Parc de la rivière Mitis will be rehabilitated and benefit from new facilities

Government of Canada supports the community infrastructure project of Les Amis des Jardins de Métis

GRAND-MÉTIS, QC, May 25, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ -  Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Key local stakeholders have long been asking for concrete, sustainable measures to improve community and recreational infrastructure. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects such as the one by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis, which contribute to the strength and vitality of all regions of the country.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia, announced that Les Amis des Jardins de Métis Inc. has been granted $147,449 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to improve and rehabilitate the Parc de la rivière Mitis.

Incorporated in 1995, Les Amis des Jardins de Métis is an organization that manages and maintains infrastructure on the shores of the St. Lawrence and Mitis rivers, while advancing projects for the development and protection of these natural community spaces and raising public awareness of these environments.

The funding awarded through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) will go toward restoring the visitor centre, improving existing trails, extending and repairing bridges and stairways on the trails and improving the quality of the infrastructure, picnic areas and community gathering places. As part of this project, a Trekfit-style exercise circuit and an educational trail with lookouts and interpretive panels will also be set up on the trails. Lastly, facilities will be added providing access to water sports. These improvements will increase public access to this exceptional natural environment.

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Quotes

"The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will help improve the facilities in the Parc de la rivière Mitis. I am proud to see an innovative project from my community benefit from this program."

Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia

"The Government of Canada, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, supports projects like the one implemented by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis, which mobilize and unite our communities and stimulate economic activity in Canada. Community and recreational infrastructure like that of the Parc de la rivière Mitis help increase quality of life and create gathering spaces. Today, as it was 150 years ago, coming together to meet others enriches us all."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"For Les Amis des Jardins de Métis, developing the Parc de la rivière Mitis and the future Parc régional de La Mitis is one of the best ways to preserve this magnificent site on the western shore of the Mitis River. Improvements to the visitor centre and trails will help us attract more and more residents from neighbouring communities of Reford Gardens, who will come here to walk, snowshoe or train, while birdwatching, discovering nature or unwinding on the shores of the Mitis and St. Lawrence rivers."

Alexander Reford, Director of Les Amis des Jardins de Métis

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Sources: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected] ; Antoine Rivard-Déziel, Office of MP Rémi Massé, Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]