August 29, 2008

NEWS

Ontario is helping the County of Perth revitalize its community and attract new investment to the region.

The province is investing $1,152,500 to help the County and its partners implement a community revitalization project to promote economic growth, attract investment and provide support to local businesses. The partners will work together to revitalize the downtown areas in the region and develop strategies to provide more opportunities for existing businesses to expand and attract new investment to the area. In addition, the county will also work to promote a number of youth development programs and encourage youth to return to Perth County after completing their post-secondary education.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:
•Improved access to health care services
•Revitalized communities and downtowns
•Enhanced skills training.

QUOTES

"This initiative will give the County of Perth the tools it needs to explore and develop new ways to retain and attract new business. In the long term, new jobs will be created for the community to help build a more prosperous rural Ontario," said Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson.

"This project will help increase competitiveness, identify and address any immediate business concerns and maintain and create jobs for our community," said Perth County Warden Ron McKay.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $59.6 million in 182 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.

• The County of Perth was established in 1850 and is home to approximately 37,000 people.

LEARN MORE

Discover more about the communities in the County of Perth.

Learn more about the Rural Economic Development Program.

For more information contact:
Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342