Association des motoneigistes de l'Outaouais can rely on a new grooming machine for the maintenance and safety of the region's trails

Government of Canada awards nearly $146,000 in financial assistance to improve the quality of 240 kilometres of snowmobile trails

GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 19, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic diversification. That is why the Government of Canada supports tourism projects that attract a targeted clientele and help generate significant economic benefits in the regions.

Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Association des motoneigistes de l'Outaouais (Outaouais Snowmobile Club) has been granted $145,755 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, for the acquisition of a grooming machine and trail grading equipment. The funding was awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP).

The Association des motoneigistes de l'Outaouais has nearly 1,000 members. This non-profit organization is responsible for the maintenance and safety of 240 kilometres of trails across the Gatineau area, Des Collines RCM and Papineau RCM.

Quotes

"Winter tourism is a valuable contributor to the economic vitality of the Outaouais region, and snowmobiling attracts not only local enthusiasts, but also an international clientele. Better quality trails will only strengthen the Outaouais's reputation and visibility as a choice destination."
Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"By supporting the Association des motoneigistes de l'Outaouais, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitments. We are stimulating tourism, helping create good-quality jobs, strengthening the vitality of the regions and ensuring the prosperity of Canada's economy."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"This financial contribution has come at the right time to replace aging equipment that was very costly to repair. The new grooming machine will improve the efficiency and safety of our trail maintenance work in the short term and generate savings in the medium term."
Marc Carbonneau, President of the Association des motoneigistes de l'Outaouais

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.
• For more information on CED's key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
• Through the New Tourism Vision, the Government is taking action to improve Canadian tourism marketing, access and product?all with the clear goal of increasing the total number of visitors to Canada.

Stay connected

• Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube
• Follow the Association des motoneigistes de l'Outaouais on Facebook

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions