Gaspé , Quebec , September 5, 2009 - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of an additional $250,000 in non-repayable funding to the Musée de la Gaspésie through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative for the expansion and modernization of its facilities with a view to attracting a broader range of visitors from all origins.
Granted for archiving activities, this additional funding was used to acquire computer equipment for the filing and processing of historical data and storage equipment, including a sliding file storage system. An archive viewing room was also set up to meet the museum's own needs as well as those of regional users and tourists. This latest assistance rounds out the funding needed to expand and upgrade the institution's facilities, a project that necessitated an overall investment of $6,650,000 and toward which the Government of Canada contributed $2,250,000.
“Gaspésie has a wealth of cultural and natural treasures that draw visitors to the area. The region needs to be able to capitalize on this richness in order to expand its offering and satisfy the high standards of foreign tourists, particularly international cruise passengers. The Musée de la Gaspésie plays a key role in the cultural and economic development of the peninsula. The Government of Canada is proud to support the growth of the Gaspésie tourism industry by funding this museum project and thereby helping to create a major attraction that is sure to be a choice destination for cruise passengers stopping in Gaspésie,” explained the Minister of State.
Founded in 1962, the Musée de la Gaspésie is dedicated to the promotion, interpretation, development and dissemination of the region's cultural heritage. The organization also serves as the central repository for the Gaspésie's historical records and contributes to the preservation of the peninsula's rich archive heritage. The museum presents eight exhibits every year, half of them put together by local experts. With this funding from the Government of Canada, the museum hopes to draw more visitors and to employ 11 people full time, up from the current seven, by the time the project is completed.
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Sources:
Karina Gagnon
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-368-6048 or 1-866-368-0044
E-mail: karina.gagnon@dec-ced.gc.ca
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 613-996-6236
E-mail: simon.bachand@dec-ced.gc.ca
