The Government of Canada awards nearly $1 million in financial assistance to support two tourism projects in Gaspésie
February 14, 2019 – Pointe-à-la-Croix, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Motel Interprovincial and Club sportif Marquis de Malauze both rely on tourism to ensure their growth. Financial contributions generating total investments of more than $3 million will be provided to help Motel Interprovincial (Restaurant Pastali Inc.) modernize its facilities and Club sportif Marquis de Malauze Inc. purchase equipment.
These contributions, totalling $992,900, were announced today by Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).
Motel Interprovincial, conveniently located at the Quebec–New Brunswick border, is a gateway for snowmobilers outside Quebec; those coming from the Maritimes and the United States make a pit stop there before taking on Gaspésie's trails. The repayable contribution of $950,000 awarded under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program will help complete a project to develop and modernize Motel Interprovincial's tourism services. The activities to be undertaken include expanding the reception and public areas, fitting up a new conference room, upgrading 11 existing rooms, and building 11 new units. These improvements constitute the third phase of investments the business has made since 2012. The work will require demolishing a section of the establishment in order to reconstruct a contemporary building.
The Gaspésie region has welcomed record numbers of tourists in recent years. The modernization of Motel Interprovincial's facilities will provide the many tourists who visit the region with improved services, year‑round.
Club sportif Marquis de Malauze is responsible for maintaining some 258 kilometres of snowmobile trails in the "Tour of Gaspésie" sector. To continue ensuring snowmobilers' safety and to improve the quality of the trails, it will receive a non-repayable contribution of $42,900 under the Winter Tourism Initiative of CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. With this financial assistance, the organization will be able to purchase various pieces of equipment, including a groomer and a grader (frame).
Communities need to build on innovation to strategically diversify and develop lasting regional competitive advantages. The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports recreational, cultural or sports-related projects that have a positive impact on local tourism and the local economy, that further showcase the unique attractions around us and that resonate far beyond Gaspésie.
"I am proud of the Government of Canada's support for Motel Interprovincial, a well-known business in the region, and for Club sportif Marquis de Malauze. These contributions will help them continue to develop and to generate economic growth, in addition to maintaining and creating new high-quality jobs."
Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED
"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. By providing financial support for these projects, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to help communities diversify and strengthen their economies and pursue promising economic development opportunities."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED
"Canada Economic Development is a long-time partner. This is our third project here in Pointe-à-la-Croix, and we could not have completed any of them without its significant contribution."
Gratien Thériault, President/CEO, Restaurant Pastali Inc.
"Snowmobiling is a very popular sport in the region among tourists from Quebec, the Maritimes and the United States. Trail quality and safety are essential to maintaining the Tour of Gaspésie's reputation as a first-rate trail."
Germain Leblanc, President, Club sportif Marquis de Malauze
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.
