For Release: September 16, 2005
Ontario Government Supports Community Revitalization
Invests In Business Retention and Expansion Project
QUEEN'S PARK - The Ontario government is supporting economic prosperity
in the Township of Muskoka Lakes by investing in a business retention
and expansion project, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Leona Dombrowsky announced today.
"Our government's rural plan is helping Ontario communities to achieve
more prosperity and develop more job opportunities," said Dombrowsky.
"Today's announcement supports our government's commitment to provide
the tools that will enable rural communities like Muskoka Lakes to thrive."
The Ontario government will contribute $32,766 to the Muskoka Community
Futures Development Corporation and its partner, the Township of Muskoka
Lakes, to develop a regional strategic plan for economic development and
business retention and expansion that will help the municipality manage
growth, while enhancing the well-being of its community.
"Improving the year-round viability of our community is a key component
of council's strategic plan," said Susan Pryke, mayor of the Township
of Muskoka Lakes. "We have seen how projects like these have stimulated
innovation in neighbouring municipalities and look forward to similar
successes here."
"This project means a lot to the community as it will enable local
businesses to express their growth and development needs, along with allowing
the municipality to respond through community volunteer action,"
said Robin Brushey, Muskoka Community Futures Development Corporation.
Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED)
program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies
and community partnerships, and is a key part of the government's plan
for rural Ontario. The rural plan provides a co-ordinated framework across
government to build on rural Ontario's strengths - committed people, diverse
economic opportunities, unrivalled resources and a solid sense of community.
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Contact:
Tyler Fleming
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3077
