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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