Petite-Cascapédia Regional Park: Better trails for an enhanced cross-country ski experience

The Government of Canada awards more than $170,000 in financial assistance to this New Richmond organization

NEW RICHMOND, QC, April 23, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Petite-Cascapédia Regional Park is responsible for maintaining roughly 20 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in the Bonaventure RCM. To continue ensuring skiers' safety and to improve the quality of the trails, it has received a non-repayable contribution of $171,300 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. With that financial assistance, the organization was able to purchase a next-generation groomer and auxiliary equipment.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, announced this funding today, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED. The Government of Canada's assistance will help ensure the quality and longevity of the cross-country ski trails maintained by Petite-Cascapédia Regional Park. In addition to enhancing the experience for skiers, this support for the development of winter tourism in the region will help create more good middle-class jobs and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding communities.

The funding was awarded under CED's Winter Tourism Initiative. This initiative supports the acquisition of equipment for maintaining snowmobile or cross-country skiing trails and aims to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec. It is part of the Inclusive Growth in all Regions pillar of the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions announced in November 2018.

The Government of Canada does not hesitate to support recreational, cultural or sports-related projects that have a positive impact on local tourism and the local economy, that further showcase the unique attractions around us, and that resonate far beyond the Gaspésie.

Quotes

"Winter tourism greatly contributes to the economic vitality of the Gaspésie, and cross-country skiing attracts not just regional enthusiasts, but also international tourists. Better-quality trails will only strengthen our region's reputation and visibility as a prime destination."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

"Tourism is a very important industry sector for the regions of Quebec, and the Government of Canada makes every effort to make it profitable for everyone. There is no doubt that the Winter Tourism Initiative will help create jobs and wealth for the regions, while contributing to the reputation of all Quebec communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Tourism is an economic driver in all our communities. Winter tourism vitalizes the region during our coldest months and ensures a year-round influx of visitors, which contributes to the vitality of the local economy. Our government is proud to promote initiatives that contribute to the economic development of communities and support good middle-class jobs."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

Quick facts

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

Led by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions prioritizes Government of Canada actions aimed at fostering the adoption and development of innovative practices and ensuring inclusive growth in all regions of Quebec. In doing so, the Strategy helps create sustainable, well-paying jobs.

To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local companies.

Stay connected
Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube  
Follow the activities of Petite-Cascapédia Regional Park on Facebook 

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]