Inauguration of Section of Veloroute des Bleuets: Rehabilitation of Cyclotourism Circuit Funded by Government of Canada

CHAMBORD, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 26, 2013) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, took part in today's official inauguration of the span of the Véloroute des Bleuets running between the municipalities of Desbiens and Chambord. This is the last of seven sections of the Véloroute to be rehabilitated since 2008 by the Maria-Chapdelaine and Domaine-du-Roy regional county municipalities (RCMs) thanks to financial support from the Government of Canada.

"By funding this project to rehabilitate the Véloroute des Bleuets, the Government of Canada is demonstrating that tourism is at the heart of its growth strategy," said Minister Lebel.

The financial assistance from Canada Economic Development served to restore seven sections of the Véloroute des Bleuets, a bicycle path circling Lac Saint-Jean that runs through the Maria-Chapdelaine, Domaine-du-Roy and Lac-Saint-Jean-Est RCMs as well as the Mashteuiatsh territory. The project, which involved improving the standards of quality and safety along the cycling circuit, is expected to produce a major lever effect by generating increased tourism and considerable economic spinoffs.

The upgrade of this tourism circuit will help further the diversification and vitality of the region's economy. Inns, restaurants and other points of interest along the path will also enjoy multiple benefits from their proximity to this improved attraction.

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This assistance, granted in the form of a $6,926,386 non-repayable financial contribution for the redevelopment of seven sections of the Véloroute des Bleuets, has been awarded through Canada Economic Development's Community Diversification program.

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