For release: December 02, 2005

Ontario Government Acts To Preserve

Province's Agricultural History
Not-for-Profit Agricultural Organization To Take Over Milton Museum

MILTON - The Ontario government is preserving the province's valuable agricultural heritage by taking action to transfer ownership of Country Heritage Park, in Milton, to Country Heritage Experiences (CHE) Inc., Carol Mitchell, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced yesterday.

"Country Heritage Park is an integral and valued part of Ontario's agricultural community and this province's history," said Mitchell. "The government has been working on transfer options with CHE since 2001 and we are now taking action to ensure that the museum and its collections continues to remain viable and accessible to all Ontarians."

The McGuinty government is providing $750,000 towards support of the Park. In addition, a further $143,000 will be provided to help maintain and preserve the collections.

Country Heritage Park was originally known as the Ontario Agricultural Museum. The museum, established in 1967 as part of the country's centennial celebrations, was intended to stimulate public awareness of the evolution of Ontario's agriculture and food system and preserve its heritage. CHE, a non-profit organization, took over its management and operation in 1997.

Situated on 80 acres just east of Milton, the facility features more than 30 buildings of historical or historically representative importance which house a collection of 20,000 artifacts.

"The Government of Ontario is committed to building a strong future for this province," said Dombrowsky. "Preserving our heritage is a key part of that process."

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Contact:
Chris Flavelle
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3072