Government of Canada Lends Financial Support to Auberge Le Baluchon

SAINT-PAULIN, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Oct. 28, 2011) - 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 the awarding of $536,225 in repayable funding to Auberge Le Baluchon. The inn will use this financial assistance to modernize its facilities, construct two buildings, and acquire equipment.

"The Government of Canada's support for Auberge Le Baluchon, whose project will have significant benefits for the Regional County Municipality of Maskinongé, confirms the importance the government places on tourism as an engine of Quebec's economy," said Minister Lebel.

Founded more than 20 years ago, Auberge Le Baluchon is a high-end, four season resort offering a variety of nature-, culture- and adventure-based activities. The inn is constantly striving to come up with fresh ideas in order to create a diversified tourism complex, build on the reputation it has already earned among its clients, and expand its reach.

This project is a prelude to the inn's master development plan 2012-2018 to pursue its growth, and which will call for a total investment of $50 million. Thanks to the support from Canada Economic Development, Auberge Le Baluchon will be able to tailor its facilities to the unique, innovative concept set out in this plan.

The financial assistance announced today has been awarded through Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program, an initiative whose objectives include supporting tourism development in Quebec's regions. Auberge Le Baluchon welcomes more than 40,000 visitors annually, which contributes to the economic vitality of the municipality of Saint-Paulin and the Mauricie as a whole.

For more about Auberge le Baluchon, visit www.baluchon.com

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