Canada and Quebec support improvement of the Chemin des Cyprès in the RCM of Matawinie

RAWDON, QC, Jan. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize the key role of tourism infrastructure in developing dynamic and prosperous communities.

Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, in the company of Sylvain Breton, Reeve of the Regional County Municipality of Matawinie, today announced that the Government of Canada will invest over $3.9 million to improve the Chemin des Cyprès between the municipalities of Saint-Donat and Saint-Michel-des-Saints.

This financial assistance comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The Government of Quebec and the RCM of Matawinie will also contribute over $3.9 million each for a total government-municipal investment of more than $11.7 million.

The Chemin des Cyprès improvement plan involves connecting the tourist hubs that surround the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant in the Lanaudière region. Once complete, this scenic tourist route will feature two lanes for motor traffic and a mixed-use bicycle lane.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada knows that strategic investment in tourism infrastructure helps to build strong communities and create job opportunities for the middle class. This project will better connect the main tourist areas in Haute-Matawinie and improve access to numerous attractions, bringing even more visitors to the beautiful Lanaudière region and stimulating economic growth for years to come."    

Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This major project is very important for the Lanaudière region. This route will provide tourists with a scenic link between the municipalities of Saint-Donat and Saint-Michel-des-Saints and improve access to the various Matawinie's tourist attractions, as well as the complementarity between them. Developing this route will increase traffic and boost the regional economy. I commend the local stakeholders for their excellent work and congratulate them on their vision for the future."

Lise Thériault, Minister Responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière Region, on behalf of Julie Boulet, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region

"This long-awaited improvement to the Chemin des Cyprès in the RCM of Matawinie is one that all regional partners are committed to bringing to term quickly and it is only a first step. With the improvement of Route 3 in the Mont-Tremblant National Park, we will create a tourist loop that will open up the north of Matawinie and accelerate the development of both recreational tourism and of our regional parks, with the objective of making Lanaudière a must-visit region in Quebec."

Sylvain Breton, Reeve of the RCM of Matawinie

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 can enhance their cultural, sports, recreational, and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Budget 2017 allocates $21.9 billion to support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• Quebec's 2017–2027 Infrastructure Plan calls for $7 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 $15 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over the next 10 years.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

*New* – Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Smart Cities Challenge: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cities-villes-eng.html

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

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Contacts: Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone]; Patrick Soucy, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for Mauricie, Tel.: [phone]; Clémence Beaulieu Gendron, Press Secretary,Office of the Minister Responsible for Consumer Protection and for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière Region, Tel.: [phone]; For information: Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: [phone], Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Anne-Sophie Lacroix, Coordinator, Public Affairs and Stratégies, 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/