Government of Canada Supports Modernization of Hotel Forestel in Val-d'Or

VAL-D'OR, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 29, 2011) - Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today announced the awarding of $1,000,000 in repayable funding to Hôtel Forestel Val-d'Or Inc. for improvements to the facility's common areas and the renovation of 45 rooms.

"The Government of Canada believes in the importance of supporting this Hôtel Forestel Val-d'Or project, which promises to enhance the quality of lodging in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, thereby bolstering tourism and strengthening the region's economy," explained Minister of State Bernier.

As the only convention centre operating in the Regional County Municipality of Vallée-de-l'Or, Hôtel Forestel is carrying out this modernization project in an effort to satisfy the high standards of accommodation sought by an increasing number of business travellers and tourists. The establishment expects this initiative to result in the creation and maintenance of 130 jobs in total.

Tourism is a promising growth sector for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, as are mining and the processing of agri-food and forest products. It is therefore in these areas that Canada Economic Development has chosen to concentrate its development efforts for the region. This financial assistance from the Government of Canada has been granted through Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program.

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