February 2, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN LIBRARY INFRASTRUCTURE TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH
Over $2.3 Million In Capital Grants Will Go To Libraries Across Ontario

MITCHELL — West Perth Public Library will receive $330,000 for renovations as part of the McGuinty government’s plan to boost jobs and growth in Ontario, Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco announced today.

“Over $2.3 million in capital grants will be distributed to five libraries across the province that have ready-to-go infrastructure projects,” said Di Cocco. “Most of the projects are located outside of the major urban centres and will generate immediate economic activity and create construction and renovation jobs in those communities.”

The projects include building of new libraries and renovation and expansion of existing libraries.

Libraries, museums and heritage buildings across the province will benefit from the government’s $190 million economic stimulus package designed to stimulate Ontario’s economy.   

“We are pleased to help West Perth Public Library substantially improve its facility,” said MPP John Wilkinson. “Projects like this have both cultural and economic benefits for our community. Work planned will now be completed ahead of the original schedule.

“We’re very thankful that the province is supporting almost half the cost of accessibility improvements to the library,” said Charles Fitzsimmons, West Perth Public Library Board Chair. “The disabled, seniors and other residents of West Perth, who, in the past, were unable to come into the library will now have full access to library services.”

Library infrastructure projects the Ontario government is assisting include:

• $1,600,000, Fort Frances Public Library
• $170,000, Sault Ste. Marie Public Library
• $150,000, Nipigon Public Library
• $132,000, West Lincoln Public Library in Caistorville

Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have helped strengthen Ontario's economic foundations and continue to build opportunity.

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Contacts:
Mark Thompson, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4071
Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497