham, Member of Parliament for Laurentides-Labelle, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]