Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt: reaching beyond borders

The Government of Canada awards more than $156,000 in funding over three years to this winter sporting event

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

Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that Gestion G.P.V. would receive $156,375 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, to support the hosting of the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt in 2019, 2020 and 2021, as well as the implementation of marketing activities focusing primarily on Ontario and the United States.

The Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt (GPSV) attracts many tourists during the winter months. Tourist accommodation establishments and nearby businesses benefit from this event: according to the 2018 visitor study, the event generated an estimated $6.5M in economic spinoff for the Eastern Townships region.

The funding, awarded through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program, will be used to implement a marketing strategy outside of Quebec, which will include creating promotional tools, signing agreements with sports associations and conducting visitor and media reach studies.

High-level sporting events are an excellent opportunity to diversify both the national and regional economies. The Government of Canada's support for cultural, touristic and sporting events is an effective way to generate substantial economic and media benefits in the regions where these events are hosted.

The next Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt will be held on February 8, 9 and 10, 2019.

Quotes

"This financial assistance is a great example of the Government of Canada's support for growth-generating initiatives. We are proud to support an event like the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt, which contributes to the vitality of the region as a whole. Thanks to this event, many business owners enjoy significant economic benefits, which promote the creation and strengthening of many jobs."

Pierre Breton, Member of Parliament for Shefford

"CED's financial support will help this event attract even more visitors and strengthen the positioning of the region's tourism industry. Through this support, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to promoting Quebec's tourism regions and supporting their outreach, which has a positive impact on the local economy."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The whole team works tirelessly and passionately to make the GPSV the top winter racing event in the world. It is an integral part of the community's fabric, and it makes us proud. We are pleased to be able to count on partners like the Government of Canada to help us take our great adventure even further."

Véronique Lizotte, Executive Director, Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt

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.
• The year 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018?2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions