News release
"Our Ramara - Connecting Our Community" receives $40,000 to strengthen local community development
Ramara, Ontario, September 7, 2005 - A group of local citizens are showing leadership by stepping forward to mobilize their community with the help of the Government of Canada. The "Our Ramara" coalition will receive up to $40,000 to work with area communities to strengthen local economic development.
The Honourable Paul DeVillers, M.P. for Simcoe North, on behalf of the Honourable Wayne Easter, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, today announced that the "Our Ramara" coalition will receive funding over the next two years for "Connecting our Community," a project which will lead to a community development strategy for the Township.
"This project will strengthen the ties between communities by helping them to develop and realize their potential," said Mr. Easter. "The Government of Canada is pleased to be a partner with community leaders and citizens in this project," he added.
"Connecting our Community" will help bring together Ramara’s communities and citizens with the goal of building the skills and partnerships they need to grow and enjoy continued success," stated Mr. DeVillers.
The "Our Ramara" coalition was launched in 2003 to fill a need identified by the community for an all inclusive information source about the area. So far, the coalition which includes the Ramara Chamber of Commerce, the Public Library and numerous community groups has compiled a database of over 500 businesses, clubs and organizations within the Township. The next step will see meetings held with local representatives to look at the communities’ strengths and resources, and to identify what they need to develop and prosper. The project will also strengthen community leadership by offering skills development in a variety of areas and by providing access to Web-based community development tools through a centralized Web site, www.ourramara.com.
"The project indeed meets the Coalition's Mission Statement to promote and encourage pride in Ramara's people, its history, its culture, and its unique rural and progressive character," Janet Banfield, Chairperson of the "Our Ramara" coalition said.
Funding for "Our Ramara - Connecting Our Community" comes from the $5-million, five-year Networking Initiative component of the Models for Rural Development and Rural Community Capacity Building Program. The Government of Canada believes that strong rural communities are essential to the future of Canada.
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For more information , media may contact:
Rural Communications
Rural Secretariat
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: (613) 759-6509
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