Backgrounder: details of the contributions awarded to three Îles-de-la-Madeleine businesses

Repayable contribution of $81,700 out of a total investment of $275,000

Pâtisserie Hélène des Îles specializes in the development, production and marketing of pastries highlighting local island products. Baked daily, they vary according to the seasons and the availability of island berries.

The business is the only artisanal pastry shop in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine region offering high-end products. It sells all its products directly on site, and employs 13 people, four of whom are full time. During the tourism season (June to October), two pastry chefs from outside the region join the team.

The goal of the project is to expand and enhance business productivity. The project primarily involves expanding the building to increase production space and sale counter size; acquiring equipment; and setting up a freezer room and a storage room. CED’s contribution covers acquisition, expansion and fit-up costs.

The project is expected to create five jobs.

Repayable contribution of $140,000 out of a total investment of $666,678

Mr. Éloi Vigneau began cultivating his orchard over 20 years ago. It was an experimental project to find out whether it is possible to grow fruit trees in the sometimes harsh climate of Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Retired for a few years now, Mr. Vigneau has been gradually handing over the business to his two sons, Louis-Joseph and Élie.

The two new owners plan to diversify the activities of the family business and take it to the next level. They intend to follow the trend of Quebec micro-distilleries by producing the first distilled spirits made in Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

The project aims to diversify the business’s production by adding distilling operations. This involves the construction of a new building to house the distillery, kitchen and boutique, and the acquisition of equipment. CED’s contribution will specifically target the part of the building used for the production of distilled spirits and related products, as well as production equipment such as vats, barrels and a new press.

The project will create five jobs.

Repayable contribution of $900,000 out of a total investment of $2,250,000

À l'abri de la tempête, a microbrewery that specializes in the production of unique and classy beers, offers its customers a dozen or so regular products distributed in close to 900 points of sale throughout Quebec. The business has been able to develop ties with local producers, leading to the marketing of products such as a beer-ripened cheese by the Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent and beer-flavoured caramel by La Belle Occasion.

It is also known for its innovative niche products, including the Corne de Glace (ice horn), produced by cryoconcentration—a first in the country, as well as for its under-ice aging process. Since starting up, the company has had a mission to offer high-quality beers brewed using local raw materials.

The goal of the project is to expand and enhance business productivity. Planned work includes expanding and making changes to the current building and purchasing production equipment.

CED’s contribution will cover project costs, notably the expansion and modification of the building, and the purchase, transportation and installation of new beer production equipment (fermenters, steam kettle, brewing system and related equipment).