DEVOLIN ANNOUNCES $10,000 IN SUPPORT OF VALENTIA’S 200TH ANNIVERSARY

August 8, 2007

VALENTIA – Local MP Barry Devolin, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a federal contribution of $10,000 to help fund the Professional Dodge Rodeo Tour taking place in Valentia the weekend of August 18th and 19th as part of their Bi-Centennial celebrations.

The funding for today’s announcement will flow through the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) and is provided through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), a socio-economic development initiative announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2006.

“On behalf of the federal government, I would like to congratulate the KLCFDC Board of Directors for supporting this initiative as the people of Valentia recall their 200 year history,” said Devolin. “It’s bound to be an exciting weekend and the Valentia Bi-Centennial Heritage Committee should be commended for devoting a great deal of time and effort into the planning.”

“By investing in Valentia, we giving the community the support they need to build on local strengths and develop the economy,” explained Devolin. “It’s good to see that that EODP funding can be used to assist in making this happen.”

“Our Board of Directors supported this initiative because it is the type of event that has great potential for the City of Kawartha Lakes. It may only be one weekend, but it will be significant for the area,” stated KLCFDC Chair, John Bennett. “It is estimated that the economic impact of the Dodge Rodeo for 2006 was over $11.5 million, and we want to help generate a share of that for our area.”

“We wish to express our gratitude to Industry Canada/FedNor and the KLCFDC. This funding is a tremendous help towards our celebrations,” said Mike O’Reilly, member of the Valentia Bi-Centennial Heritage Committee. “We want to remind people that the events next weekend are not just for natives of Valentia – everyone is welcome!”

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For more information contact:

Barry Devolin, MP 

(705) 324-9436 or (866) 688-9881