New Recreational Tourism Complex in Chandler Thanks to Financial Support from Government of Canada

CHANDLER, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 18, 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 $20,000 in repayable funding to Yourtek Évasion Nature Inc. for the establishment of a new recreational tourism centre in Chandler, Gaspésie.

"The Government of Canada supports innovative projects which, like Yourtek Évasion Nature Inc., set the Gaspésie apart as an adventure tourism destination," said Minister Lebel.

Located on the shores of Lac aux Outardes, the new tourism complex will offer guests bed nights in entirely equipped and furnished floating or land-based yurts (large circular tents). The enterprise will also offer visitors a variety of nature friendly, outdoor initiation activities combining theory and practice. Vacationers will be able to learn about hunting, fishing, orienteering and wilderness survival, canoeing and winter camping. This concept of vacation meets a new global trend in adventure tourism. The acquisition of four yurts, furnishings and washroom facilities as well as equipment related to water activities is made possible thanks to the financial support of Canada Economic Development.

"This project, which should motivate vacationers to extend their stay in the region, is directly in line with the City of Chandler's diversification process in which we are participating," Mr. Lebel added.

Tourism is a priority for action in the Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, as are sustainable development and green energy, agri-food and seafood processing and the transformation of forest products. It is therefore in these areas that Canada Economic Development has chosen to concentrate its development efforts for the region. This government assistance has been granted through the Community Diversification program.

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