Rural Economic Development (RED) Program

For Immediate Release February 10, 2006

Ontario Government Invests in Outdoor Recreaton in Lakefield

Supports Ontario's First Outdoor Temperature-Controlled Speed Skating Oval

LAKEFIELD -- The Ontario government is supporting community revitalization through an investment in an outdoor speed skating oval at Lakefield, Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough, announced today on behalf of Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"Ontario's greatest asset is our people," said Leal. "Today's announcement supports our plan to invest in our people and focuses on health and recreation services for residents in the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield and surrounding communities."

The government will invest $849,968 to help Ontario Speed Skating Oval and its partners build the only temperature-controlled outdoor 400-metre speed skating oval in Ontario, complete with an adjoining multi-use building. A key element of this project is a geo-thermal heat pump system that will provide a cost-effective ice surface. This technology will allow the waste heat to be used as a heat source for the oval buildings, two local schools and area homes.

"The Ontario government's support will help us provide more recreation and health opportunities for residents in the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield," said Ron Millen, reeve of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield. "This project will also attract new tourists and create new jobs in the community."

"We are pleased that the Ontario government has chosen to support this project," said Graham Wilkins, chairman of the Oval Project. "The Oval will promote economic development opportunities throughout the county through our facility as well as through our commitment to provide energy to the area's first green community with our unique heat-pump system."

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. For more information about RED or Ontario's rural plan, visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca and www.ruralplan.ontario.ca

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