Streets, airport in Clement's riding to be upgraded for G8 summit

Industry Minister Tony Clement announced Wednesday how some of a $50-million infrastructure fund will be spent in Ontario's Muskoka region ahead of the 2010 G8 summit.

Clement, who is also the MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, told his constituents that $1.2 million of the infrastructure fund, which was announced in February, will go toward upgrading streetlights and furniture in Gravenhurst, Ont., ahead of the world's eight leading economic powers meeting in the region.

Clement and Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced in June 2008 that Muskoka, which is at the heart of Ontario's cottage country, would host the G8 meetings.

Money from the fund is also being used to construct a G8 centre in Huntsville, which is hosting the meetings, and to upgrade the North Bay airport.

"For three days, delegates and media from around the world will be welcomed to Muskoka," Clement said. "Our government is committed to helping our local communities prepare to host this prestigious event."

Clement had previously announced funding for new tourism signage in the region as well as money for emergency power backup and road upgrades.

"When the prime minister and I announced that Muskoka will host the G8 Summit in 2010, we committed to the region that we will make sure that it is poised to capitalize on the incredible economic benefits associated with the event," Clement said.

It is the fifth time that the G8 summit — which brings together representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S. — will have been hosted in Canada since 1976.