TORONTO – The province's most popular heritage touring adventure – Doors Open Ontario – is back for another season! Communities across the province are opening the doors to architecturally significant buildings and other heritage treasures, free of charge.

"Doors Open Ontario invites residents and visitors to explore intriguing buildings, many of which are normally closed to the public," said the Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Ontario Heritage Foundation Chairman. "In addition to looking behind closed doors, visitors participate in on-site demonstrations and discover Ontario's rich heritage firsthand."

This year, 34 events are taking place in over 185 communities across Ontario. The 2004 season kicks off on April 24 with Doors Open Guelph and runs until October. Residents and visitors are invited to visit Doors Open Ontario communities to explore hundreds of fascinating buildings and sites.

"The McGuinty government is investing $360,000 this year to promote Doors Open Ontario," said Minister of Culture Madeleine Meilleur. "This innovative program has proven to be a great cultural tourism draw in the participating communities. It also encourages us to take pride in our heritage and recognize the significant contribution it makes to our quality of life in Ontario."

Of this investment, $200,000 is support from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, an arm's-length agency of the Government of Ontario.

The free Doors Open Ontario 2004 guide is available by calling 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746). This handy guide provides a snapshot of each community event, highlighting some of the participating sites. For a detailed list of participating sites, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca. The website is updated regularly throughout the Doors Open Ontario season.

The Ontario Heritage Foundation launched Doors Open Ontario in 2002 to create access, awareness and excitement about our province's heritage. To date, over 700,000 visits have been made to Doors Open Ontario heritage sites.

Doors Open Ontario 2004 sponsors include: the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Masonite International Corporation, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, the Ontario Ministry of Culture (Cultural Tourism Marketing Fund) and all the participating communities.

The Ontario Heritage Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for all of us to enjoy and for others to experience in the future.

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Doors Open Ontario 2004 community events. Backgrounders also available.

Contacts:
Lori Theoret
Telephone: 416-325-5074
E-mail: lori.theoret@heritagefdn.on.ca

Shannon McFadyen
Telephone: 416-325-5032
E-mail: shannon.mcfadyen@heritagefdn.on.ca