PROVINCE GIVES BOOST TO GREAT ONTARIO SALMON DERBY

Funding To Help Reel In More Visitors To Ontario

TORONTO – With participation exceeding 25,000, the Great Ontario Salmon Derby has become the world’s largest freshwater fishing derby, and the McGuinty government is providing $50,000 to attract even more anglers and spectators, Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism announced today.

“The Great Ontario Salmon Derby provides a boost to the economy of communities along the shores of Lake Ontario – and an unforgettable experience for visitors,” said Bradley. “Tourists fishing for the perfect outdoors vacation will find what they are looking for here in Ontario.”

The funding will help market the derby across Canada and in U.S. border states, through print advertising. Event organizers expect the Derby to generate more than $10 million in economic impact to the region.

“Thanks to the Ontario government’s support of our marketing efforts, we can attract more participants to our salmon derby and showcase Ontario as the best choice for sport tourists,” said Walter Oster, Chairman and CEO, Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows.

The derby takes place from July 7 to August 25, along the shores of Lake Ontario, from Oshawa to St. Catharines. It draws visitors from across Canada and American border states, with more than 65 per cent of visitors traveling from at least 100 kilometres away. The average length of stay for most visitors is two days.

“Every year, the Great Ontario Salmon Derby brings visitors to our many beautiful lakeside communities where they can have fun, relax and explore cultural, culinary and historical experiences,” said Bradley.  “The McGuinty government is pleased to promote this Ontario tourism success story.”

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