By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Centre de villégiature Jouvence, a long-standing social economy business nestled in Mont-Orford National Park, is receiving a major boost to its infrastructure with a new $18 million revitalization project, supported by more than $12 million in government funding.
At a press conference held June 17 at La Petite Auberge de Jouvence, Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs and MNA for Orford Gilles Bélanger announced the funding on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism. “Jouvence is essential to our region,” Bélanger said. “This project is about more than a new building—it’s about securing the future of an institution that touches the lives of thousands each year.”
The investment includes $5 million from the Programme d’aide à la relance de l’industrie touristique (PARIT) and over $7 million in loans, largely through Investissement Québec. According to the official release, the new building will be built to LEED certification standards and will feature 42 rooms, a dining room with 90 seats, and flexible spaces for meetings, congresses, and retreats.
Jouvence’s Director General Martin Lavoie described the project as the organization’s new “navire amiral”—its flagship facility. “We are not just building a structure. We are building a future that is greener, more resilient, and more human,” he said, noting that the work will begin immediately with demolition next week. The new auberge is expected to open in the summer of 2026.
In a follow-up interview, Jouvence’s Assistant Director General Hugo Veilleux highlighted how the new auberge will allow the centre to expand its offering. “We’ve seen a growing demand from corporate groups, universities, and unions looking for a peaceful place to meet,” he said. “This project will help us meet that demand while supporting our core mission.”
