Accessible Tourism Comes To Land O'lakes

McGuinty Government Helps Rural Ontario Accommodate Travelers with Disabilities

Ontario is helping the Land O'Lakes Tourist Association develop and implement a strategy for local businesses to become more accessible for people with disabilities.

The province is providing $378,000 to help regional businesses develop a plan to accommodate travelers with disabilities wanting to experience rural wilderness adventures such as fishing, camping and hiking. This project will help provide greater accessibility for approximately 600 businesses in nine municipalities, increasing regional tourism by up to 10 per cent and revenues by up to $5.6 million.

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

"Accessible tourism contributes to healthy communities. This funding will help develop a plan to revitalize accommodations in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, allowing all travelers to enjoy this region."
- Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland-Quinte West

"Making our region's tourist attractions available to everyone is an important goal for our association and our community partners. This funding will help us implement a marketing strategy that will make our goals a reality."
- Jo-Anne Cuddy, Land O'Lakes Tourist Association Program Manager

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $71.4 million in 212 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• In 2006, it was estimated that there were approximately 1.85 million people with disabilities in Ontario.
  

LEARN MORE

Discover the Land O'Lakes Tourist Association.

Learn more about Ontario Accessibility.

For more information, contact:

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