The Centre historique de la mine King (KB3) will be able to finalize the development of its facilities

The Government of Canada awards $3,600,000 in financial assistance to this major tourist attraction in the heart of the Des Appalaches regional county municipality

THETFORD MINES, QC, Jan. 16, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada is proud to support tourist attractions that, like the Centre historique de la mine King (KB3), link past to future while renewing tourism in the regions of Quebec. To help the Centre finalize the development of the historic site, Canada Economic Development for Quebec regions will provide it with a non-repayable contribution of $3,600,000.

This funding was announced today by the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier. The government's assistance will allow for the addition of new outdoor spaces, the enhancement of the museum, and the completion of architectural lighting work.

In July 2012, the City of Thetford Mines tasked the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines with completing the Centre historique de la mine King (also known as KB3) project. The goal of the project is to showcase the site of the former King mine, located in downtown Thetford Mines, and turn it into the region's main tourist attraction. This mine, which has been closed since 1986, is part of the birthplace of mining in the region, where asbestos production began in 1878.

KB3 is a key major project in the region for its contribution to economic diversification. The restoration of the site will be completed in a number of phases. Phase one, for which CED made a contribution of $931,110, involved renovating three of the mine's former buildings. During this phase, CED also awarded $450,000 in financial assistance to fit up interpretation stations. Phase two, which is the subject of this announcement, is aimed at developing outdoor spaces and building an underground gallery.

The funding was awarded under CED's Canadian Initiative for the Economic Diversification of Communities Reliant on Chrysotile, which is aimed at supporting projects related to the economic diversification of the Des Appalaches and Des Sources regional county municipalities.

Quotes

"I am delighted to see our government supporting projects like the Centre historique de la mine King, which help keep our history alive, inspire us and remind us where we come from. Mining played a vital role in the region for a very long time. This project will reinvigorate the region and renew the Des Appalaches and Des Sources regional county municipalities' economies, while celebrating our heritage."

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

"We are proud to have been able to work with key local and regional economic development partners on achieving this unique, major tourism concept for the Asbestos region. Tourism represents an excellent opportunity for economic diversification and growth in the region."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"We are thrilled with CED's financial support, which will allow us to restore mining – the industry that has supported our community all these years – to its former glory. Transforming the KB3 mine into a mineralogical museum is a major accomplishment in terms of the legacy that all of us, as residents of Thetford Mines, will leave behind for future generations."

Yvan Faucher, Chair, Board of Directors, Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines

Related links 

• News release for the $931,110 contribution in 2014
• News release for the $450,000 contribution in 2016

Quick facts

• Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• The funding was awarded under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program, through the Canadian Initiative for the Economic Diversification of Communities Reliant on Chrysotile. For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively participating 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]