Nature lovers in Greater Montréal will benefit from improved community spaces so they can engage in outdoor activities and enjoy a better quality of life

Nearly $125,000 in funding from the Government of Canada will help support the Nature Conservancy of Canada's project

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 16, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Greater Montréal families and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy outdoor activities just a short hop from the city on four islands in the St. Lawrence River at the eastern tip of Montréal thanks to improved, safer access. The revitalization project proposed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) was made possible through a $124,605 investment from the Government of Canada.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Bains, announced the funding today.

The purpose of the project is to improve the access infrastructure to Île Bonfoin (Montréal), Île à l'Aigle (Repentigny), Île aux Cerfeuils (Repentigny) and Île Beauregard (Verchères). An excursion by kayak will also lead to the discovery of three other islands that are not accessible on foot. This group of islands provides a natural habitat for many wildlife species, such as the copper redhorse and the short-eared owl, and holds great potential for Quebec nature lovers who want to view the flora and fauna.

By enhancing the shoreline and access to the islands, NCC will promote their community role and improve public access to this protected area. The organization will also be able to improve and continue to provide a range of outdoor recreational activities for families, including bird-watching, kayaking and canoeing, while protecting the natural habitats. More specifically, the work will include the development of welcome areas on the shoreline, the rehabilitation of existing shoreline access trails, the creation of lookouts, and the production of nature interpretation panels and information and awareness flyers.

The investment was granted through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), a $300 million fund that was established to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary through investments in community spaces that bring Canadians together.

Quotes
"This investment is part of a national construction project celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary. There is no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together—the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. That is how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

"The financial support we are providing for our communities clearly reflects our commitment to foster sustainable growth and prosperity in Canada. By upgrading community infrastructure, we are stimulating the vitality of our communities and helping ensure a higher quality of life for residents of all ages."

David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"The St. Lawrence River is one of the largest rivers on the planet. It is both a nourishing waterway and ecological jewel, and is at the heart of our lives and our history. The Nature Conservancy of Canada thanks the Government of Canada for supporting our project for making the trails and island shorelines safer and more attractive, limiting the impact on the natural habitats. We can now provide access to these magnificent areas, while ensuring their protection. Enjoying the islands and preserving their integrity is a current challenge. We want people to be able to view these sites and enjoy them fully for generations to come."

Julien Poisson, Project Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada

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.
• The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the leading organization in Quebec and Canada for the protection of natural habitats on private land, along with the animals and plants. Since 1962, the non-profit organization has protected more than 1.1 million hectares of exceptional sites in the country, including 40,000 sites in Quebec.
• A video on the importance of the St. Lawrence River's island and river environments was produced by NCC and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=5yfX7RqvWqM (commentary in French only).

Related link
CED – Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Tel.: [phone]; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]