BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 20, 2012) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, took the opportunity of today's inauguration of the Hôtel La Ferme to highlight the financial support awarded to Groupe Le Massif Inc. and its partners to carry out a large-scale, four-season recreational tourism project in the Charlevoix region.

"The Government of Canada's investment in the Groupe Le Massif's recreational tourism project illustrates our firm commitment to supporting the economic diversification and growth of the Charlevoix region," said Minister Lebel.

The assistance from Canada Economic Development focuses on certain components of the mega project undertaken by the Groupe Le Massif in 2009, notably the acquisition and restoration of locomotives and train cars for the operation of a rail shuttle service between Petite-Rivière-Saint-François and Baie-Saint-Paul and of a tourist train between Québec and La Malbaie, the development of a luge track at Le Massif and the creation of an integrated wellness centre and spa at Baie-Saint-Paul's Hôtel La Ferme. Commercialization activities on markets outside Quebec are also included in this funding. Today's grand opening marks the culmination of this important major project.

Information:

The $10,750,000 in financial contributions for the various project components have been awarded through Canada Economic Development's Regional Strategic Initiatives and Community Diversification programs.

Keep up with the latest news from Canada Economic Development by visiting www.dec-ced.gc.ca or subscribing to @CanEconDev on Twitter.