DRUMMONDVILLE, Quebec, May 24, 2019
Today, the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the City of Drummondville announced that $1,111,800 is being invested in the Village québécois d'antan in Drummondville for urgent renovations to 33 buildings at the historic site, which showcases life in Quebec from 1810 to 1930. The three levels of government will each contribute an equal part ($370,600) to the project.
Funding from the Government of Canada is being provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, was present to make the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
Funding from the Government of Quebec is being allocated by the Ministry of Tourism. The announcement was made by André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region, on behalf of the Honourable Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism.
This funding demonstrates the importance that the three governments have placed on preserving our heritage for future generations.
"The Village québécois d'antan is a jewel of our heritage. Every year, it gives thousands of families an opportunity to immerse themselves in 19th century life and to learn a host of things about the trades, customs and people of that time. I am proud that the Government of Canada is contributing to the renovation of these buildings at this exceptional historic site."
-The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"The Village québécois d'antan is an unparalleled tourist attraction and a flagship tourist site for the Centre-du-Québec regional economy. Each year, it attracts a bevy of tourists and visitors, and the success and excitement generated by the site has trickled down to the whole region. I am confident that this investment will ensure that this essential cultural site remains a leader in the tourism industry."
-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
"Each of our regions has a story to tell, and this type of built heritage offers an attractive and entertaining way to get to know it. These buildings tell the lives of the people who shaped the Quebec we know today. The rich heritage of this site needs to be shared with tourists who come to visit our area of the country. Quebec's identity should be reflected in our tourism and remain authentic in order to distinguish us from other destinations."
-Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister of Tourism
"Thanks to this funding, renovations will make it possible to maintain the quality of the experience offered by this tourist institution. The renovations will preserve a major part of what attracts tourists to the Centre-du-Québec region. The Village welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year and offers activities for all four seasons. It provides a real boost to the regional economy, and that is why I am proud of the work being done by the Village management, who have worked hard to ensure the sustainability of this tourist attraction."
-André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region
"The Village Québécois d'Antan is an important tourist site in the Centre-du-Québec region and reminds today's generations about the history of our ancestors by allowing them to discover their heritage buildings, furniture, trades, heating, clothing, tools, and so on. This recreated village employs 264 people each year and is the number one tourist destination in the Centre-du-Québec region. So we are celebrating today's announcement, which the City of Drummondville is proud to be part of."
-Alexandre Cusson, Mayor of Drummondville
"This investment is a testament to the trust that various levels of government have placed in the Village québécois d'antan as a major tourist attraction in the Centre-du-Québec region and throughout the province. Now that the renovations to our buildings are well underway, we will be able to focus more of our efforts on developing and enhancing our tourist packages to provide an even richer experience to our visitors."
-Guy Bellehumeur, General Manager, Village québécois d'antan
Quick facts
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The Village québécois d'antan was founded in 1977 and is a unique historical site that immerses visitors in history by re-enacting scenes from 19th century life. With over 70 heritage buildings, the Village brings to life 10,000 artifacts that have been received over the years and provides a contemporary showcase for the customs, trades, skills and words that forged the history of a people.
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The project being funded involves urgent upgrades to 33 buildings at the Village québécois d'antan. It is part of a broader restoration project to all on-site buildings that will ensure that they are preserved.
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The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation, including creative hubs. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.
