Rimouski boasts a highly educated workforce, with 64 % of the population holding advanced degrees. “We’re a small capital, but we’re surrounded by nature,” depicts Jean Létourneau, CEO of the Société de promotion économique de Rimouski (SOPER).“We have lakes and forests behind us, and Saint Lawrence in front.” A DESTINATION AND A PLACE TO CALL HOME The community’s robust tourism economy is bolstered by well-known festivals that attract visitors from across the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and beyond. Les Grandes Fêtes TELUS is a must-see event. Coined the largest music festival east of Quebec City, this award winning extravaganza features performances by local and global stars. Celebrating its 38th year, Festi Jazz International is another Rimouski gem, drawing audiences from near and far, to witness top performances from the greatest names in jazz, both renowned and emerging. Alongside these beloved festivals, the city boasts unique attractions such as the Empress of Ireland, the second-largest shipwreck after the Titanic. The museum, which draws near 100,000 visitors annually, is currently undertaking a $20 million project to transform an adjacent submarine into a larger museum with venue for conferences and events. MAJOR INVESTMENTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The city’s economic landscape is expanding in tandem with its population. Létourneau describes, “Rimouski is a major commercial hub in the eastern part of the province. We have a downtown area, and a Smartcenter where Costco is currently under construction. We are actually attracting people from all over eastern Quebec and northern New Brunswick.” Driving economic growth are two key industrial areas- Rimouski-Est and Pointe-au-Père. RimouskiEst currently offers 45 acres for new commercial or industrial ventures, with plans to expand the industrial zone by 120 acres by 2027. Meanwhile, Pointe-au-Père provides an additional 255 acres of industrial land, further enhancing the city’s development opportunities. Among the major investments is a $28 million expansion by Miralis, a Quebec-based trailblazer in custom cabinetry. The new product collection, M.02, will be manufactured locally using cutting-edge automation technology.“It’s a huge investment,” says Létourneau.“This business is advancing its own field, and that will keep them ahead.” Similarly, Trailex, a top trailer manufacturer in North America, is 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 RIMOUSKI, QC
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx