Laurentides Tourism — Regional Partnership and Digital Transformation Agreement in Tourism (EPRTNT) – Accommodation

Who is eligible?

• Tourism businesses (for-profit organizations)
• Non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the tourism sector
• Cooperatives in the tourism sector
• Municipal entities (e.g., municipalities, cities, towns, etc.)
• Recognized Indigenous communities, organizations, and Indigenous tourism businesses

Who is not eligible

• Provincial or federal government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations.
• Applicants listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
• Businesses not compliant with the francization process of the Office québécois de la langue française.
• Enterprises in the sectors of hospitality condos (condotels), tourist homes with fewer than four units (unless part of a larger accommodation offering), restaurants, and retail businesses.
• Projects related to gaming, venues primarily dedicated to alcohol sales and consumption, and operations already supported by certain unrecoverable financial aid from specific government tourism programs.

Eligible expenses

• Construction, reconstruction, expansion, layout, adaptation or conversion, and replacement of infrastructure or equipment for eligible projects.
• Acquisition and installation of specialized equipment and furniture for project needs.
• Professional fees for recognized professionals (design, engineering), technical personnel, consultants for project management or monitoring, and reporting-related fees.
• Fees related to project development such as preliminary studies, business plan preparation, or sustainable development plans (including up to two years prior to application).
• Development, enhancement, and valorization of land and trails.
• Acquisition of boats or rolling stock that enhance the visitor experience.
• Acquisition of land, easements, rights of way, and related fees, if required for project realization (with certain restrictions).
• Costs related to integrating sustainable practices or improving adaptation to climate change.
• Surveying and quality control fees for the project site.
• Net taxes (excluding refundable portions) related to eligible project expenses.
• Contingency fees up to 15% of eligible project costs.
• Costs associated with integrating art into buildings or sites, pursuant to the relevant Quebec policy.

Eligible geographic areas

• Laurentides region, Quebec

• Public tenders are mandatory for construction contracts of $100,000 or more supported by the grant.
• Projects involving construction or expansion costing $150,000 or more may be subject to Quebec’s policy on integrating art into public architecture and sites.
• Organizations with 25 or more employees must provide proof of compliance with Quebec's language requirements for businesses.
• Financial support of $100,000 or more to a for-profit organization with over 100 employees requires a commitment to implement an employment equity program.