For immediate release: 17 May 2006

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROJECT FOR TOWN OF SHELBURNE
McGuinty Government On The Side Of Families In Rural Ontario

SHELBURNE - The Ontario government is supporting community revitalization in Shelburne through an investment to enhance the town as a tourist area, said Lou Rinaldi, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Leona Dombrowsky.

"Our rural caucus is working hard on behalf of families in rural Ontario," said Minister Dombrowsky. "They are working with the Premier to overcome challenges, and seize unique opportunities, facing rural Ontario."

"We're on the side of families in rural Ontario who want and deserve vibrant rural communities," said Rinaldi. "Through the Rural Economic Development program, the McGuinty government is investing $128,000 in Shelburne to offer residents a better quality of life."

The McGuinty government will help the Town of Shelburne and its partners implement a downtown revitalization initiative. This project will include creating a new town logo, a façade improvement program, enhanced marketing and promotion of local events, and installation of new town signs including an LED entrance sign. Project partners include the Shelburne Rotary Club and the Shelburne Business Improvement Association.

"I am pleased that the McGuinty government is making a $128,000 investment in our community revitalization project," said Edward Crewson, mayor of the Town of Shelburne. "I am proud of our strong partnership with the Shelburne Rotary Club and the Shelburne Business Improvement Association who helped make this application a success."

This investment is one of the many ways the McGuinty government is working to provide opportunity for Ontario's rural families. Other initiatives include:

• Helping farmers by providing $800 million over the past three years for farm income stabilization and support programs, including $125 million to help grain and oilseed farmers, horticulture farmers and livestock industry.
  
• Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools with $230 million for school repairs, library books and transition programs.
  
• Investing $19 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development program.

Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships - a key part of the government's plan for rural Ontario. Through the RED program, the Ontario government and its rural partners are building stronger communities that work better for the people who live in them. For more information about RED or Ontario's rural plan, visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca.

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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

Brian Cardy
Rural Investments Branch
519-826-3787