MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HELPS PROMOTE MADAWASKA VALLEY WINTER FESTIVAL
Program Seeks To Attract More Ottawa Visitors

 

BARRY’S BAY – The McGuinty government is investing $3,000 to help attract more families from the Ottawa Valley area to Timberfest, the Township of Madawaska Valley’s four-day winter festival, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.

“The Ministry of Tourism supports events and festivals like Timberfest because they promote economic growth, support small business and contribute to building prosperous communities,” said Bradley. “Timberfest has doubled its attendance in the past five years and has potential to grow into an even larger festival by attracting more visitors from Ottawa.”

The funding will cover the cost of radio advertising in the Ottawa area.

Timberfest was created 40 years ago to celebrate the logging history of the Valley, create family activities, and establish a mid-winter get-together.  Three communities in the township, Barry’s Bay, Wilno, and Combermere, hold a variety of events including a parade, log competitions, lumberjack demonstrations, hockey tournaments, a snowmobile rally, an ice-fishing derby, and children’s activities. This year, the ice fishing derby begins Feb. 10 with other events running from Feb. 15 to 18.

“As the number of visitors grows, Timberfest is becoming a major event in this area,” said Craig Kelley, Economic Development and Recreation Coordinator, Township of Madawaska Valley. “The support we are getting from the Ontario government will help us reach more potential visitors and make it an even larger festival.”

The Madawaska Valley Timberfest is the most recent tourism investment in eastern Ontario by the McGuinty government, which has also supported:

• The Ottawa Valley Rendezvous
• The Prince Edward County Studio & Gallery Tour
• The Glengarry Highland Games

“Tourism is a four-season industry in Ontario,” Bradley said. “Winter carnivals close to home provide great entertainment and authentic experiences that everyone can enjoy.”

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Contacts:
David Oved, Minister’s Office, (416) 314-1400
Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391