Economically speaking, the predominance of agriculture, forestry and mining means that the primary sector has a larger role in the Des Sources RCM than in the rest of the Estrie region. The economy has been diversifying for several years and owes its recovery to the processing of metal products, the production of processed goods, non-timber forest products and the agri-food sector. Industrial subcontracting, machining and manufacturing are also on the rise.

The trade sector, with 300 businesses employing some 3000 people, also offers a broad range of services.

The Des Sources RCM has diversified mineral potential and is directly linked to various geological environments, which characterize its territory. We’re referring to the presence of asbestos, steatite and talc. In the RCM, the Appalachian serpentine network enabled the mining sector to develop and to become a significant producer of chrysotile. Plus, the RCM actively produces decorative slate for landscaping or interior design.

Programs or Financial/Tax Incentives for Business

• Fonds de relance de la MRC des Sources (Des Sources RCM Economic Recovery Fund)
• $2 million fund set up in 2003 and managed by the economic recovery committee
• The fund has helped start up almost 20 projects
• The goal of the creation of 200 jobs was reached in 2008
• Fonds d’investissement local (Local Investment Funds)
• Created with local and government funding
• Specific to projects in the manufacturing and tertiary sectors
• The CLD offers the usual financial assistance programs as well as funding for each sector of activity (tourism, culture, agri-food, trade, machining and metals) and for sustainable development
• Three industrial parks (Asbestos, Danville and Wotton) close to the main highway systems are available for businesses wishing to set up in the territory
• Potential for large or small investors in the form of the former assets of Métallurgie Magnola
• In addition to mining, the Jeffrey Mine pit in Asbestos has tourism potential, as does Mount Ham, located in Saint-Joseph-de-Ham-Sud
• Generous provincial or federal incentives
  • Click on Business Support in the excel section of this portal for additional information on other incentives and links to related sites.