Canada and Quebec support the completion of the maritime park at the Rivière-du-Loup wharf

RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP, QC, Sept. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize the key role of tourism infrastructure in developing dynamic, prosperous communities and in protecting Canada's diverse heritage.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Jean D'Amour, Quebec Minister for Maritime Affairs and the Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest more than $2.6 million for the completion of the maritime park at the Rivière-du-Loup wharf.

This financial assistance comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component?Small Communities Fund. The City of Rivière-du-Loup will also contribute more than $2.6 million, for a total government-municipal investment of more than $8 million.

The project entails the redevelopment of the Pointe de Rivière-du-Loup, specifically the construction of a multiservice reception building, as well as ground and marine facilities.

Quotes

"This investment will help make Rivière-du-Loup a place where families can get together and have fun. In addition to allowing residents and visitors to enjoy new activities, this tourism infrastructure will bring together the community and highlight of the St. Lawrence Estuary's south shore. Our government is proud to support projects that improve quality of life while promoting economic growth and the creation of well-paid middle-class jobs."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This large-scale project with a significant structuring impact for the region will reposition the entire tourism draw of the St. Lawrence Estuary's South Shore and certainly make it a first class attraction for boating and outdoor enthusiasts, whether from Quebec or abroad. By enhancing the attractiveness of both shores of our majestic river and offering visitors a quality reception infrastructure, our destination will set itself apart from the international competition. I applaud the engagement of area stakeholders who have supported this long-term project. There will definitely be a positive economic impact, not only for the region, but for all of Quebec."

Jean D'Amour, Quebec Minister for Maritime Affairs and the Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, on behalf of Julie Boulet, Quebec Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region

"Given the undeniable tourist enthusiasm for the region, this project is of great importance for Rivière-du-Loup in terms of economic development. We have ensured community engagement in the maritime crossroads project from the business, tourism and public sectors, as well as citizens. Today, we can finally move on to the next stage."

Gaétan Gamache, Mayor of Rivière-du-Loup

Quick Facts

• The Small Communities Fund is a joint federal-provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents to develop infrastructure that can enhance their cultural, sports, recreational, and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Budget 2017 allocates $21.9 billion to support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• Quebec's 2017-2027 Infrastructure Plan calls for $7 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means $15 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over the next 10 years.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $180 billion infrastructure plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html

New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure component?Small Communities Fund: http://www.mamot.gouv.qc.ca/infrastructures/programmes-daide-financiere/nouveau-fonds-chantiers-canada-quebec-volet-fonds-des-petites-collectivites-fpc/

Quebec's 2017-2027 Infrastructure Plan:
https://www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/PDF/budget_depenses/17-18/infrastructuresPubliquesQuebec.pdf

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada