HAMILTON, ON, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government will provide

additional funding to the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) to help it through its

current financial challenge.

    "Today, I am delivering on a commitment I made in the spring to help the

RBG. Our government is committing up to $1.87 million in additional support to

assist the gardens," said Minister of Culture Madeleine Meilleur. "Our

government believes the Royal Botanical Gardens must be preserved because it

is a unique and important cultural attraction, showcasing our natural heritage

for local residents and visitors to Ontario."

    The Government has provided the RBG board of directors with the results

of an external financial review. This is a valuable document as board members

revise the RBG's strategic plan and enhance financial controls.

    The $1.87 million consists of up to $820,000 that is being converted from

capital funds to operating funds; up to $690,000 in repair and rehabilitation

funds; and $358,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation over three years to

develop programs and services.

    In return for this year's increase in funding, the Minister has asked the

board to enhance its financial controls. Meilleur also said she is encouraged

by the RBG's recent decision to reduce admission prices until Thanksgiving

this year.

    "I strongly recommend board members consider keeping the price reduction

in place," said Meilleur. "That way, more Ontarians will be able to enjoy the

attraction and the RBG will increase its revenues."

    Meilleur said she is hopeful the board of directors will welcome the

findings contained in the report. Combined with the financial assistance

announced today and the working partnership with the City of Hamilton and the

Region of Halton, Meilleur is confident the board can now proceed with

building a strong future for the gardens.