PENTICTON, British Columbia, May 22, 2008 - Residents of the Penticton region will be able to celebrate the city's centennial, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament (Okanagan-Coquihalla), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Penticton Centennial Celebration.
Funding of $20,000 will help support local events running from June 13 to December 31, 2008, such as a heritage festival, a rotating exhibition, and a community visioning exercise for the city's future.
"The Government of Canada is proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage," said Minister Verner. "We are committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and in celebrating Canadian arts and heritage."
"Local projects like these bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building strong communities," said Minister Day. "I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage."
"This announcement has infused us with renewed energy and enthusiasm at a key time--the completion of the planning stages of our events," said Samarpan Faasse, Executive Director, Okanagan School of the Arts. "We are confident that the citizens of Penticton also appreciate this gesture and will enjoy all the more the outcomes of our preparations. We sincerely appreciate this support from the Government of Canada at this significant time in the history of Penticton."
The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
