Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
News Release

For Immediate Release

October 22, 2004

Eastern Ontario to Benefit from Centre of Excellence

Ontario Invests In Facility For Emerging Entrepreneurs

Brockville -- The Ontario government is supporting community and economic renewal in the City of Brockville by investing in the Eastern Ontario Centre for Advanced Technology (EASTCAT), Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment and MPP for Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, announced today on behalf of John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"The McGuinty government is partnering with St. Lawrence College to foster this community's entrepreneurial talent and create new economic opportunities," Dombrowsky said. "This project will strengthen this community and put eastern Ontario on the map as a destination for leading technology, innovation and economic diversification."

The government of Ontario will contribute $338,750 to support and promote EASTCAT. The project will help speed up the development of emerging high-tech initiatives by supporting local entrepreneurs.

"We are thrilled to have the support of the provincial government for this exciting project," said Volker Thomsen, president and CEO of St. Lawrence College. "EASTCAT will provide a regional supportive environment for new business ventures that will make our community stronger, retain our youth and increase our long-term business development opportunities."

Today's investment was made through Ontario's Rural Economic Development (RED) program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships. Through the RED program, the provincial government and its partners are delivering real, positive change that will make rural Ontario strong, healthy and prosperous.

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