For Immediate Release
WALLACEBURG
12/16/2008

VAN BOMMEL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PROVINCIAL INVESTMENT IN LOCAL ECONOMY

NEWS

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Maria Van Bommel today announced additional funding of $94,500 so the Wallaceburg Community Task Force can continue its work.

“I am proud to deliver provincial funding, as the government is helping Wallaceburg and Chatham-Kent attract new investment and plan for future economic development,” said Van Bommel.  “With a period of economic uncertainty, it’s important for people to know that their MPP and the McGuinty government are on their side, working with them.”

“This builds on the government’s initiatives in key economic sectors in this new era of partnership with municipalities. Investing in economic development creates jobs and makes our communities stronger,” said Van Bommel.

“Through the leadership of the Wallaceburg Community Task Force, the people of the community have taken a very energetic and focused role in shaping their own economic well-being and that of Chatham-Kent as a whole,” said Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope. “We are grateful both to them and to the Government of Ontario for its continued funding of the Task force’s very essential work.”

The Community of Wallaceburg received $200,000 from the province over two years for the launch of the Wallaceburg Community Task Force, and will receive an additional $94,500 for the continued implementation of the critical economic development projects identified by the task force, which are: Brownfield Re-development/Revitalization; Multimodal Port Feasibility Study; Workforce Development Strategy; Community Strategy “Vision 2020”; and, Pilot Documentation and Deployment.

This funding is being provided under the Communities in Transition initiative, which supports Ontario communities and industry sectors facing difficult economic development challenges.

“Wallaceburg has effectively identified what it needs to do to increase economic development in its community,” said Michael Bryant, Minister of Economic Development. “Through the work of the Wallaceburg Community Task Force, implementation can begin on some important initiatives that will help bring greater prosperity to the region.”  

• Often referred to as the Tool and Die Capital of North America, Wallaceburg is well-known for its skilled labour force and high quality work. Its industrial sector having remained stable, Wallaceburg has become a progressive, business-oriented rural centre offering the latest in technology and industrial advancement.
• The Ontario government has more than doubled support to municipal operating budgets. By 2011, ongoing annual operating support for municipalities will exceed $2.8 billion, an increase of more than $1.7 billion, or 160 per cent, compared to 2003.

For more information:

Maria Van Bommel, MPP
1-800-265-3916 / 519-627-1015

ontario.ca/economy-news

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