2012-2013 BUDGET - Press release no. 15 of 17 - A Gift of $125 Million for the 375th Anniversary of the Founding of Montréal

QUÉBEC, March 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - In 2017, Montrealers will celebrate the 375th anniversary of the founding of their city. A gift of $125 million will be offered to the City of Montréal to underscore this event. This amount will enable Montréal to carry our development projects tied to its distinctive image and boost its reputation as a tourist destination," the Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Montreal region announced today in tabling the Québec government's Budget 2012-2013.

The Minister wished to stress the importance of leaving a tangible trace of this event by investing in projects that will benefit all Quebecers over the long term.

The sums allocated will go, for example, to the Espace pour la vie for refitting the Biodôme, the Montréal Botanical Garden and the Insectarium, to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the construction of a boardwalk along the St. Lawrence River and to Saint Joseph's Oratory for the construction of an observatory. A new pavilion will also be built at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to house the art collection donated by Montréal philanthropists Michal and Renata Horsntein.

A city of fashion and creativity
In Budget 2012-2013, the government is reiterating its support for fashion events showcasing the talent of our Québec creators and designers, and the exceptional work of the Montréal Fashion Bureau. The government pledges to support new initiatives to revive exports, develop a new strategy for the industry and promote better use of information and communications technologies.

Support for the creation of businesses
"As part of the 2011-2014 Québec Entrepreneurship Strategy, the government has pledged to make Montréal a pivotal focus of its interventions. To that end, support for the participation of young Montrealers will be provided through an association with the Fondation du maire: le Montréal inc. de demain. Thanks to a network of volunteer partners, entrepreneurs and business people, this organization provides grants to facilitate business startups in Montréal, and assistance services. To enable the Fondation to continue and bolster its action with young Montréal entrepreneurs, Budget 2012-2013 is providing for the creation of a $15-million endowment fund," the Minister announced.

A greenbelt for Montréal
Mr. Bachand concluded by announcing that, with a view to developing natural and human environments and preserving biodiversity in the territory of the metropolitan community of Montréal, $50 million will be invested to develop natural spaces and improve the population's living environment.

"The renovation of Montréal is under way. We are investing in Montréal to retrofit the road network, upgrade and extend the public transit system, modernize the health network and develop the Quartier des spectacles. Over the next five years under the Québec Infrastructures Plan, our investments will total $17 billion, which will result in the creation or maintenance of 22 000 jobs a year. The work will provide our metropolis with transportation, health and cultural infrastructure that will enhance the quality of life of Montrealers and add to Montréal's ability to attract companies and tourists," the Minister concluded.