McGuinty Government Supports After-School Programs

     TORONTO, Feb. 5 /CNW/ - Starting this year, more people will find it

easier and cheaper to use Ontario's schools after hours.

     Ontario will increase its investment in the Community Use of Schools

program to $66 million over the next four years. This new funding will:

     -  Expand the existing program

     -  Provide free after-hours access to about 500 schools in communities

        that need it most by 2011-12

     -  Provide new Community Outreach Coordinators who will engage

        communities and local schools to improve group use and create more

        programs and activities.

     "Learning and growing doesn't stop when the school bell rings or when you

reach a certain age, so we want our schools to be hubs of the community during

the school day and after school hours," said Premier McGuinty.

     "Ontario's schools are the heart of our neighbourhoods and we're

welcoming even more people through the doors," said Education Minister

Kathleen Wynne.

     "We want to help all Ontarians stay healthy and get fit," said Minister

of Health Promotion Margarett Best.

     This year, funding for lowering fees will be $33 million - a 65 per cent

increase over last year.

     Learn more about the Community Use of Schools program:

     www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/community

     Find out how to book your school after hours:

     www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/community/dsb.html

     Keep fit and have fun with a sports and recreation group in Ontario:

     www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/organizations.asp