Industry Canada

WEST PARRY SOUND, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 15, 2009) - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka, today announced more than $2 million in federal funding for beautification projects and infrastructure upgrades in Bracebridge-area communities.

Under the two projects announced, citizens of South River will get $65 000 in federal funding to landscape their community; in Port Severn, new tourism signage will be installed throughout the town and Linear Park will be substantially upgraded. The funding will come from the G8 legacy infrastructure fund, which was set up to benefit civic projects in the Parry Sound-Muskoka area in advance of the Huntsville G8 Summit taking place in June 2010.

"As the administrative seat of the Muskoka region, it's vital that Bracebridge look its best for our visitors attending next year's Summit," said Minister Clement. "Through strategic investments in local infrastructure, we are ensuring that the region makes the most of the economic opportunities that hosting this prestigious event will yield."

"Working with provincial and federal representatives has been consultative and cooperative, and we've created a strategy that will serve the requirements of both the G8 Summit and the Building Canada Plan," said Jim Walden, Mayor of the Township of Georgian Bay. "I am so pleased for the residents of this township, who have given overwhelming support to our development plans in this area."

The $50-million G8 Legacy Infrastructure Fund was founded in February 2009 and is dedicated to legacy projects in the Parry Sound-Muskoka area. This strategy corresponds with the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan to strengthen Northern Ontario communities.

The 2010 G8 Summit will generate significant short- and long-term economic benefits for the region and the province, and will be an exceptional opportunity for Canada to shine on the world stage.

The G8 is composed of eight of the world's leading economic powers: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The annual summit is a chance for the leaders of the G8 countries to meet face to face and develop common approaches to current challenges facing the world.