Rural Laboratory : Socio-economic development of a region by way of a feature product, wine

The CLD receives a $425,000 grant (MAMROT)

The Brome-Missisquoi CLD is proud to announce a financial aid of $425,000 received from the ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire (MAMROT). This grant applies to a project that aims to demonstrate the socio-economic development of a region by way of a feature product, wine.

The MAMROT, by its new Politique nationale de la ruralité , had invited regions to submit practical development projects in a rural environment. The ministry thus wished to encourage an innovative emphasis on the human, physical and local resources of the communities.

This call was heard by the CLD and the enterprises subscribed to this important project of a rural laboratory, which will take place over a period of five years from 2009 to 2014. New solution originating from within the community will be examined and analyzed by the UQUAM Chair of Tourism.

The objective is to demonstrate how a feature product such as wine can become a socio-economic development factor for a region. Thus, based on different solution avenues, the model may be transferred or adapted to another region or community showing the same desire to develop a resource in their community.

Brome-Missisquoi aims to become the main wine region of Quebec and estimates that this aid arrives at the right time. The region has 16 vineyards, but would like to see that number climb to 25 from now to the end of this pilot-project. All possible means will be used so that the region develops and showcases all its know-how.

Several partners have already indicated their intention of participating in this project by supplying technical or financial aid. The participation of several others is expected as the project progresses.

The result expectations, as per these experiences, are numerous :

- Increase in the sense of belonging of citizens, elected representatives and the enterprises;
- Increase in the number of vineyards from 16 to 25;
- Establishment of 3 new wine-related industries in the region;
- Continuous increase in the quality of the Brome-Missisquoi wines, amongst others, by the creation of a Research Centre at the experimental farm inFrelighsburg;
- Update of the marketing of wine to government organizations so as to really demonstrate the impact of wine on the local and regional economy.

We should expect an interesting effervescence in the Brome-Missisquoi wine region during the coming years. The progression of the project will continually generate positive changes. They will add to the Brome-Missisquoi citizen’s pride and will be beneficial to the region’s economic health.

For all additional information on the Rural Laboratory, please contact Pierre Genesse, rural development advisor at the CLD
450 266-4928, ext. 225
pgenesse@cldbm.qc.ca

Social Economy Fund

The Brome-Missisquoi CLD grants $10,000 to Hameau Oasis

The Brome-Missisquoi CLD’s Social Economy Fund granted $10,000 to the Dunham project Hameau Oasis. This project, which occupies the former Sacré-Cœur Camp, allows youngsters to discover their potential by way of various agro-ecology initiatives.

The Mayor of Dunham, Marcel Poirier, in the name of the CLD de Brome-Missisquoi, is proud to present the initial payment of the $10,000 grant. He is surrounded by, from left to right, by Nolan Barkhouse, participant of the community services project, Éric Lafontaine, general manager, Stephanie Blake, participant and Marion Transetti, coordinator of Hameau Oasis in Dunham.

A social economy enterprise fulfills the needs of a community by the sale of products or services. Additional information on the Fund may be obtained by communicating with Tania Szymanski, Social economy advisor, at 450 266-4928, ext. 281
tszymanski@cldbm.qc.ca.