25 February 2011
Val-d'Or, Quebec
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for the Cité de l'Or historic site, the location of the Bourlamaque mining village and former Lamaque mine, one of the most prolific gold mines of the 20th century. The planned work will help boost tourism in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, a key economic generator for the region.
"By investing in one of Abitibi-Témiscamingue's major attractions, our Government is helping to improve the region's tourist appeal and raise the profile of the mining industry, a key sector of Canada's economy," said Prime Minister Harper. "At the same time, this investment will make it possible to preserve a site of tremendous historic and heritage value for the region."
The Cité de l'Or project will include the set-up of the reception building to make it accessible year round, the addition of a permanent exhibition, and improvements to outdoor areas. The underground tour route will also undergo improvements to enable tourists to get a feel for the work done by the miners of the past through simulations.
The funding announced today is provided through the Community Diversification Program of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. The Program helps Quebec's regions maintain and develop their economic activity base.
The work at Cité de l'Or will be carried out by the Corporation du Village minier de Bourlamaque, whose mission is to protect, enhance and raise the profile of the Cité de l'Or historic, heritage and tourist sites.
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25 February 2011 Backgrounders -
Cité de l'Or historic site
