Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
News Release
For Immediate Release July 27, 2007
McGuinty Government Promotes Iroquois Tourism
Revitalizing The Community And Developing A Sustainable Economy
IROQUOIS - The McGuinty government is investing in revitalizing and restoring
the Galop Canal and surrounding area to strengthen the local economy,
Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and
Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh, announced today.
"Plans to beautify and market of the Galop Canal Iroquois Landing
Marina will help draw tourists to the area," said Brownell. "Landscaping
enhancements to the picnic area and conducting a feasibility study for
wilderness overnight camping will help realize the entrepreneurial potential
of this community."
The province is supporting the project with a $53,650 contribution to
the Galop Canal Revitalization Project and its partner, the Galop Canal
Iroquois Landing Marina Committee.
"The McGuinty government understands the importance of attracting
tourism in rural communities," said Dombrowsky. "With the support
of residents, local businesses and community groups, the United Counties
of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry has the opportunity to attract outside
investment and promote itself to the rest of the province."
"Thanks to the support of the provincial government, this important
community revitalization initiative can now begin," said Geraldine
Fitzsimmons, general manager of the Galop Canal Revitalization Project.
"The expansion of the Marina and potential campground will provide
additional opportunities."
This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have
achieved results in rural Ontario. Other examples include:
- Providing an additional $70 million for the Rural Infrastructure
Investment Initiative. This means a total of $140 million will be available
for improvements to water systems, roads, bridge and other priorities.
- Launching the $12.5 million 'Pick Ontario Freshness' strategy to
support local promotions and commodity-specific programs by building
interest in all Ontario foods and raising general consumer awareness
and demand for Ontario foods in stores and in restaurants.
- Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools by increasing funding
by $2,329 per student as of 2007-08, an increase of 31 per cent.
Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program,
which invests in community-based projects that support sustainable rural
economies in three priority areas: improved access to health care services,
revitalized communities and downtowns, and enhanced skills training.
Through the RED Program, the province has invested $31.2 million in 108
projects, representing a total of investment of $187.6 million in rural
Ontario, since 2003. The Ontario government and its partners are building
strong rural communities that work better for the people who live in them.
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Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
416 326-6439
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