April 24, 2012
Significant investments to fund development of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Quebec City, April 24, 2012 - Pierre Arcand, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, and Raymond Bernier, MNA for Montmorency, today unveiled a large-scale investment plan for development of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. “These investments are intended to fund the creation of a world-class tourism centre that will enable development of this protected area, which has been classified a protected site under the Cultural Property Act,” asserted Minister Arcand. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency attracts the second-highest number of visitors among all tourist sites in Quebec’s capital, after Old Quebec.
$30M EARMARKED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCALE IN THE CAPITALE-NATIONALE REGION
Total investment over the next five years will exceed $30M. Aside from a $10.4M share of the $35M announced in the last budget speech for specific anchor projects, as well as to strengthen Quebec’s built heritage and expedite implementation of the State corporation’s environmental management program, the plan also encompasses construction of a hotel, at an estimated cost of $18M in private funds. Rounding out the funding will be an additional $2.2M, invested by Sépaq. “Sépaq is already an exemplary sustainable development participant, and will continue to ensure that all projects, including construction of the hotel, adhere to fundamental SD principles,” stressed Minister Arcand.
PROJECTS INTENDED TO BOOST SITE’S APPEAL TO VISITORS
Activities
One of the various projects launched with the intent of building a world-class tourism centre – the creation of a passage behind Montmorency Falls – is expected to add considerably to the site’s drawing power. A pre-feasibility study is underway to this end. Two other undertakings – the installation of a 270-meter cliff-top zip line crossing the rivière Montmorency from west to east and the creation of a via ferrata circuit in the Boischatel crevasse – will present visitors with a whole new perspective on the site. The vast historic and natural potential of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency will become more accessible through interactive discovery circuits, supported by smart devices, which visitors can follow to enjoy the rich heritage all around them.
Improved Access at Bottom of Falls
Entrance to the site is at the bottom of the falls. Additionally, “development of the land bordering Parc de la Chute-Montmorency will serve to maximize its extraordinary potential, including the connection to the river and the Montmorency area, the birthplace of industrial activity in the Quebec City region. This project is a perfect fit with Phase IV of the promenade Samuel-De Champlain,” declared the MNA for Montmorency. Two components of the work planned – building a trail and the installation of water displays on the west shore of the cove - will make the site more appealing to families.
New Hotel Planned
The investment plan also includes the construction of a new hotel that will be entirely financed, built and run by the private sector. The building, comprising 120 to 150 rooms, will be connected to the Manoir and designed in keeping with its status as a cultural property. The existence of this hotel will ensure a critical mass of visitors to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency year-round, leading to improved profitability for the site. The specifications are currently undergoing adjustment and a call for proposals should be released in the next few weeks.
Other Projects
In Boischatel, another project will help realize the orchard’s tourism potential: the set-up of a historically themed Wolfe campsite, featuring 12 ready-to-camp tents similar to those currently in use in Sépaq establishments. This project will include the revitalization of Wolfe House. In the same vein, the addition of a “light, water and sound” multimedia show will fill the void following the departure of the Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition. The remainder of this investment plan will be spent on various other asset maintenance projects.
CONCERTED EFFORTS
“The announcement of this round of projects would not have been possible without the conscientious and creative work of the members of our Parc de la Chute-Montmorency development committee, who examined all site upgrade options with a view to creating a world-class tourism centre and building awareness of the full potential of this exceptional historic and natural site,” concluded Raymond Bernier, MNA for Montmorency.
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