Chamber and 150th Receive Grant

SOUTHAMPTON, Ontario, March 20, 2008 - Southampton is marking its 150th anniversary this year, and thanks to the support of the Government of Canada, a number of celebrations are taking place from February 16 to December 31, 2008.

On behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex) today announced funding for these celebrations, which are designed to inspire community pride and recognize 150 years of history in Southampton.

The Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce will receive funding of $94,800 for activities organized to mark this anniversary. Activities will include performances by local artists and musicians.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding for the Southampton 150th Anniversary Celebration," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that celebrate local history, arts, and heritage."

"Our Government believes in and supports the preservation of Canadian history," said Mr. Shipley. "Our support for the 150th anniversary celebrations exemplifies the importance our Government places on each and every community across the country, no matter how large or small."
 

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"We're delighted to receive this grant from Canadian Heritage," said Shirley Irwin, Co-Chair of the Southampton 150th Steering Committee. "It is wonderful that grant programs like this exist to help communities celebrate their heritage and leave a lasting legacy for future generations."

The new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. This program will benefit many community events and celebrations in Canada throughout the coming year.

The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger communities and to providing all Canadians with opportunities to get involved in their communities and in celebrating Canadian arts and heritage.