Chatham-Kent Daily Post, December 17, 2009
by CKDP staff
Local MPPs Pat Hoy and Maria Van Bommel today announced $50,000 to help Chatham-Kent recognize the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and boost the local economy.
“Ontario’s investment will help the Chatham-Kent region capitalize on the War of 1812 Bicentennial tourism potential, which will help to boost the local economy by attracting new visitors and generating more economic activity for our region,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex.
Van Bommel agreed that the event will help boost tourism in the area.
“Recognizing the war as a defining moment in Canadian history, the Bicentennial will help boost tourism and the local economy,” said Van Bommel, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
The province is investing $50,000 to support the Chatham-Kent area to undertake Bicentennial planning and develop initiatives that will build on its tourism and heritage potential. Funding will enhance key War of 1812 tourist attractions, including the Tecumseh Monument and Tecumseh Trail. Tecumseh was a Native American leader who is credited with having played an important role in Canada’s successful defense against the American invasion during the war.
With Ontario’s Bicentennial funding support, tourists and residents alike will have new reasons to visit War of 1812 tourism and heritage sites and other tourism destinations in Chatham-Kent and surrounding regions.
Funding supports regional/local planning for Bicentennial celebrations that will take place from 2012 to 2014.
Six regions – including St. Lawrence, Toronto, Niagara, Windsor/Chatham, Georgian Bay and Sault Ste. Marie – are working on local strategies to develop the best and most meaningful War of 1812 activities for their communities.
Source: Chatham-Kent Daily Post