Rural tourism small business assistance program: 10 local businesses to benefit!
The Projet d'aide aux petites entreprises touristiques, set up by Canada Economic Development for the regions of Quebec, is designed to provide non-repayable contributions to small tourism enterprises to help them carry out investment projects to adapt or develop their products and services to customer needs.
We are delighted to present the projects selected in the MRC des Sources!
Auberge La Mara
The project aims to create a relaxation area outside the main building to enhance the experience of its customers. It will feature two hot tubs (spas), a sauna and a yurt where massages, yoga and relaxation sessions will be offered. The project also includes the addition of an outdoor bathroom and the installation of a charging station for electric vehicles.
Golf Val-des-Sources
The project involves replacing 14 electric carts. The club's fleet of vehicles is ageing and regularly experiencing technical problems. The batteries' autonomy is also very limited due to their age. Replacing these carts will enable the club to offer its visitors a hassle-free, much more enjoyable gaming experience, and help maintain the club's professional image.
Mount Ham Regional Park
The project involves the development of ten new four-season eco-cabins that combine eco-construction and comfort to create a high-quality accommodation experience. The main design criteria are based on a layout that is sensitive to the landscape, views and ecosystems. An Abenaki architectural signature will be promoted, as will the use and valorization of eco-materials. The units will be built along an existing universal-access trail, featuring interpretation panels on the Waban-Aki nation, rest areas, a small nature amphitheatre and works by Abenaki artists.
Burbank Pond Corporation
Several of the park's infrastructures are in a very poor state of repair. Some are even closed to the public because of the risks to users. The pond has adopted a nearly $1,000,000 development plan to upgrade and improve its facilities. This plan includes the removal and reconstruction of the observation towers and footbridges located around the pond. The new structures will be built to sustainable and safe construction standards, while at the same time being more aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian than their predecessors. Improving and upgrading Burbank Pond's infrastructure will enable the corporation to increase visitor traffic and enhance the customer experience.
Fireworks
The company, which began operations in February 2023, will offer a mobile food-truck service. It will offer its customers a culinary experience at local events, using mainly products from the MRC des Sources. The company aims to reflect the image of the MRC, rustic and close to nature, which is why wood will be used to cook the food, and local products will be featured to offer a foretaste of our MRC's riches to out-of-town visitors. A wood-fired stove and outdoor grill will be used to give the dishes a distinctive flavor and set them apart from the competition.
Le Pub Moulin 7
The project involves upgrading and refreshing the Moulin 7 Pub's facilities and terrace. The company will also acquire and install a fixed awning to cover the terrace. This awning will optimize the use of the terrace, since by replacing the parasols with this awning, the space created will enable us to offer more seats, even on rainy days. It will also extend the outdoor season. Heat lamps will also be installed to encourage customers to stay longer on the terrace in the evenings and autumn, while enjoying greater comfort. The terrace will also be refurbished. In addition, for bicycle enthusiasts, a bike rack and repair station will be purchased to further attract this clientele by offering them a safe space for their equipment.
Inspire Ecogites
The Centre Inspire Nature will be a place for recreational tourism and rejuvenation in the Eastern Townships. Unusual accommodations (domes, straw-bale chalets, buildings focused on direct contact with nature) will be built, and the site will be user-friendly and integrated into the environment, for people seeking connection with themselves, nature and others. The project involves finalizing the first phase of development and installation of accommodation units on the site, i.e. 3 ready-to-camp units and a common room (dome).
Incredible Inn
The project is aimed at upgrading the rental and technological aspects of the inn and its rooms. This will include upgrading the plumbing in the rooms (bath and shower), installing code locks, cell phone chargers that can be used as dials, and new televisions. An electric car charging station will also be installed. A multifunctional space will be created in the basement to enhance the customer experience, including a multimedia section and a tasting room.
Tourism Tripatif
Tourisme Tripatif creates and offers agrotourism activities in partnership with industry players in the MRC des Sources region. The project consists of adding a recurring service to Tourisme Tripatif's range of services, through the acquisition of 12 electric fat bikes, including accessories (carrying bags, helmets, etc.), maintenance and storage equipment, which will enable the creation of new activities and forfeitings.
Music camp
Due to increased traffic, the cafeteria is now too small to meet demand. The project therefore involves enlarging the cafeteria and adding a ramp for disabled access. It also includes the purchase of equipment to improve staff efficiency. This project will considerably improve the customer experience when dining. The dining area has been completely repainted, and lighting fixtures and decorative elements have been added to create a more pleasant ambience. The enlarged dining room will allow the tables to be repositioned to space customers apart and give them greater privacy, increase the quantity of meals prepared to meet demand, and improve quality.
