Atlantic Canada's main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods are vibrant spaces where people gather to enjoy all that our urban and rural communities have to offer. After more than two years of the pandemic, people are yearning to safely connect and return to the region's downtown areas. The Government of Canada, through the Rediscover Main Streets initiative, is supporting community-led projects that will bring energy back to these lively and important community hubs.
Today, René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, announced an investment of $89,500 through Rediscover Main Streets for the Office du tourisme Edmundston Madawaska Inc. (OTEM). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This support allowed OTEM to revitalize Edmundston's downtown by helping them organize and promote the Edmundston Jazz and Blues Festival as well as Festival Royal, a new celebration of electro/rock music. Both festivals took place in July, and over 6,000 people took part, increasing visitor traffic at Edmundston area hotels, restaurants and shops.
The Rediscover Main Streets initiative helps non-profit organizations team up to create new activities, develop marketing initiatives and promote events, all of which encourage residents and visitors alike to rediscover what the region's communities have to offer and drive more support for local businesses.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping small businesses and local communities recover and together work hard to build a strong and resilient economic recovery that works for every Canadian.
