PROVINCE DEVELOPS PLANS FOR WAR OF 1812 BICENTENNIAL

McGuinty Government Helps Communities Plan For Bicentennial Opportunity

 

TORONTO — The Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is a huge opportunity for Ontario’s tourism industry, said Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca at the War of 1812 Bicentennial Provincial Symposium in Toronto today.

Fonseca announced that the province will provide the regions of Niagara, Toronto, Windsor/Chatham, 1000 Islands, Georgian Bay and Sault Ste. Marie with $8,000 each to help develop plans to commemorate the War of 1812.

Fonseca also named Tourism Parliamentary Assistant Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, as the Ontario government lead for War of 1812 Bicentennial efforts.

Efforts in some communities are already underway:

• Sault Ste Marie region is working in collaboration with its Michigan neighbours
• Toronto has a coordinator to oversee its War of 1812 commemorations and
• The Niagara region has a website promoting its plans – www.visit1812.com.

 

“The Bicentennial is a terrific opportunity for Ontarians to remember the contributions that were made in the building of this province and to celebrate a 200 year legacy of friendship and peace along our border.  Furthermore, the celebrations will stimulate downtown and the waterfront revitalization projects and otherwise strengthen residents’ pride in their communities,” said Fonseca.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Ontarians to share their history and celebrate their historic local heroes. Municipal governments, museums, history societies, historical re-enactment associations and others must work together so that Ontarians may all share in the Bicentennial benefits. The key to success is close collaboration,” said Brownell.

Tourism contributes over $20 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and accounts for more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs. Ontario’s cultural tourism generates more than $4.6 billion annually across the province and is the tourist industry’s fastest-growing segment.

– 30 –

 

Contacts:

Alicia Farrow, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4543
Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391