GANANOQUE, ONTARIO, February 19, 2007--On behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, today announced that Parks Canada will contribute $300,000, towards two important initiatives in Eastern Ontario: the development of a sustainable tourism model for the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and the establishment and operation of a destination marketing organization for the Rideau Corridor; the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association.
"Canada's new government is proud to work in partnership with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association in protecting and marketing the rich ecological and cultural assets found in this area of Ontario," said Mr. Brown. "It is organizations like these that make a difference in the daily quality of life for Eastern Ontario, while keeping an eye on sustainability for the future."
The Sustainable Tourism Project was conceived to ensure the protection and future management of the many resources and assets located throughout Eastern Ontario. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and the Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association will each receive $150,000 from Parks Canada. Both organizations work towards creating sustainable tourism experiences in the region and work closely with Parks Canada to protect and promote the region's many cultural and heritage assets. In addition, both organizations foster sustainable economic and human development in the area, while breathing new life into the region's economy by cultivating pride in and awareness of the region's resources.
The Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association is a not-for-profit, partner-based destination marketing organization that was formed to promote the Rideau Canal corridor and its surrounding municipalities, in cooperation with private sector partners involved in the tourism industry. The Rideau Heritage Route from Lake Ontario in Kingston to Ottawa along both sides of the Rideau Canal winds its way through historic sites, charming villages, quaint attractions and spectacular recreation areas, offering visitors a variety of world-class arts and heritage experiences. The federal government investment of $150,000 has been added to the $300,000 that was earmarked by all municipalities from Ottawa to Kingston, the $150,000 from the Province, the $45,000 from regional Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC) and the $270,000 from tourism partners, for a total three-year operating budget of $915,000.
In November 2002, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve in southeastern Ontario as one of over 400 Biosphere Reserves throughout the world. The Biosphere Reserve's mission is to facilitate co-operative action towards a more sustainable way of life. Their work is accomplished by networking natural and historic conservation organizations, economic and social development groups, and the educational and scientific communities located within the Frontenac Arch region. Collectively, the Biosphere Reserve helps guide the community towards a more integrated and effective approach to living on earth. The federal government investment of $150,000 has been added to the $316,000 that was earmarked by municipal and tourism partners and the $60K from the Province for a total budget of $526K to develop a model that can be transferred to other communities.
Canada's new government is delighted to support these two organizations in their efforts to promote and protect the priceless natural and cultural resources of Eastern Ontario.
Information:
Pam Buell
Communications Manager
Eastern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 ext. 219
Gavin Liddy
Field Unit Superintendent
Eastern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
613-283-5170
