Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Ministère de la Culture et des Communications is investing $172,499 in the cultural development of the Huntingdon riding.

Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette made the announcement on behalf of Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe on March 24, noting the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent will receive $78,354 while the MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville will see $94,145 in cultural investments.

The funds have been granted through the Ententes de Développement Culturel Municipales et Régionales, which will provide funding over a three-year period ending in March 2027.

“I am particularly pleased with our government’s support for the cultural initiatives led by our MRCs,” said Mallette, while pointing out that the development of cultural initiatives contributes to the region’s vitality.

The funds granted through the cultural development agreements are generally 50 per cent co-financed by the municipalities and MRCs, but this can reach as high as 60 per cent in devitalized regions.

In the Haut-Saint-Laurent, $18,000 will be used to create participative musical workshops for seniors living in long-term care residences. At least $42,549 will be used for cultural development initiatives including an update to the MRC’s cultural policy, as well as the creation of video capsules and workshops to promote the work of area artists. A cultural heritage project highlighting four cemeteries in Havelock with informative panels will receive $17,805 in funding as well through this agreement.

Nancy Brunelle, the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s cultural coordinator, said she is pleased with the amounts accorded in the agreement. She confirms the MRC will contribute $58,000 towards the completion of these initiatives.

The MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville will dedicate $30,000 of this funding toward the development of cultural activities for seniors, while $42,549 will be used to for cultural development projects. At least $6,677 will be spent on cultural heritage initiatives, while $14,919 will be used to develop youth-oriented projects within the MRC.