The expansion of the “Trou de la Fée” cave park will allow the Société récréotouristique de Desbiens to enhance the regional tourism experience
News Release
September 11, 2017 – Desbiens, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
With the help of a non-repayable contribution of $1,705,250 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Société récréotouristique de Desbiens will be able to enhance the “Trou de la Fée” cave park visitor experience, thus boosting regional tourism.
Jean-Claude Poissant, MP for La Prairie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‑Food, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, made the announcement this morning.
The funding provided under CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) will serve to build a new welcome centre, inside which will be found an observatory and a room where 3-D immersive visual content will be projected. The project also involves the construction of aerial walkways with glassed-in sections overlooking the Métabetchouan River, and a suspension bridge more than 60 metres high.
The project is expected to result in a 53% increase in the number of visitors per year (from 19,000 to 29,000), and will create four new jobs.
Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic diversification, both nationally and regionally. To this end, Government of Canada funding for cultural and sporting events is an effective way of supporting activities that generate substantial economic and media spinoff in the regions where the events take place.
Quotes
“CED’s funding will allow the Société récréotouristique de Desbiens to develop and showcase the attractions of the “Trou de la Fée” cave park, thus helping to attract even more visitors to the region. Through this support, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to promote Quebec’s tourism regions, which has a positive impact on the local economy.”
Jean-Claude Poissant, MP for La Prairie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“By investing in the expansion of the “Trou de la Fée” cave park, the Government of Canada is meeting its commitments. We help organizations expand, innovate and promote tourism. This, in turn, results in the creation of high-quality jobs, vitalizes the regions and ensures a prosperous Canadian economy.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED
Quick Facts
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The Société récréotouristique de Desbiens is a key player in the Lac-Saint-Jean Est regional county municipality tourism industry. It operates two natural tourism sites in the Lac-Saint-Jean region—the “Trou de la Fée” cave park and Camping plage Blanchet—which attract on average 50,000 visitors a year.
CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
For more information on CED’s key directions until 2021, consult Strategic Plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.
Through its New Tourism Vision, the Government is taking steps to improve Canadian tourism marketing and products, and access to these products, with the ultimate goal of increasing the total number of visitors to Canada.
Contacts
Source:
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development
for Quebec Regions
Tel.: 514-283-7443
Email: dec.media.ced@canada.ca
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