Arbraska Mont-Saint-Grégoire received a non-payable contribution of CA$100,000 from the Government of Canada to modernize tourism infrastructure and experience.
Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, made the announcement last Thursday.
“A major economic driver, the tourism industry is a means to showcase Canada’s culture and diversity to visitors from around the world. Our government continues to be here for businesses and organizations in the tourism sector to ensure their recovery. Today, Arbraska Mont-Saint-Grégoire can expand its eco-friendly play area! This financial contribution represents excellent news for the Montérégie region and the drawing power of its outdoor experience!” said St-Onge.
The tourism industry generated over CA$100 billion in annual revenue for Canada before the heavy impact of the pandemic. The contribution from the Government of Canada will ensure that tourism thrives again and reaches its full potential, according to a news release.
“Tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic in Canada. We will continue to support this sector during this difficult time. We will also continue to emphasize safety and ensure businesses receive the assistance they need to quickly regain their footing and prosper. The Tourism Relief Fund will help businesses adapt, make improvements and be ready to welcome back their guests. It also feeds into a broader strategy to help the sector withstand the pandemic, recover, and eventually grow. The Canadian economy will not fully recover until our tourism sector recovers,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance.
This CED support, granted under the Tourism Relief Fund, has enabled the SME to modernize its tourism experience by adapting its product to today’s reality and adopting green practices.
Founded in 2017 in a maple grove, Arbraska Mont-Saint-Grégoire specializes in eco-adventures and is one of the region’s largest tourist attractions. This large-scale forest adventure park is known mainly for its walkways through the trees and its ziplines.
“We are honored to receive support from CED to implement this innovative project enabling us to propel Arbraska Mont-Saint-Grégoire’s growth forward in line with its mission. This contribution will help create a tourism hub to the benefit of all stakeholders in the regional economy,” said Stéphane Vachon, CEO and co-founder of Arbraska
Through the project, the business can acquire and install “uplå,” a new complete pathway representing the largest outdoor trampoline in North America with net structures suspended between trees connecting modules such as trampolines, footbridges, tunnels, slides, and rope ladders.
The SME also has an Aventure Écotourisme Québec certification and can adopt a sustainable recovery plan. For instance, for every tree cut down, another one is planted.
The Government of Canada recognizes and supports innovative businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities.
Quebec’s economic recovery relies on strong tourism industry of organizations with deep roots in the regional economy. The players in this sector are major contributors to growth, as well as key assets in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient, greener, and more just economy for all.