Rural Economic Development (RED) Program

For Immediate Release January 5, 2007

McGuinty Government Strengthens
Eastern Ontario Arts, Tourism

Kingston -The McGuinty government is supporting the restoration and revitalization of Kingston's Grand Theatre, John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced today on behalf of Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"Today's announcement demonstrates our government's commitment to local arts in Ontario," said Gerretsen, who is also MPP for Kingston and the Islands. "The Grand Theatre restoration initiative will act as a catalyst for further community economic revitalization in the arts and cultural communities. It will also complement other community initiatives to enhance economic development."

The province, through the Rural Economic Development Program, will contribute $980,942 to help the Grand Theatre Restoration Foundation and the City of Kingston upgrade, renovate and refurbish the Grand Theatre facility to improve its appearance, theatrical capability, patron experience, and overall building operations.

"Thanks to the support of the provincial government, we will be able to restore the Grand Theatre with improvements in all areas," said Walter Fenlon, campaign co-chair of the "Let's Make Her Grand Again" Campaign. "A fully restored theatre will create new opportunities, as well as support a number of local arts and community groups."

"We are delighted by the support of the provincial government," said Fred Laflamme, campaign co-chair. "Added to the $2.2 million already raised from the Kingston community, we are confident we will surpass our goal of $3.35 million."

"I congratulate the hard work of the Grand Theatre Restoration Foundation and its Chairs - as well as the foresight of the provincial government in supporting this exceptional project in south eastern Ontario," said Harvey Rosen, Mayor of the City of Kingston.

Other Ontario government initiatives that help families in rural Ontario include:

• Investing $2.7 million for the Rural Summer Jobs Service Program (2006-07), which helps rural businesses provide summer employment to more than 3,600 rural youth
• Investing $67.5 million over five years for source protection planning to help protect drinking water. Initially, $7 million will be provided to help Ontario farmers and small rural businesses take action to reduce threats to local drinking water sources
• Investing more than $28 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development Program.

Through the Rural Economic Development 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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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister Dombrowsky's Office
416-326-3072

Holly Wilson
Minister Gerretsen's Office
416-274-4104

Brent Ross
OMAFRA Communications Branch
416-326-9342

Disponible en français

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