MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT MAKING SUMMER MORE AFFORDABLE

1.4 Million Children Get In Free At Provincial Attractions Starting July

 

KINGSTON — Ontario’s Fun Pass gets kids in free to 15 exciting provincial summer attractions across the province, starting on Canada Day, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today at Fort Henry.

The pass, worth more than $120 in ticket prices for all attractions, gives 1.4 million students, aged 14 and under, across the province free admission to provincial attractions, when accompanied by a paying adult. The Fun Pass also provides a discount on the daily vehicle permit for provincial parks.

“Keeping kids active during the summer can be challenging,” said Bradley. “That’s why the McGuinty government is happy to help parents by making Ontario’s great attractions more affordable for families.” 

Bradley, joined by the Fort Henry Honour Guard, made the announcement to more than 250 elementary school children from the Kingston area. Fort Henry, part of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, is one of many area attractions celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal this summer. The fort is home to the Rideau 175 exhibit, an interactive display highlighting the history and importance of the Rideau Canal.

Launched in 2005 as a pilot program, the pass is now distributed to school boards throughout Ontario. This year’s Fun Pass program is funded by the Ministry of Tourism’s Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.

The Fun Pass boosts local tourism by promoting attractions and parks across the province. In 2004, 75 per cent of tourists in the province were Ontario residents.

Participating attractions and agencies include:

• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Discovery Harbour
• Fort Henry National Historic Site
• Fort William Historical Park
• McMichael Canadian Art Collection
• Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
• Old Fort Erie
• Ontario Place
• Upper Canada Village
• Ontario Parks
• Ontario Science Centre
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
• Science North
• Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin
  • Barnum House
  • Fulford Place
  • Homewood Museum
• Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre

“The Fun Pass is a big hit for families looking for inexpensive ways to keep busy and enjoy summer in Ontario,” said Culture Minister Caroline Di Cocco. “With this pass, kids can learn about our history and culture and have fun at the same time.”

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