Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
News Release

For Immediate Release

October 22, 2004

Ontario Supports Stronger Communities in Southwestern Ontario

Invests In Health, Technology And Tourism

Woodstock -- The Ontario government is supporting community and economic renewal in southwestern Ontario by investing in three important new projects, Steve Peters, Minister of Agriculture and Food and MPP for Middlesex-Elgin-London, announced today on behalf of John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"The McGuinty government is partnering with organizations in the communities of Delhi, Centre Wellington and Woodstock to make them stronger, healthier and more prosperous," Peters said. "Today we are seeing three investments that reflect key priorities for the McGuinty government."

The Government of Ontario will invest:

• $498,596 in the Delhi Community Health Centre to help support five physicians, a walk-in clinic, lab and pharmacy providing service to the 30,000 residents of western Norfolk County

• $139,473 in Woodstock's Oxford Technical Training Centre to enhance training capacity and support some administrative and marketing costs

• $67,425 in Centre Wellington's Electronic Interactive Marketing Initiative, a network of interactive kiosks designed to attract tourism and better promote businesses in the area.

"This is great news for the residents of Delhi and area," said Karon Firmani, chair of the health centre's board of directors. "The Delhi Community Health Centre will provide major economic benefits to our area by encouraging new businesses to locate here while helping retain the ones we currently have. We are thrilled that with the help of the Ontario government, this project can move forward."

"The provincial government's investment will assist us in providing more training to those interested in developing their technical skills. Together, the province and our community are working to combat youth migration and improve access to training opportunities," said Harry Vleuten, president of Oxford Manufacturers.

"The provincial government is investing in a project that will expand tourism and economic activity throughout Centre Wellington through improved promotion and access to community information," said Deb Dalziel, general manager of the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

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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