Treasured Boardwalk Connects Community

McGuinty Government Helps Presqu'ile Offer Unique Marsh Experience

Ontario is helping the The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and their partners revive the greatly missed Presqu'ile Marsh Boardwalk which has been closed since 2005 due to deterioration.

The province is providing $48,000 toward the last two phases of the Restore the Marsh Experience project. The new, safe and accessible boardwalk will increase tourism at the park and support the economy in surrounding communities. The project will also include educational programs that showcase the natural, historic and cultural resources offered by the park and promote the protection of Ontario's unique wetlands and ecosystems. Six to eight jobs will also be funded annually for students interested in providing educational programs helping visitors take part in park activities.

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

"Not only are there educational and recreational benefits for those who use the park, but the 200,000 annual park visitors contribute an estimated $4 million to the local economy," said Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi.

"The completed boardwalk will be part of the 16 kilometre park trail system that will be a tourist destination for the region and the province," said Peter Alker, Fundraising Committee Chair, The Friends of Presqu'ile Park. "This park provides a positive effect to local retail, accommodation and farm gate sales."

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $65 million in 199 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• Presqu'ile Marsh is the largest protected marsh on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
  

LEARN MORE

Find out more about The Friends of Presqu'ile Park.

Learn more about the Municipality of Brighton.

For more information, contact:

Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342