Government of Canada Grants Funding to Club Motoneige des Plaines Inc.

SAINTE-CROIX, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 7, 2013) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced that the Government of Canada has granted financial assistance to Club Motoneige des Plaines Inc.

"The Lotbinière regional county municipality is a territory well suited to the practice of snowmobiling. With this financial support, the Government of Canada is encouraging the growth of winter tourism in Chaudière-Appalaches and across the Greater Québec City region," said Minister Lebel.

Club Motoneige des Plaines oversees the upkeep of 223 kilometres of snowmobile trails throughout the Lotbinière RCM, including 133 kilometres of Trans-Québec trails. Thanks to the acquisition a new snow grooming machine, the club is now better equipped to ensure all users accessible trails.

"This equipment will enable us to improve access to our trails while reinforcing our position as a choice destination, especially among snowmobilers from the United States and Europe," said Louis Frigault, President of Club Motoneige des Plaines.

According to Tourisme Chaudière-Appalaches, in 2010-2011, the organized practice of snowmobiling in the region generated about $42 million in economic spinoffs benefiting hotels, restaurants and equipment rental shops, among others. Quebec is world renowned for the quality of its 33,000-kilometre network of snowmobile trails throughout the province.

"Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security," concluded Minister Lebel.

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This $115,875 non-repayable contribution has been awarded under Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program and is in line with the spirit of the National Tourism Strategy recently put in place to promote Canada as a prime tourist destination.

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