Dalton & Dave celebrate War of 1812

NEWS RELEASE DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP ************************* Orazietti announces $74,969 for bicentennial celebration in Sault Ste.

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces $74,969 for bicentennial celebration in Sault Ste. Marie

McGuinty government supporting tourism attraction at Ermatinger Old Stone House

SAUL STE, MARIE - The McGuinty government is investing $74,969 in Sault Ste. Marie for celebrations leading up to the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, including a historical re-enactment at the Ermatinger Old Stone House, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

"Our government is helping Sault Ste. Marie prepare to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 because the war was a defining moment in Canada's history and the celebrations will increase local tourism and provide a boost to Sault Ste. Marie's economy," said Orazietti.

Today's announcement is being funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture and is comprised of $24,969 through the 2010 Celebrate Ontario program and a $50,000 grant to assist with the planning and development activities in preparation for the War of 1812 Bicentennial period.

"This is very exciting news for the 1812 Rendezvous Event - September 23 - 26, 2010. The Celebrate Ontario program will allow this event to be enhanced through the hiring of an events coordinator who will coordinate new components for the public to enjoy. Part of this will be a new package available that will provide participation at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site and then transportation to Fort St. Joseph to experience the 1812 Ghost Walk. The additional funds for the planning and development of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 will assist in marketing and educational products like the launch of [a] new website. Algoma 1812 is the only Northern Ontario region of the seven tourism regions planning for the bicentennial 2012 - 2014," said Kathy Fisher, curator of the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site.

Additional key McGuinty government investments to support tourism include:

- Over $13 million for Northern Ontario Tourism and Marketing

- $5 million Agawa Canyon Tour Train

- $3.1 million Hub Trail and Waterfront Walkway expansion

- $1.2 million for improvements to Roberta Bondar Park Tent, John Rhodes Arena, Greco Pool and Manzo Pool

- $1 million for Discovery Centre at Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site

- $374,927 for Sault Ste. Marie Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

- $350,000 Searchmont Ski Resort

- $142,000 for Sault Ste. Marie Tourism's winter marketing campaign; Quick facts

Ontario is home to more than 3,000 festivals and community events each year.

Festivals and events attract an estimated five million visitors and generate up to $400 million a year for Ontario's economy.

Since 2007, Ontario has provided over $36 million through Celebrate Ontario to help support more than 500 festivals and events ofall sizes.