Government of Canada Funds Enhancement of Sentier Notre-Dame, Kapatakan

LAC-BOUCHETTE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 12, 2012) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces that the organization Notre-Dame, Kapatakan, has been awarded financial assistance to implement a major trail development project.

"By supporting the enhancement of the Sentier Notre-Dame, Kapatakan, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its firm commitment to promoting the growth of tourism, a high-yield sector for the Quebec and Canadian economies," said Minister Lebel.

Nicknamed "Little Compostela", Sentier Notre-Dame, Kapatakan, delimited by Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, highlights the region's religious heritage and satisfies visitors' thirst for spirituality. The 215-kilometre trail winds from Rivière-Éternité to Saint Anthony's Hermitage in Lac-Bouchette, taking those who walk it through towns and villages, all stages on a remarkable journey that lets them experience the best of what the region has to offer, namely, its culture, nature and people.

A part of the tourism development strategic plan of the Domaine-du-Roy Regional County Municipality (RCM), enhancement of the Sentier Notre-Dame, Kapatakan, will both enrich the experience for walkers and increase trail traffic. This unifying project is one of great regional importance. It has mobilized many volunteers and various community stakeholders, among them the three RCMs on the trail's route as well as several organizations, including Promotion Saguenay, Tourisme Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Saint Anthony's Hermitage and eight municipalities.

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This $37,816 in non-repayable funding has been granted under Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program. The organization will use these funds to cover the translation and printing costs of English promotional material and hire a project manager.

To learn more about the Notre-Dame, Kapatakan, heritage trail, visit www.sentiernotredamekapatakan.org (French only)

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