September 02, 2009

West Lorne, Ontario — Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, today announced that 6 projects throughout the Elgin-Middlesex-London area are moving forward thanks to an investment of more than $5.2 million to stimulate local economies under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in Southern Ontario.

These investments will create immediate employment opportunities and support local economies in communities throughout Southern Ontario with populations of fewer than 250,000 that rely heavily on manufacturing and natural resources.

“We continue to move forward to create jobs at a time that economy is calling our government to do so” said Joe Preston, MP.

“Our four rural communities need a mechanism to leverage our unique cultural and heritage,” states Grace McGartland, Chair, The Arts & Cookery Bank. "Successful implementation of The Bank project with the support of $265,622 from the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) will promote cultural tourism as well as attract new investment/jobs into the region stimulating economic development and revitalizing our communities.“

Recipient	Project Title	Federal Investment
North America Railway Hall of Fame	CASO Station- restoration and conservation of station	$2,768,380
County of Elgin/ City of St. Thomas	Hire 2 Community Development Officers	$245,738
Municipality of Bayham	Feasibility Study- Ferry service from Bayham to Fairport Harbour Ohio	$92,000
The Arts and Cookery Bank	Restore and equip a heritage Building	$265,622
Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation- EBRC	Develop marketing strategy and plant to promote locally grown crops	$257,450
City of St. Thomas	The reconstruction of Wellington St.	$1,640,000

These projects were part of the up to $102 million investment made through the Community Adjustment Fund for 2009-2010, announced on August 27 by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, newly appointed Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It is the government's intention to support a total of 90 projects in communities across Southern Ontario that are struggling with the effects of the global economic downturn.

Approved projects must meet the terms and conditions set out in their funding agreements. A complete list of approved projects in Southern Ontario will be made available online at www.ic.gc.ca/caf on September 10, 2009.

Applications for 2010-2011 CAF project funds will be accepted by FedDev Ontario later this year. A public announcement will be made once details are finalized.

CAF is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.