The Government of Canada awards over $195,000 in funding to the snowmobile club
January 7, 2019 – Saint-Honoré, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
The Caribou-Conscrits Inc. snowmobile club is responsible for maintaining some 788 km of snowmobile trails north of the Saguenay River. These trails include the Trans-Québec 93 trail, which links the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord regions, as well as transregional trail 328. CED has provided the organization with a non-repayable contribution of $195,050 to allow it to improve the quality of the trails and paths and continue ensuring the safety of the winter sport enthusiasts who use them.
The funding was announced today by Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion. This Government of Canada assistance will allow the Caribou-Conscrits snowmobile club to acquire a new groomer and associated equipment, including a grader. 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 Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
The funding was provided under the Winter Tourism Initiative of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. This 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 region.
"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."
Richard Hébert, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean
"Tourism is a very important area of activity for the regions of Quebec, 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
"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
"Our trails provide access to several hundred kilometres of trails in the Monts-Valin sector, the birthplace of snowmobiling. Naturally, snowmobiling is a major activity in the region and a definite asset in terms of winter tourism. CED's support will allow us to provide safe, top-quality trails, thus making our region a destination of choice for snowmobiling enthousiasts."
Joachim Simard, President, Caribou-Conscrits snowmobile club
"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.
