HUNTSVILLE, Ontario, May 11, 2009 — Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Member of Parliament for Parry Sound–Muskoka and Minister of Industry, and Claude Doughty, Mayor of the Town of Huntsville, announced a new addition to the G8 Centre.
This new facility will provide up to 40,000 sq/ft of new indoor space for the Summit Management Office. This building will include many separate office rooms, large meeting areas and an atrium and will provide the space that is needed to effectively manage the summit. The University of Waterloo will use and operate the addition to the G8 Centre facility after the summit as a wet-research facility.
“Our government is making sure that Parry Sound–Muskoka will put its best foot forward when we welcome the world to Muskoka for next year's G8 Summit,” said Minister Clement. “We are making strategic investments in local infrastructure that will not only encourage local economic growth in the short term, but that will benefit the community for years to come. I am thrilled that the University of Waterloo will now have a facility in Huntsville.”
Through Infrastructure Canada and as a part of the G8 Fund that we announced back in February, the government is investing $9 million for this facility. The new facility will be used as a central HQ/accreditation hub which will be responsible for vetting close to 25,000 people, as well as commanding the overall logistics for the event.
“I am really pleased with this announcement,“ said Mayor Doughty. “Working with Tony, we've been able to convince a world class university that Huntsville is the place to be. This is going to benefit our town immensely.”
This project combined with the already announced G8 Centre will provide the Summit planning office with 110,000 sq/ft of space in total.
The 2010 G8 Summit will generate significant short and long-term economic benefits for the region and the province, and it will be an exceptional opportunity for Canada to shine on a world stage.
The Government of Canada announced that the investment of $50 million will be used for legacy projects in the Parry Sound–Muskoka area. The G8 is comprised 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.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
