Château-Richer, Quebec, February 20, 2012 – The Honourable Senator Suzanne Fortin-Duplessis today joined Raymond Bernier, Member of the National Assembly for Montmorency, for a press conference to celebrate the restoration of the Centre d'interprétation de la Côte-de-Beaupré in Château-Richer. Frédéric Dancause, Mayor of Château-Richer, and Annie Cantin, President of the Centre's Board of Directors, were present for the event.
As part of the restoration, the roof, windows and masonry of this heritage building were rehabilitated. Since 2002, the Centre has been housed in Château-Richer's historical convent, built in 1907. The Centre's architectural heritage value is recognized under the provincial Cultural Property Act, and this landmark is representative of convents erected in rural communities during the last quarter of the 19th century and early 20th century. Its heritage value also resides in its historical and archeological interest – an important reminder of the vital role that religious communities played in educating children and shaping the day-to-day customs of local people.
"Our Government remains committed to preserving, developing and improving access to Canada's cultural institutions,"
said Senator Fortin-Duplessis, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "We are proud to have invested in the renewal of this important heritage building. The project created local jobs and will benefit families, residents and visitors in the Côte-de-Beaupré region for many years."
"I would like to recognize the commitment and the tenacity of the trustees of the Centre d'interprétation de la Côte-de-Beaupré who are contributing, with the completion of this project, to ensuring the sustainability of a heritage building. The mission of the Centre d'interprétation de la Côte-de-Beaupré is to showcase and promote the cultural identity of the RCM of Côte-de-Beaupré. This is an important accomplishment for the community and there is no doubt that the restoration of this Centre will boost cultural and tourist activities,"
declared MNA Raymond Bernier, on behalf of Minister Christine St-Pierre.
"The Centre d'interprétation de la Côte-de-Beaupré is a welcoming venue where visitors learn about the link between the region's culture and heritage and the history of Quebec and French North America. The members of the Board of Directors invite you to come and appreciate the restoration of Château-Richer's historical convent. This building is the jewel of our community and we look forward to welcoming you,"
added Annie Cantin, President of the Board of Directors.
The total government contribution for the restoration of the building is $665,000. The Government of Canada has committed $213,000 to this project, while the Government of Quebec contributed $452,000.
The Government of Canada's contribution to this project comes from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which supported over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Across the Province of Quebec, the Government of Canada committed over $900 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to more than 900 projects. This program boosted the Canadian economy during the height of the economic downturn.
The Government of Quebec's contribution was made under the Plan québécois des infrastructures, which was expanded in January 2009 and now has a budget of over $44.5 billion for the period of 2010 to 2015 to upgrade, renew and maintain Quebec's public infrastructure.
Additional information
For more information about investments in infrastructure, visit infrastructure.gc.ca or infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca
Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Valérie Rodrigue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women
418-380-2310
Annie LeGruiec
Public Relations Officer
Quebec Department of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women
418-380-2363, extension 7371
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
