The Government of Canada awards almost $300,000 in funding to two snowmobile clubs in Abitibi‑Ouest and Rouyn-Noranda
March 27, 2019 – Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The Club motoneigistes Rouyn-Noranda is responsible for maintaining some 319 km of trails, 283 km of which are federate trails. These trails include the Trans-Québec #83 trail, which links the Abitibi and Témiscamingue RCMs; trail #93 which connects the region to Ontario; and 36 km of local trails. The Club motoneige Abitibi-Ouest maintains some 442 km of trails, 220 km of which are federate trails. They include trail #93, which runs from the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region to the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region via the James Bay territory, as well as 222 km of regional and local trails.
The Abitibi-Témiscamingue region has 4,032 km of trails maintained by 12 clubs, including the Rouyn‑Noranda and Abitibi-Ouest clubs. CED has provided these two clubs with a total of $296,853 in non‑repayable contributions to allow them to improve the quality of the trails and paths and continue ensuring the safety of the winter sport enthusiasts who use them. The Club motoneigistes MRC Rouyn‑Noranda has been awarded $165,400, and the Club motoneige Abitibi-Ouest, $131,453. The Government of Canada funding will allow the two clubs to acquire new groomers and related equipment, including a scraper and a brush cutter.
The contributions were announced by Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. In addition to reducing maintenance times and improving safety along the trails, this support for the development of winter tourism in the region will help create more good jobs for the middle class and boost economic growth in the surrounding communities.
The funding was provided under the Winter Tourism Initiative, part of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. This initiative supports the acquisition of snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance equipment. With a budget of $10 million, and in effect until March 31, 2020, the initiative aims to increase the regional benefits generated by tourists from outside Quebec. It is part of the Inclusive Growth in all Regions pillar of the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions announced in November 2018.
A non-profit organization, the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) oversees the development and promotion of safe snowmobiling. The 200 snowmobile clubs affiliated with the FCMQ maintain over 34,000 kilometres of trails across 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 Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
"Winter tourism contributes significantly to the economic vitality of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, and snowmobiling attracts enthusiasts, not only from the region but from around the world. Better quality trails will help enhance the visibility of the region and its reputation as a destination of choice."
Rémi Massé, MP for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"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 Quebec communities."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED
"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, MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"In Quebec, snowmobiling generates over $3 billion annually in economic benefits. This major industry, operated through the sheer dedication of thousands of volunteers, is grateful for CED's financial assistance which, through the Winter Tourism Initiative, will help rejuvenate the fleet of equipment used to maintain the largest network of snowmobile trails in the world."
Mario Gagnon, President of the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec
Quick facts
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CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
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Led by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions prioritizes Government of Canada actions aimed at fostering the adoption and development of innovative practices and ensuring inclusive growth in all regions of Quebec. In doing so, the Strategy helps create sustainable, well-paying jobs.
