By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Caroline Proulx, Quebec’s minister of tourism and minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, along with the Eastern Townships caucus, has confirmed financial support totaling more than $34.3 million for local tourist projects.
This investment was announced in Orford April 29 in the presence of regional representatives including François Bonnardel, minister of public Security and minister responsible for the Eastern Townships region; Isabelle Charest, minister responsible for sports, leisure, and outdoor activities and MNA for Brome-Missisquoi; Gilles Bélanger, MNA for Orford; and André Bachand, MNA for Richmond.
The Eastern Townships, renowned for its robust tourism industry with nearly 1,400 businesses and over 20,500 jobs linked to the sector, have seen an economic contribution from tourism amounting to $794 million, according to an April 29 press release.
At the announcement, Proulx emphasized the importance of local tourism as a major economic sector that enriches Quebec and highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering its development to ensure all regions benefit.
“It takes entrepreneurs, it takes businesses that, when we attract these tourists, will come to the events, but will be able to have access to dining, to our farmers, to our food, to our hotels, to our guesthouses, winter tourism, nature, adventure,” she said.
“It is with immense pleasure that the Government of Quebec is proud, very proud to support our Quebec businesses in the region today.”
Bonnardel expressed satisfaction with the governmental support which will enhance the region’s attractiveness and visitor appeal, particularly praising projects such as the four-season sports and activities at Ski Sutton, which align with its mission.
Investments include a significant grant to the Museum of Nature and Sciences in Sherbrooke for a new permanent exhibition aimed at promoting innovation and raising awareness about humanity’s impact on Earth.
The region’s tourism appeal is further bolstered by projects like the development of services at the summit of Mont Prospect and enhancements in Mont Sainte-Cécile, both poised to attract outdoor enthusiasts.
The funding is part of several programs such as the Tourist Industry Recovery Aid Program, the Tourist Attractions Development Support Program, and the Tourist Offer Development Program in Regional Parks. Notably, the partnership and digital transformation in tourism agreement (2022-2025), funded by the Ministry in collaboration with Tourism Eastern Townships, has allocated $2.8 million to the region.
Since the creation of the Tourist Industry Recovery Aid Program in 2021, $269 million has been allocated to 87 projects, with potential investments reaching over $521 million. The Tourist Attractions Development Support Program has facilitated investments exceeding $1.1 billion in the tourist industry since its inception in 2013.
The following is a list of the organizations awarded money, the individual amounts, and what it will be used for:
Corporation Ski et Golf Mont-Orford: $5,000,000
Repositioning, modernization, and expansion of service areas in the main chalet, implementation of an RFID system, development of an electric-assist mountain bike trail network and a learning progression area, modernization of the snowmaking system.
Ski Sutton: $5,000,000
Installation of a new quadruple mechanical lift, automated lift access system, creation of an art trail in the mountains, construction of a signature viewpoint, and rustic camping and experiential lodging areas.
Musée de la Nature et des Sciences: $1,300,000 + $650,000 from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Development of the new Ipso Mondo exhibition – “A Single Planet,” offering an immersive, participatory multi-part experience.
Development of Mont-Ham: $1,250,000
Construction of four-season architectural eco-cabins with Abenaki design.
Jardin de Cocagnes: $812,500
Development of a collective agrotourism project.
Auberge Ripplecove: $5,000,000
Expansion of common areas to cater to business clientele, including meeting rooms, reception areas, and outdoor spaces.
Manoir Hovey: $5,000,000
Construction of a new pavilion with about a dozen rooms.
Multi-Ind. Capital: $2,000,000
Expansion and renovation of rooms, dining rooms, and meeting rooms at the Auberge aux 4 Saisons d’Orford.
Domaine Lac-Brompton: $2,000,000
Realization of phase 1 of a project for a resort complex in a natural setting, including chalet accommodation and a welcome building with recreational equipment rental for outdoor activities across all seasons.
Villégiature Forêt: $245,000
Construction of ecologs, trail development, and purchase of equipment for outdoor activities.
Parc de la Gorge-de-Coaticook – Parc Découverte nature: $500,000
Construction of twelve ecological small houses.
Parc Régional du Mont-Ham: $114,223
Development of a new stopover for recreational vehicles.
Manoir Maplewood: $28,000
Addition of two rooms.
Société Zoologique de Granby: $15,000
Feasibility study for a new winter activity at the zoo and an off-site business model.
Expérience Embargo: $35,000
Organization of the Soif de Musique 2024 festival.
Cécile Lodges: $99,000
Acquisition and setup of three autonomous, fully furnished, eco-friendly, four-season microchalets, and development of spaces for converted vans.
Lauz Immos: $100,000
Acquisition, installation, and setup of four domes with services at the top of Prospect Mountain.
Station Mont-Saint-Cécile: $100,000
Development of trails, a skills park, a learning and jumping area, and a welcome building. Acquisition of a bike fleet.
Ski Bromont: $30,000
Implementation of real-time broadcasting tools for enhanced communication with visitors.
Vignoble Léon Courville: $23,000
Redevelopment and enhancement of visitor areas and equipment for viticulture interpretation activities.
Rang 1 – Direction Culture: $20,000
Organization of the Colline 2024 festival.
Ville de Danville: $48,500
Acquisition and installation of six charging stations for electric-assist bicycles, including secure storage spaces, in five municipalities certified as “Cœur villageois”: Bromont, Saint-Adrien, Eastman, Danville, and Sutton.