Better-quality trails for an enhanced snowmobiling experience in the La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM

The Government of Canada awards almost $175,000 in funding to Maniwaki snowmobile club Les Ours Blancs

MANIWAKI, QC, Dec. 18, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Association régionale de motoneigistes de la Haute-Gatineau, Les Ours Blancs inc. is responsible for maintaining over 696 kilometres of snowmobile trails in the La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM. To allow it to improve the quality of the trails and continue ensuring the safety of the winter sport enthusiasts who use them, the organization has received a non-repayable contribution of $172,935 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

The funding was announced today by William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac. The Government of Canada assistance will allow the Les Ours Blancs snowmobile club to acquire a tractor, cat crawlers, grading equipment and a groomer. In addition to reducing maintenance times and improving safety along the trails, the funding will also contribute to the vitality of winter tourism in the Outaouais region.

The funding was provided under the Winter Tourism Initiative of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. The initiative supports the acquisition of snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance equipment. The aim of the initiative, which has a budget of $10 million and will be in place until March 31, 2020, is to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec.

The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports recreational, cultural and sports projects that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy; that further showcase the incomparable assets all around us; and which resonate well beyond the Outaouais region.

Quotes

"I am very pleased with the support CED has provided through this initiative, as it will definitely make snowmobilers and our local tourism businesses happy. Tourism infrastructure, such as snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, helps make our region more attractive and stimulates economic activity."

William Amos, MP for Pontiac

"Tourism is an economic driver in all our communities. Winter tourism helps stimulate the local economy by revitalizing the region during our coldest months and ensuring a year-round influx of visitors. Our government is proud to promote initiatives that contribute to the economic development of communities and support good middle-class jobs."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

"Tourism is a very significant activity sector for Quebec's regions, and the Government of Canada is working hard to make it profitable for everyone. There is no doubt that the Winter Tourism Initiative will create jobs and generate wealth for the regions, while helping to showcase all of Quebec's communities."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"At the end of the past season, only three of the Club's eight snow-grooming machines were working; this had a major impact on trail maintenance. We greatly appreciate the Government of Canada's support, which allowed us to purchase a new snow-grooming machine to replace one of the machines that was no longer functional."

Sylvain Marchand, President and CEO, Association régionale de motoneigistes de la Haute-Gatineau, Les Ours Blancs inc.

"Snowmobiling generates over $3 billion annually in economic benefits for Quebec. This major industry, tirelessly run by thousands of volunteers, is appreciative of CED's financial assistance which, through the Winter Tourism Initiative, will help rejuvenate the fleet of maintenance equipment for the largest network of snowmobile trails in the world."

Mario Gagnon, President of the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec

Quick facts

• Today's announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, which is made up of 17 federal departments and agencies, including CED and the other five regional development agencies.
• To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018?2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec?ced.gc.ca.
• This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action targeting the growth of Quebec's regions and businesses.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions