Rivière-à-la-Pêche multiservice building expanded and modernized
Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Quebec, October 16, 2010 - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today officially inaugurated the expanded and renovated Rivière-à-la-Pêche multiservice building in Saint-Jean-des-Piles, in La Mauricie National Park of Canada which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2010. The work was carried out as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
In addition to this $880,000 Economic Action Plan project, three other projects in La Mauricie National Park received funding from the Plan, for a total of $1.37 million. They include the reconstruction and improvement of the campsites, the reconstruction of the Hercule building, and the reconstruction of the Wabenaki Lodge roof.
“It is an honour for me to inaugurate the expanded Rivière-à-la-Pêche multiservice building. With this project, the many visitors who come to the building will be able to further enjoy the park’s facilities in a warm, modern location that meets their needs,” said said Minister Prentice.
By expanding the building, it was possible to add several amenities to those that already existed. As well as a more spacious entry area and a modern ski waxing room, the new building now has showers and washrooms, a dressing room with lockers, a lounge with a fireplace, and a large eating area. There is also space dedicated to exhibits which show the efforts to restore the park’s ecosystem.
Used year-round, but mainly in winter, these new recreational infrastructures will enable La Mauricie National Park to position itself as a major hub of winter activities in the region by increasing the services it offers.
“This winter skiers, hikers and snowshoers will appreciate warming up by the fire before heading out into a beautiful natural setting, a place where ecological integrity is always protected and presented,” added Minister Prentice. “By helping enhance visitor infrastructures in the park, Canada’s Economic Action Plan allows for concrete action to boost tourism in this beautiful region.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets aside $374 million for improvements of facilities and protection of Canada’s national parks and national historic sites. As a result of these investments in national parks and national historic sites, many skilled men and women in construction, tourism and conservation sectors will be hired in every province and territory of Canada.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Pascale Boulay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
http://twitter.com/jimprentice
Melissa Larose
Communications Advisor
Parks Canada
Office of the Eastern Canada Director General
418-648-4533
http://twitter.com/parkscanada
