Ontario Invests In State-Of-The-Art Conference Centre

McGuinty Government Supports Rural Job Opportunities

Ontario is helping the South Nation River Conservation Authority and its project partners convert a vacant school into a multi-use conference centre.

Once converted, the community conference and meeting rooms will be equipped with the latest in audio-visual and broadband technology. The refurbished centre will be used by community groups, organizations and businesses for training purposes, fundraising and meetings. The province is providing close to $294,000 towards the new centre, which is expected to retain 45 current jobs and potentially create more than 40 additional positions.

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 project will stimulate the local economy with renewed interest from external businesses and organizations and will bring new jobs and investment to eastern Ontario."
- Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas- Charlottenburgh.

"The conference centre will be a one-of-of-a-kind showpiece in our rural community. With the establishment and promotion of new programs we will be able to attract professional staff and increase rural job opportunities. The centre will also allow our community members access to a facility that usually only exists in large urban areas. We want to ensure that our residents have the same opportunities as those living in larger municipalities."
- Ken Hill, Chairman, South Nation River Conservation Authority.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $71.4 million in 212 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• The South Nation River Conservation Authority protects 3,900 square kilometres of watershed, spanning 15 municipalities.
  
  

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the South Nation River Conservation Authority.

For more information, contact:

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