PORT PERRY, Ontario, September 5, 2008 - The Township of Scugog will be better able to preserve and promote its local heritage, thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of Internation nal Cooperation and Member of Parliament (Durham), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Corporation of the Township of Scugog.
Funding of $120,000 will support the creation of the Scugog Cultural Centre, which will be dedicated to heritage activities. These funds will support the renovation of existing space and will provide a new area for exhibitions, artifacts, and storage of the municipality's heritage collections.
"It is very important to support organizations that help enrich the cultural and historical life of Canadians," said Minister Verner. "These institutions are crucial to the vitality of communities across Canada and help strengthen Canadians' awareness of our rich cultural heritage."
"Scugog has a rich heritage founded in the rural tradition upon which Canada was built," said Minister Oda. "Th e Scugog Cultural Centre shows the pride and recognition that we take in our community's history. I am proud that our Government shares this pride along with the Township of Scugog."
"This federal contribution toward the Scugog Cul tural Centre Project allows us to continue with this exciting initiative to protect our archival heritage, while promoting new cultural exhibits of interest to both our residents and tourists," said Marilyn Pearce, Mayor of the Township of Scugog.
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation or exhibitio n. It is designed to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts, as well as to museum collections and heritage exhibitions.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
O ffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
