SUNDRIDGE, Ontario, June 21, 2009 — Speaking at the Century of Flight event at the South River-Sundridge Municipal Airport, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound–Muskoka, today announced a civic improvement package for the Town of Sundridge.

The $750,000 funding will be used to update signage in downtown Sundridge, renovate the bandshell, add sidewalks, install a new fence and town clock, improve the Lions Park, and plant trees along the main street.

“With this funding, Sundridge will be able to make improvements for the G8 and beyond,” said Minister Clement. “Through strategic investments in local infrastructure, we are ensuring that the region makes the most of these economic opportunities.

The funding will come from the G8 Legacy Infrastructure Fund, which was set up to benefit civic projects in the Parry Sound–Muskoka area in advance of the G8 Summit taking place in June 2010.

“This is a wonderful investment for Sundridge,” said Mayor Elgin Schneider. "We certainly appreciate the efforts on the part of Tony Clement and the Government of Canada and we will be ready for the 2010 G8 Summit.

The $50-million G8 Legacy Infrastructure Fund was founded in February 2009 and is dedicated to legacy projects in the Parry Sound–Muskoka area. This strategy corresponds with the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to strengthen Northern Ontario communities.

The 2010 G8 Summit will generate significant short- and long-term economic benefits for the region and the province, and will be an exceptional opportunity for Canada to shine on the world stage.

The G8 is composed of eight of the world’s leading economic powers: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The annual summit is a chance for the leaders of the G8 countries to meet face to face and develop common approaches to current challenges facing the world.