Economic Development of the Laurentides Region
Ferme-Neuve, May 24, 2019 - The Governments of Canada and Quebec are awarding a total of $1,047,500 in financial assistance to Montagne du Diable Regional Park (MDRP) for building a reception chalet and a parking lot, as well as wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities. With that funding, the MDRP will also be able to set up outdoor activities such as safe riding down Windigo Falls and build floating platforms on the lake of the same name.
Ms. Sylvie D'Amours, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region, on behalf of Mr. Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation, and Mr. David Graham, Member of Parliament for Laurentides-Labelle, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), made the announcement today, along with Ms. Chantale Jeannotte, Member of the National Assembly for Labelle.
To support the project, valued at $3,138,500, CED is allocating a non-repayable contribution of $847,500 under the Quebec Economic Development Program, while the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation (MEI) is awarding $200,000 from the Programme d'immobilisation en entrepreneuriat collectif (PIEC).
"I am always delighted to see the enthusiasm that drives our beautiful region. Whether in tourism or economic development, our local entrepreneurs and organizations are creative and bold. The Windigo hub project by the Montagne du Diable Regional Park will help maintain the attractions and develop the tourism offering in the Hautes-Laurentides region."
David Graham, Member of Parliament for Laurentides-Labelle
"In addition to reflecting the richness of our environment and celebrating the natural beauty, places like Montagne du Diable Regional Park help enhance the tourism offering and increase the quality of life for Canadians. The development project announced today will also have a positive impact on the region's economic diversification."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED
"The Windigo hub has the potential to attract new clients from Quebec, Canada and abroad, clients for whom a park visit, nature- and culture-related activities, and beautiful landscapes are a priority. This is a sustainable project that will have social benefits. MDRP will be able to accommodate more organizations such as Mesure Alternative, an organization that supports extrajudicial measures and sanctions for teens so that they can do their community service at the park. This project will also provide artists with the opportunity to display their works in connection with various topics, including Indigenous culture."
Sylvie D'Amours, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region
"The project aims to enhance the tourism offering in the Hautes-Laurentides region and is part of the Tourisme de villégiature quatre saisons [four-season holiday tourism] niche of excellence. Due to its growing reputation, its offering of structured activities and its closeness to other partners, MDRP is already having a significant impact on overnight stays in the regions. The project is expected to increase this demand for accommodation while enhancing the offering of four-season services."
Chantale Jeannotte, Member of the National Assembly for Labelle
"With the financial assistance announced today, Montagne du Diable Regional Park will be able to increase its service offering, its own-source revenue and its number of visitors, while improving the long-term conservation of the site. This structuring project for the entire Hautes-Laurentides region has already been approved by the Government of Quebec through two other ministries. I am proud that we're able to help the Montagne du Diable Regional Park team bring their ideas to life."
Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation
"The Windigo sector development project, which has been awaited for several decades by the region's residents and tourism businesses, is important for tourism development in the Hautes-Laurentides region and for its outreach. Through the assistance awarded, Montagne du Diable Regional Park will be able to set up quality infrastructures in an environmentally responsible way, incorporating a number of technological aspects. This will definitely increase the park's clients and provide the entire population with an outdoor site."
Christian Parent, General Manager of Montagne du Diable Regional Park
Quick facts
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Montagne du Diable Regional Park was incorporated on July 9, 2009. Its primary activities involve promoting and fostering the development and recreational tourism activities of the Montagne du Diable area and its surroundings with an eye to sustainable development and support for community development.
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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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The PIEC is intended for social economy companies wishing to renovate, build or purchase a building for developing their business and service offering.
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Recall that the MDRP project received support from the Government of Quebec through $150,000 in financial assistance from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation originating from the Fonds d'appui au rayonnement des régions. The Ministère du Tourisme has also contributed to the project by awarding $851,400 to it under the Programme de soutien aux stratégies de développement touristique, stream 3, as well awarding $10,000 to it under the Entente de partenariat régional en tourisme, in partnership with Tourisme Laurentides.
