Last Friday, some 200 participants gathered at Tourigny Island for the inauguration of the Magog Innovation District, a new center for innovation and entrepreneurship 120 km east of Montreal.

Located in downtown Magog, the Magog Innovation District aims to be a hotspot of technology and innovative entrepreneurship. Made up of newly constructed, sustainably developed buildings, the District hopes to be a venue for organizations in the world of information and communications technologies. It is a joint project between the City of Magog, the MRC Memphrémagog and Îlot innovation & cies.

At the launch ceremony, the partners announced their goal to create some 700 jobs in the next five years, bringing the number of workers to 500 by 2020 and 1,000 in 2022. With around 300 employees already working in more than 45 companies, including 18 startups, the Innovation District is part of the City of Magog’s ambitious development plan for the coming years.

“The information and communications technology sector is driving Magog to another economic level with a unique model based on the strengths of the region, our natural environment and our sense of community. The Innovation District’s exceptional environment allows us to attract businesses and create quality and stimulating jobs. This success demonstrates that Quebec’s economic development is increasingly being carried out by the regions, “said Vicki-May Hamm , Mayor of Magog , Vice-President of Magog Technopole and Chair of the Committee on Intelligent Cities, Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ).

Nous avons eu le plaisir d’accueillir @Sergebeauchemin vendredi dernier lors de l’inauguration du Quartier de l’innovation de Magog. pic.twitter.com/oomPr26znA

— Ilot innovation (@IlotInnovation) September 18, 2017

“I am convinced that in such an environment, entrepreneurs who choose to settle here will be inspired to go beyond the beaten path and reach the highest peaks, to the benefit of our regional economy,” said Jean Hogue , Director of Economic Development at the RCM of Memphrémagog.

The partners also expect investment in the region to reach 300 to 400 million dollars within ten years.

“Through our investments, we are very proud to be associated with the economic development of the MRC Memphrémagog region and the creation of hundreds of jobs in innovation in the new Innovation District,” said Mr. Gilles Bélanger, President and CEO, Innovation Island & Co. “Our goal is to contribute significantly to job creation in the region and its dynamism. As a major partner in the Quartier de l’innovation with our real estate portfolio made up of the Îles du Quai, Saint-Patriceand Tourigny, our investments in the region will reach 300 to 400 million dollars in 10 years, propelled by our actions in the Innovation Quarter, but also by the development of innovative solutions in the tourism sector. My adopted region is certainly one of the most beautiful in Canada and our intention is now to reinvent the economic parameters with a long-term vision integrating the quality of life and its development in ICT, health and tourism.”

A new location of La Gare, a collaborative space in the Mile End, was also announced at the event. La Gare Magog will be the first site of La Gare outside Montreal and will also be established at Tourigny Island. A communal gathering space, La Gare is a collaborative hub for entrepreneurs, self-employed works, small teams and employees with an entrepreneurial spirit.

“We are very pleased to partner with the Magog Innovation Center by opening a second site for La Gare. Our first site in the Mile-End area allowed for a vibrant and vibrant community, building on collaboration and learning, and encouraging new encounters. We intend to bring this spirit to Magog and create bridges between the communities of Montreal and Magog,” said Christian Bélair, co-founder and president of Credo and a shareholder of La Gare.

Kezber inc., a company specializing in information technology that has occupied the 4th floor of the Tourigny Island for the past month, also announced the creation of 30 new jobs in addition the 50 jobs announced last June.

“We are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome of the people of Magog and we intend to reciprocate. Business has been going well since our move to Islet Tourigny just a few weeks ago and the entire Magog team is delighted with our new premises. Our expansion is on track with four new hires last week and nearly 20 positions to be filled by November. We can not ask for more to move to the next level and contribute to the development of the region,” Kezber said.

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Comments translated from French