CHELSEA, QC - Supporting the tourism industry contributes to economic development in Quebec's regions. That is why the Member of Parliament for Pontiac, Sophie Chatel, on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St‑Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, is today announcing a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 from CED for the business.
This assistance—provided under the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic—will help in the development of a tourism destination based on eco-friendly practices, enabling the community in Chelsea to benefit from post-pandemic market opportunities.
More specifically, CED's support will enable the Distillerie du Square to acquire furnishings and other equipment for the tasting room and interpretation centre, and lead to the creation of 22 jobs.
The Distillerie du Square is an agri-tourism start-up that is part of a broader tourism and commercial development project called the Square Old Chelsea. Located on Chelsea's main street, the business will provide visitors with the opportunity to taste spirits developed on site. There will also be an interpretation centre that recounts the history of the spirits industry in Canada and the effervescent microbrewery industry in Quebec, as well as historical anecdotes about the village of Old Chelsea.
A key contributor to the Canadian economy, the tourism sector has been hit hard by the health crisis. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has put various measures in place to help businesses suffering the impacts of COVID-19. Launched in July 2021, the TRF was created specifically to help organizations and businesses in the tourism sector offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back international travellers.
Source : Cision