EASTMAN, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 9, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces the awarding of $450,000 in repayable funding to Spa Eastman for the expansion of its facilities, which are being inaugurated today.

"The Government of Canada supports the efforts of Spa Eastman whose expansion project will help draw more tourists to the Estrie and create sustainable jobs in the region," noted Minister Lebel.

Since its inception in 1977, this self-renewal and fitness spa has grown by leaps and bounds. The Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards ranked it among the world's top ten spas in 2008, 2009 and 2010 for its affordability and environmental practices. In order to enhance its service offering to meet the demands of a high-end international clientele, the spa needed to enlarge a pavilion to house three additional luxury rooms. Also added were balneotherapy areas, a hammam steam bath and a multi-purpose conference room. In addition, the spa will offer a new hydrotherapy care journey. These new facilities are located in the Eastman-les-Bains section being inaugurated today. It is in this section that the treatments will be provided.

This work necessitated an investment of more than $2.5 million by the health centre. The contribution from the Government of Canada has been awarded through the Community Adjustment Fund.

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