Independence Day arrives for Country Heritage Park The Canadian Champion, Tueaday, Aprit il, 2006 - A3 After lengthy negotiations, Province transfers park to non-profit operators By Robin Downton-Pojrier SPECIAL TO THE CHAMPION March 30, 2006 will forever be known as Independence Day at Country Hentage Park. That day the park's purchase by Country Heritage Expenence mc. from the Province was final- ized followîng almosi six years of negotiations. The new ownership was announced by Country Heritage Experience mc. president David Pelletterlo at the annual general meeting Frîday "Lt has been a long and com- plex process since negotiations began with the Province of Ontano in the summer of 2000. but as of March 30, 2006, the transfer was completed," said Pelletterio. "This is another major miLe- stone in the preservanon and development of one of Canadas premier agricultural heritage attractions." Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell, reprenenttng the Province, told those at the meet- ing that she feels comfortable Ilericage Par o n y5e agePa MELANIE HENNESSEY I CANADIAN CHAMPION DONE DEAL: Huran-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell, representîng Queen's Park, congratulates Country Herîtage Experience ne. presîdent Davîd Pelletteria on finalîzing the deal to purchase the park from the Province "passîng over the baton" to Country [leritage Experience me. "1 know you will do a won- derful job," she remarked. Ward i Councullor Brian Penman brought greetings and congratulations on a 'major, major accomplîshment" from the Town. *'Now, ifs lndependence Day and you can go forward and build thîs site un ways that weren't possible in the past," he said. "Ibis site is now in tremendously competent hands." Country Heritage Park was opened to the public in 1979 and boasts a vast collection ol rural heritage artîfacîs and buildings on uts 80 acre site on Tremaine Road The property was owned by the Province of Onuarto but * see FUNDRAISING on page Ail SAVINOS SATURDAY, APRIL Hwy25& Derry Rd ! wwm 9058784393 NWY~ 25 LE ii~ Iii., wIOId 15TH gmcanada.com RICHAROSON CHEVROLET 005-878-2808 BAR-B-Q, BALLOONS &