GRAVENHURST - The local birthday girl and her host town have been given an early gift.
This past Saturday, June 16, Parry-Sound Muskoka MP Tony Clement, minister for FedNor, announced a Government of Canada investment of more than $83,000 to help create jobs and enhance tourism in the Muskoka region by supporting the RMS Segwun’s 125th anniversary.
“Tourism is a key economic driver for the Muskoka region and this targeted investment will help create jobs and further position the area as an international destination of choice for visitors,” Clement said. “The Government of Canada is proud to provide northern Ontario communities and businesses with the resources they need to grow and prosper.”
“Our government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in and celebrate important milestones like the RMS Segwun Steamship’s 125th anniversary,” said James Moore, minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. “By supporting these commemorations, our government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture and heritage.”
Canadian Heritage funding of $55,800 will enable the Muskoka Steamships to commemorate the RMS Segwun’s 125th anniversary through a series of activities such as musical and theatrical performances, arts exhibitions and demonstrations, historical presentations and workshops. The commemoration will showcase the work of local artists, artisans and performers of local historical heritage.
This investment was provided through the department’s Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program. A FedNor investment of $27,500 through the Northern Ontario Development Program will enable Muskoka Steamships & Historical Society to hire a youth intern to coordinate and promote events and activities linked to the 125th anniversary of the Segwun.
“The announcement made today is not only a strong show of support for tourism throughout the area, it is also helping to create and maintain jobs in the Muskoka region,” said John Miller, general manager, Muskoka Steamships. “The 125th anniversary of the RMS Segwun is an important milestone for the Muskoka region and we are pleased that the Government of Canada is helping us commemorate this historic vessel.”