Brockville – September 13, 2010 - Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark joined his federal counterpart MP Gord Brown today in urging area residents to help Seeley’s Bay land the big one.

A campaign is currently underway to have the village in Leeds and Thousand Islands Township declared the Ultimate Fishing Town in Canada. Seeley’s Bay is one of 10 Canadian cities in the final online vote, which ends on September 28.

The title-winning community will receive a $25,000 prize to be used for local improvement projects and will also be the subject of a 30-minute feature on the World Fishing Network, which is sponsoring the contest.

The feature has the potential to reach more than 42 million sports fishermen across Canada and the United States.
“We already know Seeley’s Bay is a prime fishing location,” said Clark. “But winning this contest would bring some invaluable exposure to the community and has the potential to be a tremendous boost to tourism across Leeds-Grenville. The community has worked hard to get this far, now it's up to everyone to help put them over the top”

“As the Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, I am pleased to add my support to Seeley’s Bay in its efforts to be named the Ultimate Fishing Town in Canada,” says Brown. “I urge everyone to help out to achieve this richly deserved recognition.”

Seeley’s Bay resident Liz Huff said the campaign has generated interest from some regional media, but she stressed it will take a concerted publicity effort by local media, residents, businesses and government to reel in the top prize.

Meanwhile, Clark is urging Ontario Tourism Minister Michael Chan and Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey to follow a commitment by the Manitoba government to match the $25,000 prize (Dauphin, Man. is among the finalists) if Seeley’s Bay claims the crown later this month.

Seeley’s Bay is one of four Ontario communities on the list of 10 finalists, but the only one in Eastern Ontario.

People can vote once every 12 hours by visiting www.wfn.tv/ultimate-fishing-town/Seeleys-Bay. Voting can also be accessed through www.seeleysbay.com.