Hiawatha First Nation Economic Development - Jobs

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Upgrading the Serpent Mounds Park . . .

Laurie Carr, Hiawatha First Nation Chief stated. "The Park is a very important component of our economy and employment base and we are committed to its redevelopment and expansion. We are anxious for our work to continue so we can once again open the Park to the public and share our history and our site with all."
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Canada's Economic Action Plan Invests in Hiawatha First Nation and Creates Jobs

KEENE, ONTARIO

May 18, 2010

Hiawatha First Nation residents and businesses will benefit from an investment of $865,300 to upgrade and expand the Serpent Mounds Park, a national historic site, announced today by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as well as Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough.

"Our government is working with people, businesses and First Nations in southern Ontario to ensure this region continues to thrive and prosper," said Minister Goodyear. "This investment will create jobs, boost tourism at Serpent Mounds Park and help preserve this national historic site."

"We are providing funding for the development of local businesses and organizations because we understand the positive impact they have on our communities," said MP Del Mastro. "I'm pleased our government is investing in tourism and economic growth right here in the Peterborough area."

With this contribution, Hiawatha First Nation will begin preliminary work to upgrade the Serpent Mounds Park and convert it from a campground into a Recreational Vehicle (RV) park facility. Work on this project will include the development of a business plan for the RV park, the design and engineering of water distribution and wastewater treatment systems, the demolition and removal of aging infrastructure, and site preparation for new facilities. Once completed, the new RV park will create jobs and enhance the local tourism industry.

"We are very pleased to be receiving stimulus funding from FedDev Ontario and will use the funds to support of our Park rejuvenation and expansion project," said Laurie Carr, Hiawatha First Nation Chief. "The Park is a very important component of our economy and employment base and we are committed to its redevelopment and expansion. We are anxious for our work to continue so we can once again open the Park to the public and share our history and our site with all."

This project will be funded under the Community Adjustment Fund in southern Ontario, which will create immediate employment opportunities and support the local economies that have been struggling with the effects of the global economic downturn. Other projects approved under the Community Adjustment Fund will be announced over the coming weeks. Approved projects must meet the terms and conditions set out in their contribution agreements.

FedDev Ontario was created as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification with contributions to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations in southern Ontario. To learn more about FedDev Ontario and the Community Adjustment Fund in southern Ontario, please visit the website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca, or call 1-866-593-5505. For additional information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca