Boating Ontario New Program for North Channel on Georgian Bay Ontario

Discover Ontario And The Best Fresh Water Boating and Cruising In The World SAULT STE MARIE, ON, Aug. 2 /CNW/ - The Ontario government is helping the Ontario Marine Operators Association (OMOA) to promote the province as "the best fresh water cruising grounds in the world," Minister of Tourism Jim Bradley announced today. "Cruising is an increasingly popular way to travel and explore a new destination," said Bradley. "The Ontario government is pleased to help promote recreational boating and draw more visitors to our province's beautiful waterfront communities." See Ontario BeachesThe $60,000 grant from the Ministry of Tourism will be used to help OMOA market Ontario as an ideal recreational boating destination. The funding will help OMOA to build on its VISION 2020 promotional campaign, which includes a "Boating Ontario - Discover DVD Cruising" series, the Boating Ontario magazine, a Marinas and Destination Guide, and the association's website, www.omoa.com. With the ministry's support, the association plans to work with marinas in four areas in Southern Ontario and one area North of Toronto, The North Channel on Georgian Bay- on a pilot project called "Boating Ontario Thank You!". The project will include welcome packages that contain vouchers and coupons for area attractions and encourage return visits by boaters. "Thanks to the support provided by the Ontario government, we can build on our plans to bring more boating enthusiasts to Ontario's waters," said OMOA Executive Director, Al Donaldson. The Ministry of Tourism's Industry Partnership Proposal Program assists the tourism industry to develop and implement innovative and co-operative marketing projects. The projects must contribute to developing Ontario as a four-season destination, increasing visitor stay and improving the economy through increased tourism spending. "Tourism is a major economic driver in many of our communities," said Sault Ste Marie MPP David Orazietti. "By working with organizations like OMOA, we are giving a boost to local businesses and giving visitors a refreshing new way to discover Ontario."

Ontario Boating--Publishers Notes:

It is estimated that Ontario has more than 250,000 lakes suitable for all kinds or recreational boating and cruising by canoe, paddle boat, row boat, motor boats, cruise ships, cabin cruisers, sail boats, windsurfers. Many would say Travel in Ontario is aqua Blue-- the Blue Province. Also today The Historical Rideau Canal was referenced as one of the new United Nations (UNESCO) heritage sites. a cultural property, was listed as the best preserved canal in North America from the great canal-building era of the early 19th century to remain operational along its original line with most of its original structures intact. The Rideau Canal covering 202 kilometres of the Rideau and Cataraqui rivers from Ottawa south to Kingston Harbour on Lake Ontario was built primarily for strategic military purposes at a time when Great Britain and the United States of America vied for control of the region. The property, one of the first canals to be designed specifically for steam-powered vessels, also features an ensemble of fortifications. It is the only canal dating from the great North American canal-building era of the early 19th century to remain operational along its original line with most of its original structures intact. The Rideau Canal is of historical importance as it bears witness to the fight for control of the north of the American Continent. Closly related is the Historic Trent-Severn Watery. Both canals provinde excellent boating opportunities for Ontario Travel experiences from the water.

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