The City of Edmundston collaborates with Républik Nature for the development of this important recreation and tourism centre

Aug 20, 2024

Edmundston City Council agrees to contribute $100,000 annually for five years to enable the Centre plein air récréotouristique Républik Nature to pursue its development projects, and to ensure the annual operation of the sliding sports and mountain biking facilities.

Three years ago, City Council gave its formal support to this recreational tourism project, developed and driven by a group of local volunteers. At the same time, funds were set aside for the development of the project, which includes mountain biking components and the Centre plein air Mont Farlagne.

The project, now known as Républik Nature, is the result of exhaustive work by the community group, which assessed the infrastructure needs of outdoor enthusiasts and proposed to the municipality a business and financing plan for a new four-season outdoor recreation and tourism destination. Républik Nature represents economic spin-offs of nearly $3.5 million annually, making it one of the region's major economic engines.

 “City Council recognizes the importance of Républik Nature, and how fortunate we are to have access to these fantastic facilities in the heart of our city. We are proud to be in a position, within our means, to support this important recreational tourism project, which holds great promise for our community and the region. Outdoor activities are a major tourist attraction, as well as being hugely popular for enthusiasts from our region. The potential for economic development is very interesting and deserves to be supported to ensure its long-term viability,” explains Edmundston Mayor Eric Marquis.

The Coopérative de récréotourisme du Madawaska Ltée, the volunteer group that manages Républik Nature, will soon own the assets of the centre. The municipal contribution may be increased up to a maximum of $40,000 annually once the cooperative has updated its strategic plan, presented budgets, financial statements, and specific objectives for the following year to complete the overall Républik Nature project. The municipal financial contribution is also conditional on confirmation of the annual opening of the winter sports and cycling trails, and continued operation of the recreation and tourism centre.

Marc Nadeau, the cooperative’s copresident and spokesman is delighted with the municipal collaboration. “The support of and partnership with the municipal council is essential and will enable us to ensure the viability of the winter sports and biking infrastructure. What's more, we'll be in a better position to further our discussions with other levels of government to continue developing the four-season offering of the Républik Nature project.”

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CONTACTS: Mr. Eric Marquis, Mayor of Edmundston, 506.739.2115 or Mr. Marc Nadeau, copresident of the Coopérative de récréotourisme du Madawaska Ltée, 506.736.7669