Conservation Centre Upgrades Take Root

McGuinty Government Supports Local Campaign

NEWS

The Ontario government is helping the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority expand the existing Ganaraska Forest Centre.

The province is contributing $581,416 towards the Building for Change Campaign to help redevelop the Ganaraska Forest Centre into a state-of-the-art recreation, training and tourist centre. The expanded facility will provide skills development and educational programs and will allow the local area to offer conferences, weddings and large community functions.

The centre will be upgraded in accordance with "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" technology, which promotes energy conservation and protection of the natural environment.

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 communites and downtowns
• Enhanced skills training.

QUOTES

"The new centre is anticipated to bring visitors from all around Southern Ontario," said Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi. "With the province's investment, our beautiful Ganaraska Forest will become a hub for skills development, education and tourism to Port Hope and the surrounding communities."

"The new facility will provide a valuable centre of education, teaching local residents and visitors about the importance of respecting and understanding the Ganaraska Forest and the land that we live on," said Port Hope Mayor Linda Thompson.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $60.1 million in 183 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Ganaraska Forest is southern Ontario's largest forest.

LEARN MORE

Discover more about the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority.

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