Huntsville, Ontario, February 6, 2009 - Huntsville will host the 2010 G8 Summit next summer, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced that $50 million in federal support will be provided for G8 Summit related infrastructure, including a G8 Centre in Huntsville.
"I am pleased that the town of Huntsville, Ontario, will be the location of the G8 Centre, and that the Government of Canada will invest in this state-of-the-art facility that will help showcase our region and our country to the world," said Minister Clement. "This project will help create jobs and boost the economy in the Muskoka region, as well as provide the town with a modern sports and recreation facility that will serve the community for generations to come."
The upcoming 2010 G8 Summit will provide short and long-term economic benefits for the region and the province, and it will be an exceptional opportunity for Canada to showcase its values and interests on the world stage.
"I wish to express our most sincere appreciation to Minister Clement and the Canadian Government for its vote of confidence in us to deliver a truly world class centre for the G8 World Summit which we will host in 2010," said the Mayor of Huntsville, Claude Doughty. "This type of infrastructure will be a huge economic generator for our whole region, both during and after construction."
The Government of Canada will invest $50 million towards a series of initiatives for the area. The G8 Centre is expected to cost approximately $20 million. The Government of Canada is pleased to provide $16.7 million towards the centre, as part of its contribution to the region for its part in hosting the meeting. Other initiatives will be announced at a later date.
In addition, Minister Clement announced that the Government of Canada is providing $5,288,300 for a safety improvement project at the North Bay Airport under Round Two of the 2009-2010 Airports Capital Assistance Program. The project involves rehabilitating the main runway and three taxiways. These improvements will help stimulate the local economy as well as ensure that the North Bay Airport remains a safe and efficient facility for years to come.
The G8 is an informal group of eight of the world's leading economic powers: Canada, France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, and Italy. The annual summit is a chance for the leaders of the G8 countries to meet face-to-face and develop common approaches to urgent challenges facing the world.
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For further information contact:
Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
