Mid-term Evaluation of the Economic Recovery Initiative for Lac-Mégantic: Summary

By Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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About this publication

Publication author : Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

ISBN number : 978-0-660-24703-8

Catalog number : Iu90-4/59-1-2018E-PDF

Publish date : March 7, 2018

Summary : This report presents an overview of the results described in the Mid-term Evaluation of the Economic Recovery Initiative for Lac-Mégantic.

Objective of the Initiative

The Initiative’s Highlights

About the Evaluation

• The evaluation assessed the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the Economic Recovery Initiative for Lac-Mégantic, and focused on factors of success to inform similar initiatives in the future.
• The evaluation covers the period from July 2013 to March 2016.

What the Evaluation Highlighted

• The Initiative responded to an urgent need to stabilise the economy of the town of Lac-Mégantic as a result of the significant damage caused by the tragedy and was essential to the relocation and survival of some of the affected businesses.
• The needs that existed before the tragedy are still present in this town located within a Regional County Municipality facing issues related to economic diversification, labour shortage and negative migration balance.
• The Initiative is complementary to other programs, decrees and funds implemented in response to the tragedy.
• It is also being undertaken in collaboration with other stakeholders, while a dedicated CED team is ensuring an on-site presence.
• It is aligned with government priorities by contributing to the economic growth of Quebec regions, particularly those struggling with economic difficulties.
• The mid-term results are positive despite the absence of results targets. The initiative is progressing as planned: 22 projects have been approved, which represent $21,6 million in grants and contributions. Twelve projects are completed including the creation of a cutting-edge technology business that contributes to economic diversification.
• Through the Mégantic CFDC Investment Fund, the Initiative has also enabled the implementation of 36 projects and the maintenance and creation of nearly 500 jobs in the region.
• Each dollar contributed by CED generated $2.42 in additional investment.
• Community stakeholders, financial partners and project proponents have expressed their satisfaction with CED's services and collaboration through this initiative.
• Project eligibility criteria were adopted to better meet the needs of potential clients.
• The dedicated human and financial resources and frequent on-site visits of CED’s team have contributed to the successful implementation of the Initiative.

Recommendations (as agreed upon by management)

• In order to be able to measure the achievement of results in the summative evaluation in 2021-2022, CED should identify outcome targets for this initiative. Also, CED should systematically set targets for its programs and initiatives as they are created. Deadline: June 30, 2018.
• Given the successful development and implementation of this Initiative, CED should plan an additional operating budget to ensure the active presence of a dedicated team on the ground for similar initiatives in the future. Deadline: Ongoing.