Government of Canada Supports Parc regional des Grandes Rivieres Project

SAINT-STANISLAS, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 4, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions, today announced the awarding of $459,000 in non-repayable funding to the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Maria-Chapdelaine to implement a development strategy for the Parc régional des Grandes Rivières.

"The project led by the RCM of Maria-Chapdelaine is receiving support from the Government of Canada and mobilizing local economic players who are set on developing tourism," said Minister Lebel.

This funding will be used to map a strategy that will make the future Grandes Rivières regional park a major tourist attraction in the area. The hiring, over a two-year period, of a coordinator and enlisting the services of outside professionals will help determine the range of possibilities the region and its extensive river system have to offer. This water system includes, among others, the Ashapmushuan, Péribonka, Mistassibi and Mistassini rivers.

"The Parc des Grandes Rivières will be located near two of the region's main tourist products, namely, the Véloroute des bleuets cycling network and the Zoo de Saint-Félicien. The park is sure to complement the existing tourism offering," added the Minister.

Canada Economic Development's contribution has been granted through the Community Diversification program.

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