BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, June 26, 2008 - The residents of Bowmanville will be able to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and Member of Parliament (Durham), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the 150th Anniversary of Bowmanville.
The Bowmanville 150 Year Committee will receive funding of $19,000 to organize a four-day celebration that will bring together Bowmanville residents to celebrate the anniversary year. The events planned to celebrate and showcase Bowmanville's history will include a series of artistic performances, a parade, fireworks, plays, and exhibitions.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the 150th Anniversary of Bowmanville," said Minister Verner. "Our Government is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to experience and celebrate Canadian heritage and culture."
"The 150th Anniversary of Bowmanville is an important event that will bring us together to celebrate local history and heritage," said Minister Oda. "As Member of Parliament for Durham, I am proud to be part of a government that supports this landmark anniversary for the town of Bowmanville."
"The Bowmanville 150 Committee is thrilled to receive support from the community anniversaries program of the Department of Canadian Heritage," said Martha Rutherford Conrad, Steering Committee Member, Bowmanville 150-Year Committee. "This grant money allows us to include and compensate our local artisans and artists in the celebrations of our community's heritage."
The 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.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Maya Kane
Manager, Regional Communications
Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416 954-6615
