Implementing action plan to kick-start downtown Granby’s recovery

From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

News release

Economic recovery in city centres

Granby, Quebec, June 20, 2022 – The governments of Canada and Quebec are confirming their support to implement the Ville de Granby’s action plan for its downtown recovery. The announcement was made in the presence of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, the Minister for the Economy, Lucie Lecours, and the Member for Granby, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, François Bonnardel.

The Government of Canada is granting a non-repayable contribution of $750,000 under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). This financial assistance will make it possible to add bike lanes, play areas, street furniture, and landscaping to help revitalize the city’s main street, a major commercial artery for Granby’s socio-economic development.

For its part, the Government of Quebec is confirming $900,000 in financial assistance to implement the Ville de Granby’s action plan. This plan includes launching a buy-local campaign, setting up temporary installations, and developing the downtown area by adding distinctive furniture, ambient lighting, and newly planted trees.

The Government of Quebec would like to highlight the $25 million planned in its 2021‑2022 Budget to promote workers returning to certain city centres and support businesses.

The Government of Canada launched the CCRF in June 2021. A total of $500 million has been granted over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), including $107 million for CED to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces in Quebec. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener, and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of Canadians.

Quotes

“The revitalization of downtown Granby is a vivid reflection of the very dynamic nature of its community. Our support for this large-scale project attests to our government’s commitment to support economic development in communities of all sizes, across all regions. By improving its outdoor spaces and infrastructure, the Ville de Granby will transform its city centre. It will become more attractive, drawing people in through a forward-looking approach that will ensure the city develops and recovers from the pandemic’s effects.”

The Honourable Pascale St‑Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED

“Quebec’s economic recovery is picking up speed. Our government continues to provide municipalities with the appropriate financial tools to help them regain confidence and recover the dynamism they had before the pandemic. City centres are important economic drivers; they must be able to kick-start their activities and operate at full capacity as quickly as possible.”

Lucie Lecours, Minister for the Economy

“The recovery of our city centre will bring a breath of fresh air to shopkeepers and restaurant owners, who are in a fragile position after two years of an economic slowdown. Entrepreneurship is an important driver of economic development for Granby and for the well-being of the city’s residents. Implementing my colleague’s plan will be beneficial, starting right this summer, for the city and for the entire Estrie region.”

François Bonnardel, Member for Granby, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region

“Thanks to this support from the federal and provincial governments, we will have a modern, dynamic downtown area. Through these revitalization efforts, City Council aims to improve the quality of life of Granby residents and enhance the city centre’s tourism and commercial draw. This financial support enables us to achieve these aims, and we are very grateful for this.”

Julie Bourdon, Mayor of Granby

Quick facts

  • The CCRF falls under CED’s Quebec Economic Development Plan (QEDP). It helps communities:
    • adapt community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public-health guidelines, and
    • build or improve community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in and explore their communities and regions.
  • CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 business offices, CED is present to accompany Quebec businesses, supporting organizations and regions into tomorrow’s economy
  • Implementing action plans such as the one announced today will help various city centres across Quebec recover by countering the pandemic’s impacts and restructuring the commercial and tourism experience on offer.
  • The $25 million allocated under the Government of Quebec’s 2021-2022 Budget comes in addition to the $50 million announced during the November 2020 Economic Update to support the recovery in Montréal’s and Québec’s downtown areas.

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Sources

Ariane Joazard-Bélizaire
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
ariane.joazard-belizaire@pch.gc.ca
Romane St-Laurent
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for the Economy
Tel: 418-691-5650

Claudia Loupret
Press Secretary
Office of the Member for Granby, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region
Tel: 418-670-6413

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
media@dec-ced.gc.ca

Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Head of Media Relations
Communications Branch
Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation
Tel: 418-691-5698, ext. 4868
Cell: 418-559-0710

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