Cyclists from as far away as British Columbia, California and Florida were part of the 150 participants in this year's event organized by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust.  Participants from ages 4 to 75 travelled along the newly paved 1000 Islands Recreation Trail and County Road 2 on August 14th . Cindy Hillaby recognized local officials for their investments in upgrading the 37-kilmetre trail that runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River.

  

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission invested nearly $2-million in upgrading the trail with a contribution of $400,000 made by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.  "I believe this is one of the most significant investments in Ontario's trails and cycling infrastructure.  It makes the Thousand Islands and its many attractions a must-see and do part of Ontario," says Marlaine Koehler, Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust.

  

Read more about the bike path here.

  

The EODP is a five-year, $37.5-million Government of Canada initiative promoting economic development in rural Eastern Ontario through Business Development and Community Innovation programs. Three Community Future Development Corporations (CFDCs) service the Leeds Grenville area, visit their individual websites for details:

  

  

Serving: Augusta, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, North Grenville, Prescott.

Status: Now accepting applications for the 2014-2018 cycle. Apply early as funding is limited. 

  

Serving: Kitley area, Merrickville-Wolford, Rideau Lakes, Westport.  

Status: Funding for 2014 is fully allocated. Please submit a statement of interest describing your EODP project in the event that additional funding becomes available.
 

The Eastern Ontario Economic Development Strategy was released August 15 by the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus, the Eastern Ontario Mayors' Committee, the Government of Canada's Eastern Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Network, and the Province of Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation's Communities in Transition Program.

  

The key outcomes of the report are to identify opportunities to advance the economy of Eastern Ontario, and to improve the underlying conditions for economic development throughout the region.

  

Visit the EOWC website to read the report.