Matthew Farfan

Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est, the regional tourism authority in the Eastern Townships, in partnership with the regional development councils (CRDs) and the provincial government, has just awarded a number of major grants to organizations in the area, The Record reported earlier this week. In all, 17 projects were funded, out of a total of 35 submitted, and a total of $674,000 was awarded, according to the paper.

A number heritage-tourism projects received funding, including the Centre d'arts Orford's new "art trail"; a project to turn the historic train station in Sherbrooke into a stop along the Eastern Townships tourist train; and a new exhibition in the barn of the Colby-Curtis Museum in Stanstead.

According to The Record, Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est director Alain Larouche said that projects were "selected based on an analysis of their financial potential, how they would improve the attractiveness of the region, and how they would contribute towards an integration of the services and attractions offered."