Upgrading of the Matapédia stretch of the Route verte, particularly the bike path surface

The Government of Canada is providing funding for the Matapédia Véloroute Desjardins community project

AMQUI, QC, May 26, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

For a long time, key community players have been asking for a real and lasting way to improve community and recreational infrastructure. The Government of Canada is proud to support projects which, like the Matapédia Véloroute Desjardins project, contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of all regions of the country.

Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that the Véloroute Desjardins (in French only) in the Matapédia region would receive a non-repayable contribution of $105,960 to upgrade the Matapédia stretch of the Route verte, particularly the bike path surface.

The Véloroute Desjardins' 114 km of bike paths run through the La Matapédia MRC, located at the entrance to the Gaspésie. This cycling network, which is made up almost entirely of paved surfaces and forms part of the Route verte, allows cyclists to discover the Matapédia's welcoming communities and varied landscapes. The funding provided under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) will be used to extend and pave the bike path in the Marcel Rioux park sector, seal cracks, pave part of the shoulders, clear the brush from a section of the bike path, add surface markings and repair the exterior furnishings in the rest areas.

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

"By investing in bike paths in the region, we are helping to make our communities more vibrant and to ensure a high quality of life for people of all ages. I am very pleased that the Véloroute Desjardins is receiving our government's support, as it will allow our region to remain one of the most beautiful places to go biking."

Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia

"The Government of Canada, through the CIP150, supports projects which, like the Matapédia Véloroute Desjardins project, engage and unite our communities, but also, generally speaking, stimulate economic activity throughout the country. Community and recreational infrastructure such as the Matapédia bike path helps improve quality of life and create meeting places. After all, today, just like 150 years ago, getting together benefits all of us."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Route verte is very important for the Matapédia community. It runs through eight municipalities. Canada Economic Development's support means a lot for our cyclists, who use these bike paths every day. The financial assistance provided for the Véloroute will be used to upgrade the cycling facilities and extend the serviceable life of the bike paths. Without the introduction of CIP150, none of the improvements to be carried out this year would have been possible. Canada Economic Development's contribution will result in the injection of $226,745 into the regional economy."

Jean-Yves Fournier, President of the Matapédia Véloroute Desjardins

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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]