Government of Canada Supports Kempt Road Development

RISTIGOUCHE SUD-EST, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 24, 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, took the opportunity of the official opening of the Kempt Road Interpretation Centre's new exhibit, to mention that the Government of Canada granted funding to Kempt Road Heritage to carry out its project. The contribution was used to renew the Centre's permanent exhibit, develop a hiking trail and produce an audio guide with a view to enhancing the heritage site for visitors, thereby increasing tourism traffic.

"By lending its financial support to Kempt Road Heritage, 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.

Built between 1830 and 1832, Kempt Road was the first land route linking the Lower St. Lawrence area and the Atlantic provinces. An important part of Gaspésie's historical heritage, Kempt Road played a determining role in the settlement of the region by French- and English-speaking communities. Visitors can use an audio guide to stride through the permanent exhibit recounting the fascinating history of this route through an impressive collection of photos, antiques and artefacts, etc. As for the hiking trail, it offers visitors a chance to discover the region's nature, spiritual sites and culture.

This unifying project has mobilized volunteers and community stakeholders, notably from the four municipalities sharing the trail, as well as local and regional tourism stakeholders. Kempt Road Heritage is hoping to make the area a unique attraction on Gaspésie's tourism circuit.

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This $46,186 in non-repayable funding was granted through the Economic Development Initiative, provided under the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013. With a $10.2 million budget over five years, this Canada Economic Development initiative aims to foster the economic development of official-language minority communities (OLMCs) through a range of activities including innovation, entrepreneurship, partnership and economic diversification.

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