Parc de la caverne du "Trou de la Fée" to get $3M for new infrastructure - Diversifying the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Tourism Offering to Contribute to the Economic Development of our Regions

DESBIENS, QC, Sept. 11, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec announced an investment of close to $3M to the Société récréotouristique de Desbiens Inc. for the installation of new infrastructure on the site of Parc de la caverne du "Trou de la Fée." The Government of Quebec has granted nearly $1.3M and the Government of Canada, $1.7M, for the project.

Quotes

"Our government is pleased to support projects that are true levers of economic and tourism development in Quebec. Tourism was established as one of the main themes at the Sommet économique du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and we made a commitment to invest in this key industry for the region. Support for the development of the Parc de la caverne du "Trou de la Fée" will help improve the product, providing a new tourism experience for international cruises. I would like to highlight the outstanding work of the region's entrepreneurs, whose energy and vitality never flag in creating innovative, growth-generating projects."

Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec, Minister responsible for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and Member for Roberval

"The financial assistance awarded by CED will help the Société récréotouristique de Desbiens to develop and highlight the attractions of the Parc de la caverne du ″Trou de la Fée″ and draw even more visitors to the region. With this support, the Government of Canada is reiterating its commitment to promoting Quebec's tourism regions, which has a positive impact on the local economy."

Jean-Claude Poissant, Member of Parliament for La Prairie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"By investing in the expansion of the Parc de la caverne du ″Trou de la Fée,″ the Government of Canada is standing by its commitments. We help organizations expand, innovate and stimulate tourism, which contributes to the creation of high-quality jobs and the vitality of the regions, ensuring prosperity for the Canadian economy."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• Government of Canada financial assistance: $1,705,250 awarded by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in the form of a non-repayable contribution.
• Government of Quebec financial assistance: $1,011,348 from the ministère du Tourisme (Cruise Strategy Assistance Program), plus a $125,000 loan by Investissement Québec, acting as an agent of the ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'Innovation, through the Capitalization of Social Economy Enterprises Program. This project is in line with work carried out in the initial development phase of the site in 2010, with nearly $200,000 in support from the ministère du Tourisme.
• Parc de la caverne du "Trou de la Fée" is a site that is considered to have tourism appeal in the region. It is the only protected natural bat hibernaculum in Quebec.
• The project is expected to generate an annual increase from 19,000 to 29,000 visitors (53%) and create four new jobs.
• The government assistance will help the business build a welcome centre, create a 3D immersive multimedia experience and install elevated walkways.
• The work is expected to start in the 2018 season.

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Joçanne Prévost, Communications Advisor, Office of the Premier of Quebec, Tel.: [phone]; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]