FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2004

LIBERALS ARBITRARILY CLOSE FROST CENTRE WITHOUT CONSULTATION

The McGuinty Liberals have dealt a significant blow to Haliburton County by closing the Leslie M. Frost Resources Centre effective July 13th.

“I cannot believe that the government would close one of the Ministry of Natural Resources best facilities without giving the community a chance to state their case or to work with the Ministry to improve the centre” said Laurie Scott. “According to the Ministry’s own web site, the Frost Centre provides year-round natural resource education and training opportunities for students, educators, special interest groups, M.N.R. employees and the general public.”

The recently renovated Frost Centre is a long-time fixture in Haliburton County. It is the actual place where the history of forest rangers was created. The Centre provides 35 full-time jobs and during its 25,000 user days per year provides programming for Elementary and Secondary Students, MNR Employees Conservation Officers and OPP gun range training. Their unique programs include: Discovery Days, Stewardship workshops for cottagers and other landowners. There are also miles of hiking trails, canoe routes, ski trails and snowshoe routes that provide year round enjoyment.

The McGuinty government has frequently trumpeted it’s desire to work with communities, but now they are have made a decision on the Frost Centre, without discussing this with the County of Haliburton or the District of Muskoka. Both areas will face both direct, and indirect job losses. It will also have a significant impact on the local tourism industry. The Ministry staff when spoken to by a local tourist operator have arrogantly stated that they don’t have to consult and that they are within their rights to close the centre.

“This is coming right out of the blue, and I am extremely concerned that the Minister and Premier have not given any indication up to now that they were considering this course of action. They needed to hear about the impact that this decision will have on the tourism industry and the economy throughout Haliburton and the Muskokas” said Laurie. “What will happen to programs like Discovery Days, and this falls Children's Water Festival which is expected to host 1,600 local school children. I wonder if the Minister even consulted with the Tourism minister about this?”

The Liberals ran on a platform stressing education and strong communities. The Frost Centre provides educational programs for Sir Sandford Fleming College, the University of Toronto, as well as elementary schools from across the Province. It is also a valuable training centre for Conservation Officers, the OPP, MNR employees, and members of the public through their stewardship programs. “This decision doesn’t help to create a stronger community. I will fight with the community to convince the government to preserve the Frost Centre.”

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