Harper Government Supports Port Moody’s Ioco Days

PORT MOODY, BC, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - The rich heritage and cultural vitality of Port Moody will be celebrated and commemorated, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam), today announced funding for the Port Moody Heritage Society.

The society will present the 12^th annual Ioco Days festival from October 6 to 14, 2012. Ioco was originally a townsite for an Imperial Oil Company refinery, for which the area is named. This free family festival will reenact scenes from Ioco life of years past in tribute to the living history of the community. More than 2,000 visitors are expected to attend.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. The Ioco Days festival, held right here in Port Moody, is a perfect example of this. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."

"The Port Moody Heritage Society very much appreciates the support of the Government of Canada," said Robert Simons, President. "It enables us to host a grassroots community festival that celebrates and promotes our heritage. The Ioco Days festival is an important part of our efforts to ensure that as many visitors as possible have fun while learning the historical significance of the City of Port Moody's first heritage conservation area."

The Port Moody Heritage Society, founded in the late 1960s, is a local incorporated non-profit organization that promotes interest in the history of Port Moody through exhibits, programs, and events.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $4,900 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage