Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
News Release

McGuintyGovernment Invests in Online Geographic Information System Project in Niagara

Supports Community Revitalization

Thorold -- The McGuinty government is supporting community revitalization by investing in an online tool that will help increase business development opportunities in the Niagara region, Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines announced today on behalf of Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"This project demonstrates our government's commitment to building stronger rural communities," said Bradley. "This website will enhance the ability of rural municipalities in the Niagara Region to attract new investments and expand existing businesses."

The government is investing $26,000 to help the Niagara Economic Development Corporation and its partners, the Regional Municipality of Niagara and the Niagara Association of Realtors create a web-based tool to increase local business development opportunities. The Geographic Information System-based website will allow detailed business profiles and sophisticated regional demographic, social and economic information from Statistics Canada specifically related to Niagara to be viewed from a geographic perspective.

This system will be used to support business attraction and the growth of existing businesses. Using the website, entrepreneurs and investors will be able to able to identify, map and analyze available industrial, commercial and agricultural properties in the Niagara region. Detailed business and demographic reports will aid businesses in understanding both the labour market and consumer characteristics surrounding their desired location and will help entrepreneurs and investors to identify the best opportunities for business growth.

"This important project will create greater exposure for the Niagara region and heighten the awareness of its many assets among investors," said Patrick Gedge, Chief Executive Officer for the Niagara Economic Development Corporation. "We appreciate the Ontario government's support of this valuable project."

Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships -- a key part of the government's plan for rural Ontario. Through the RED program, the Ontario government and its rural partners are building stronger communities that work better for the people who live in them.

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For more information:
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Fax:1-519-826-4336
Email: red.omafra@ontario.ca