$3 million boost for snowmobile tourism

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF TOURISM

************************* McGuinty government supporting tourism economy with $3 million investment

BARRIE, ON - (April 14) The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs will receive $3 million from the provincial government to help attract more sports and adventure tourists to use the province's 40,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails.

The funding, announced at the Go Snowmobiling Campaign meeting, will be used throughout the year to maintain trails across Ontario and promote the province as a prime snowmobile tourism destination.

Snowmobiling contributes $1.2 billion annually to Ontario's economy.

The federation estimates that snowmobilers rode over 150 million kilometres on its trails during the winter of 2008.

Quotes

"Snowmobiling brings jobs and economic benefits to communities across Ontario," said Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca at a meeting for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs in Barrie today.

"This investment will stimulate prosperity in rural and northern regions," Fonseca said.

"Thanks to the support of the Ontario government, we can step up our campaign to draw more people to Ontario's peerless network of snowmobile trails as well as provide safe, well-maintained trails for all to enjoy," said Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Executive Director Paul Shaughnessy.

Quick facts

- The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization comprising 250 local snowmobile clubs grouped into 17 districts.

- The federation provides leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, establishes and maintains quality snowmobile trails, and furthers the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.

To find out more about snowmobiling in Ontario, please click here.

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