Val-Jalbert Regional Park will be able to carry out a major modernization project

An investment project of nearly $1.7 million in Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean

CHAMBORD, QC, May 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Governments of Canada and Quebec are awarding a total of $1,697,500 in financial assistance to the Corporation du parc régional de Val-Jalbert to support an investment project valued at more than $2.6 million. The project involves improving the tourism offering through, among other things, the construction of 15 original design cottage units, the acquisition of equipment and furniture, and landscaping work. Completion of the project will result in the conversion of four seasonal jobs into year-round jobs.

The Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $850,000 to the Corporation du parc régional de Val-Jalbert, awarded through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)'s Quebec Economic Development Program. The Government of Quebec is providing the organization with $847,500 in funding under the Tourism Development Strategy Support Program, Component 3: Support to the Ministry of Tourism's Strategy for the Development of Nature and Adventure Tourism.

Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac‑Saint‑Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, as well as Nancy Guillemette, Member of the National Assembly for Roberval, on behalf of Caroline Proulx, Quebec's Minister of Tourism, made the announcement today.

Quotes:
"I am always delighted to see the excitement in our beautiful region. Whether it is tourism or economic development, local entrepreneurs and organizations are creative and bold. The Corporation du parc régional de Val-Jalbert's project will help maintain attractions and develop the tourism offering in the Lac-Saint-Jean region."

Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Businesses and Export Promotion

"In addition to reflecting the richness of our environment and celebrating natural beauty, places like Val-Jalbert Regional Park help enhance tourism and improve the quality of life of Canadians. The development project announced today will also have a positive impact on the region's economic diversification."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"In 2017, more than 1.5 million tourists travelled the roads of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, generating more than $240 million in expenditures. The region has a very diverse tourism offering, and one of its most distinctive attractions is the village of Val-Jalbert, with its many relics that have passed through time and are the subject of unique visitor circuits. I congratulate the entire team of the Corporation du parc régional de Val-Jalbert for its excellent work, which will make the region even more attractive to visitors."

Nancy Guillemette, Member of Parliament for Roberval

"In Quebec, regardless of the season, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities in settings of great beauty. With our rivers, lakes, mountains and forests as far as we can see, this huge territory of ours has tremendous tourism potential. This new initiative by the Corporation du parc régional de Val-Jalbert shows that our promoters know how to capitalize on these precious assets and develop an original tourism offering that reflects trends, in order to stand out from the competition."

Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism

"Original design cottage units overlooking majestic Lac St-Jean to guarantee an unforgettable experience. This project is part of our $25M overall development plan. It was close to our heart for the past several years and it will enable us to keep seasonal workers employed for a longer period. This investment also provides us with the opportunity to enhance and diversify our accommodation offer and, among other things, to make it available to persons with limited physical ability. We are continuing with our development and this is very positive."

Michèle Castonguay, Chief Executive Officer, Corporation du parc régional de Val-Jalbert

Quick facts:
The Corporation du parc régional de Val-Jalbert is an NPO registered in 2009 that operates and showcases the built heritage and natural site of an early 20th century company village, abandoned following the closure of the pulp mill. In 2018, the site welcomed more than 87,500 visitors, 37% of whom came from outside Quebec, mainly from Europe.

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 Quebec Ministry of Tourism's Nature and Adventure Tourism Development Strategy aims to make Quebec a destination known for its wide open spaces and its multi-activity offering.

Related links:
For more information about CED and its priorities, see the 2019-2020 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
For more information on the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec and the Tourism Development Strategy Support Program, visit Québec.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Caroline Bergeron, Director of the Constituency Office of the MNA for Roberval, Phone: [phone]; Raphaël Melançon, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism, Phone: [phone]; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Virginie Rompré, Coordinator of Public Affairs and Strategies, Communications Branch, Ministère du Tourisme, Phone: [phone], ext. 3493