Destination Gatineau Receives Financial Support from Government of Canada

GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 31, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions, announces the awarding of $100,000 in non-repayable funding to the organization Destination Gatineau.

"The Government of Canada commends the Gatineau authorities for taking the necessary steps to enhance the tourism offering in the Outaouais region. Tourism generates significant economic spinoffs and stimulates job creation in the region," said Minister Lebel.

Destination Gatineau aims to develop the area along the Quebec shores of the Ottawa River to make it an international-calibre tourist attraction that can capitalize on the drawing power of international permanent exhibitions, blockbuster show venues and cultural and sporting events.

Destination Gatineau will use this funding to conduct an opportunity and feasibility study, the goal being to develop a distinctive tourism offering along the Ottawa River, between the Chaudières Falls and the Gatineau River. The Canadian Museum of Civilization, Jacques-Cartier Park and the lands of the former E.B. Eddy plant are the main attractions in this area.

Tourism is a promising growth sector tor the Outaouais region, as are high technology, agri-processing and the transformation of value-added wood products. In focusing its development efforts on these priority sectors, Canada Economic Development is helping stimulate the regional economy.

The contribution from Canada Economic Development has been awarded through the Community Diversification program.

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