Canada and Quebec support expansion of the self-guided Petites Franciscaines de Marie exhibit in Baie-Saint-Paul

BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC, Aug. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that tourism and cultural infrastructure play a key role in developing dynamic, prosperous communities and showcasing Canada's and Quebec's heritages.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Caroline Simard, Member of the National Assembly for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest nearly $18,000 in the ongoing expansion of the self-guided Petites Franciscaines de Marie exhibit.

This support comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The City of Baie-Saint-Paul will invest close to $18,000 for a total government-municipal investment of almost $54,000.

The project consists of renovating the former Petites Franciscaines de Marie convent (Baie-Saint-Paul Maison Mère), to expand the self-guided Petites Franciscaines de Marie exhibit, formerly referred to as the museum. Work involves tearing down walls, reconfiguring rooms and repairing floors. Once completed, the project will allow for more of the collection of objects to be displayed. This will not only further improve the visitor experience but also increase knowledge about the important contributions of the Petites Franciscaines de Marie community, which has shaped the architectural, social, cultural and historical landscape of Baie-Saint-Paul.

Quotes

"Investing in tourism and cultural infrastructure helps build strong communities and support local economic growth. The expansion of the self-guided Petites Franciscaines de Marie exhibit will enhance visitors' experience and help preserve a key local heritage site. Once completed, the project will support economic development in the Charlevoix region for years to come."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The economy of Baie-Saint-Paul relies heavily on tourism. Renowned for its magnificent landscapes, the city offerings include tourist sites, museums, and other heritage and historical attractions. I am pleased that the work of the Petites Franciscaines de Marie is being recognized. The self-guided Petites Franciscaines de Marie exhibit will help entice visitors to stay longer in the region, which will further boost our economy."

Caroline Simard, Member of the National Assembly for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, on behalf of Julie Boulet, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region

"The City of Baie-Saint-Paul inherited a rich heritage site when it acquired the convent complex of the Petites Franciscaines de Marie. The building itself is priceless–a historical and architectural jewel. Its contents–objects and furniture left by the nuns upon their departure–are of great value. It is our duty to preserve these objects and to showcase them in the best possible way, to preserve 125 years' worth of history for our community. Growing the site will help to preserve these precious objects, both large and small, and support the expansion of the museum grounds where visitors experience the Maison Mère as it was when the nuns were in residence."

Jean Fortin, Mayor of the City of Baie-Saint-Paul

Quick Facts

• The Small Communities Fund is a joint federal‒provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents to develop infrastructure that enhances their cultural, sports, recreational and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.
• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• Quebec's 2018-2028 Infrastructure Plan calls for nearly $7.3 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means over $14.3 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over this period.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

Maison Mère in Baie-Saint-Paul (French only): www.maisonmere.ca

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Patrick Soucy, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for Mauricie, Tel.: [phone], Lucie Hotte, Political Attaché, Office of the MNA for Charlevoix-Côte-de-Beaupré and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Tel.: [phone]; For information: Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: 613‑960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Anne-Sophie Lacroix, Coordinator, Public Affairs and Strategies, Communications Branch, Ministry of Tourism, Tel.: [phone], ext. 3493; Media Relations Team, Communications Branch, Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and the Department of Public Safety, Tel.: [phone], ext. 3746

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/