Government of Canada Grants $268,319 to Nord-Neige Forestville Snowmobilers Club

FORESTVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Feb. 1, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced $268,319 in non-repayable funding to the Club de motoneigistes Nord-Neige Forestville Inc. through the Community Diversification program for the construction of a bridge connecting the entire Côte-Nord region to the Trans-Québec (TQ-3) trail network.

"Snowmobiling is an industry that generates crucial economic benefits for many small communities. Our support for this particular project is sure to attract more tourists to the region, as it will now be linked to the TQ-3 network," explained Minister of State Lebel.

The funding will enable the Nord-Neige club to build a suspension bridge over the Betsiamites River as well as access legs leading up to the bridge. Spanning 90 metres and standing 15 metres high, the new footbridge will ensure safe passage over the river. This project is key to ensuring the sustainability, quality and accessibility of the TQ-3 trail.

Snowmobilers can enjoy some 4,000 kilometres of trails, crisscrossing the countryside and communities and taking advantage of Côte-Nord's attractions and services. This new overpass will join existing tools contributing to the development of the winter tourism industry, including snowmobiling which, with an annual economic impact estimated at $14 million, is a showcase product.

At a total cost of $1,435,910, this project will meet the international safety and quality standards that are the hallmark of the Trans-Québec network, which is now the focus of commercialization efforts vis-à-vis tourist clienteles from outside Quebec. To make this project a reality, the heads of the Nord-Neige club worked closely with community partners to increase winter tourism traffic and maximize the economic benefits.

Canada Economic Development is online at www.dec-ced.gc.ca. Subscribe to the Agency's press releases at
http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/media-room/mailing-list/list.html to keep up with the latest news.