VICTORIAVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - April 14, 2015) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced that the City of Victoriaville has been granted funding to carry out a project aimed at improving and upgrading the André-Fortin Regional Airport.
This financial assistance has been awarded in the form of a $2,880,290 non-repayable contribution through Canada Economic Development's Quebec Economic Development Program.

Quick facts

• The project involves extending and widening the runway, correcting drainage, improving runway signage and lighting and relocating hangars.
• The airport serves businesses in the region, houses a provincially-renowned skydiving school and offers helicopter tourism packages through the National Research and Rescue Program.
• The City of Victoriaville has been the owner of the André-Fortin Regional Airport since 1977 and made it part of its strategic plan in 2002, given the proximity of the industrial park. The City is investing $2.8 million in the project.

Quotes

"Fostering the economic growth of communities is a priority for our government. That is the message we are sending today by helping fund Victoriaville's airport infrastructure development project in the Centre-du-Québec."

Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"The André-Fortin Regional Airport is an important community economic facility for the Arthabaska and L'Érable RCMs. The new infrastructure will accommodate larger and heavier aircraft, and result in economic growth for Victoriaville and the region."

Alain Rayes, Mayor of Victoriaville

Related links

To learn more about the QEDP: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/programs/qedp/index.html

To learn more about the André-Fortin Regional Airport: http://www.victoriaville.ca/content/fr-ca/s2f_aeroport.aspx (in French)

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