Saint-Tite-des-Caps, Quebec, June 15, 2011 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced the awarding of $408,000 in repayable funding for the startup of Station Blü Inc. Granted through the Temporary Initiative for the Strengthening of Quebec's Forest Economies, this assistance will serve to equip the region with a new tourism complex located mid-way between Mont Sainte-Anne and Le Massif de Charlevoix.
"Station Blü has everything it takes to become an important magnet for the region. This high-end tourism product is sure to generate spinoffs for the Regional County Municipality of Côte-de-Beaupré and the region as a whole, while enhancing the regional tourism offering," explained Minister Lebel.
Station Blü's innovative concept centres on the establishment of a hill-side relaxation complex and Nordic spa on the banks of Lombrette River. The centre will offer year-round access to hot tubs, cooling fountains, a wood-heated sauna and relaxation and massage rooms. Like its world-class, growth-generating neighbour, Le Massif de Charlevoix, Station Blü will help bolster Charlevoix's drawing power and further its reputation as a choice tourist destination.
This project will enable Station Blü to create some 20 new jobs in the Côte-de-Beaupré RCM, an area hard hit by the crisis in the forest industry. This financial assistance, which will help increase the tourism sector's contribution to regional economic activity, is a concrete example of the Government of Canada's determination to foster economic diversification and stimulate the creation of wealth.
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Sources :
Guylaine Beaudoin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-648-4679
E-mail: guylaine.beaudoin@dec-ced.gc.ca
Benoît Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
E-mail: benoit.fortin@dec-ced.gc.ca
