Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
News Release

For Immediate Release

February 10, 2005

Ontario Helps Advance Geographic Technology, Create Jobs

Invests In Kawartha Innovation Centre

Lindsay -- The Ontario government is supporting a state-of-the-art geographic project that will create new job opportunities, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment, announced today on behalf of John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"This project demonstrates our government's commitment to building a prosperous economy and a skilled workforce that is grounded in the knowledge and know-how of our people -- starting with our graduates," said Minister Dombrowsky. "Graduates will be able to pursue their careers through small business development in their field of expertise. The Kawartha Innovation Centre is great news for eastern Ontario."

The Ontario government will invest $250,000 towards the creation of a centre of excellence for geomatics research, which will serve as a business accelerator for the geomatics industry. Geomatics refers to fast-growing technology-based disciplines focusing on the gathering, analysis, dissemination and management of geographic information.

The facility will be located at the Fleming College and is expected to generate $1.3 million annually through potential investment spin-offs. In addition, 32 jobs will be created by 2008 at the facility.

"This investment is excellent news for Lindsay and eastern Ontario," said Barbara Kelly, Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes. "We are pleased to have the support of the provincial government in making Kawartha Lakes a leading centre in the field of geomatics."

"The Kawartha Innovation Centre will improve the quality of our workforce by supporting students who will specialize in geomatics programs in the facility," said Tony Tilly, president of Fleming College. "The project is another demonstration of the provincial government leadership in supporting economic revitalization and diversification in this area."

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. RED is a key component of Ontario's rural plan, which is designed to make rural Ontario strong, healthy and prosperous.

- 30 -

| Top of Page |

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-888-588-4111
Fax:1-519-826-4336
Email: red.omafra@ontario.ca