The MRC Pontiac is mobilizing for the creation of a natural park for recreational tourism located directly on the Lafontaine Islands site, a magical Outaouais underdeveloped territory. The site has countless aesthetic and biodiversity qualities which justify the park project. This raises great expectations, including the protection and enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the economic revitalization of the MRC. The project faces many challenges; therefore, the committee has mandated TouriScope and its partners for support.

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To meet the mandate requirements and the principles of sustainable development, TouriScope worked jointly with the cooperative Les Mille Lieux and the Bureau d'écologie appliquée.This collaboration has led to the set up a multidisciplinary team including experts in environment and landscape characterization. To assess the park attractiveness potential, we carried out the following steps:

- A full analysis of the outdoor sector trends and the complementary activities intended
- A diagnosis of the preparation for the actors’ market in place
- A survey of the population residing within 130 km
- The identification of high potential activities
- A strategy for managing stakeholders who need be involved or consulted.

To assess the technical feasibility, a field visit was done allowing for expert studies such as:

- A cartographic study of the territory including the identification of the different landscape environments
-An inventory of biodiversity and ecosystems which require some attention or that may be subject to constraints.

Despite the challenges due to the remoteness of the site, our studyconfirms a real potential when it comes to the development of a national orregional park.

The study confirmed the interest of the target markets for the park and helpedidentify the various sectors that could accommodate infrastructures and thepractice of outdoor activities. The analysis also helped documenting theelements of interest associated with the preservation of biodiversity, whichcan also serve as relevant attractions for the target clientele. The committeein place is now well equipped and ready to pursue its approach.

Featured picture : aerial view of the natural area, taken by Les Mille Lieux