Lolta_09-11

Jeff Green | Mar 19, 2009

Terry Shea, former LOLTA General Manager, MPP Lou Rinaldi and larry Pealow of the Addington Highlands Economic Development Committee

The province is providing $378,000 to help regional businesses develop a plan to accommodate travelers with disabilities wanting to experience rural

wilderness adventures such as fishing, camping and hiking. This project will help provide greater accessibility for approximately 600 businesses in nine municipalities, increasing regional tourism by up to 10 per cent and revenues by up to $5.6 million.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects.

Member businesses of the Land O’ Lakes Tourist Association will be eligible for a 40% rebate when they invest in retrofitting their facilities to make them fully accessible.

"Accessible tourism contributes to healthy communities. This funding will help develop a plan to revitalize accommodations in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, allowing all travelers to enjoy this region,” said Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland-Quinte West at the announcement ceremony for the grant, which was held at the Smiling Wilderness Restaurant in Napanee on Friday, March 13th.

"Making our region's tourist attractions available to everyone is an important goal for our association and our community partners. This funding will help us implement a marketing strategy that will make our goals a reality,” said Jo-Anne Cuddy, Land O'Lakes Tourist Association Program Manager