Chutes Coulonge receives $89,000 from Government of Canada to upgrade reception facilities

August 11, 2009

Mansfield-et-Pontefract, Quebec − Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister responsible for the Outaouais Region and Member of Parliament for Pontiac, today announced $89,000 in non-repayable funding to the organization Chutes Coulonge to help upgrade its reception facilities.

The Community Adjustment Fund, an initiative of Canada’s Economic Action Plan,adopted by the Government of Canada in January 2009, helps finance key projects like Chutes Coulonge. The assistance will be used to build a new reception chalet, make repairs at the main chalet and install soundproofing and lighting, as well as carry out various other work.

“The current economic slowdown has affected many communities, particularly those that rely on the primary or manufacturing sectors, and for whom adjustment may not be self-evident. There is a pressing need to generate short-term jobs and support activities to help strengthen economic development and diversification in these communities and for their residents. That is why we did not hesitate to invest in this organization whose project will maintain its existing employees and create new jobs, bringing the number of employees to 27,” said Minister Cannon.

Parc des Chutes Coulonge (Coulonge Falls Park) features a more than 300-metre long interpretation trail from the log drive to the falls and river of the same name below. Strategically, the Coulonge River was one of the main waterways for transporting timber from Quebec’s westernmost logging camps. A dream come true for nature lovers, the historic site boasts a walking trail, children’s aerial adventure activities, including a 25-m zip line and a ropes course, among others, and the Via Ferrata secure rock wall climbing trail. The Coulonge Falls are in themselves a major Pontiac attraction.

“Given the economic downturn affecting our country, like the rest of world, in January 2009, our government adopted Canada’s Economic Action Plan. This major plan seeks to ensure a quick recovery, while laying the foundation for strong, long-term economic growth that creates jobs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan will provide about $62 billion over the next two years,” concluded Minister Cannon.