Province Announces New CEO for The St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Patricia Macdonald Brings Marketing and Business Savvy to Parks Commission

Patricia C. Macdonald has been named General Manager of The St Lawrence Parks Commission. She will assume her new duties in mid June, 2007. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism.

"The Commission plays a crucial role in preserving many of the natural and historical attractions along the heritage corridor which runs from Kingston to the Quebec border," said Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont, Dundas and Charlottenburgh, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism. "I am confident that Ms. Macdonald will bring new energy to the Commission, and will work with local stakeholders to strengthen the tourism industry in Eastern Ontario."

Macdonald has held a number of senior executive positions including: President and CEO, YTV Canada, Inc.; President, Upside Potential Inc.; Vice-President, TrizecHahn Tower L.P. (CN Tower); and Vice President, Marketing and Sales at Paramount Canada�s Wonderland. She is currently Chief Operating Officer for Cirque Avaia and is also co-founder and executive producer of the successful Toronto Student Film Festival, celebrating youth achievement in filmmaking.

"Macdonald's role will be to maintain and strengthen ties with industry stakeholders in order to ensure high quality tourism experiences at over 1,350 campsites and recreation areas scattered across seven riverside campgrounds, along with the Commission's feature attractions, Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site, and the (1812) Battle of Crysler's Farm Memorial and Visitor Centre, as well as the premier facilities at Upper Canada Golf Course and Crysler Park Marina and its numerous restaurants and gift stores." said Peter Watson, Chair of The St. Lawrence Parks Commission. "Patricia brings over three decades of product and attractions marketing, and senior management experience and business acumen to the table. I feel certain her contribution will help build eastern Ontario�s tourism sector."

"I look forward to working with my Commission colleagues, tourism stakeholders and the private sector throughout eastern Ontario to build upon past successes and stimulate future investment and development in Ontario's tourism industry," said Macdonald.

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is an Ontario provincial agency established in 1955 to provide recreation, tourism, cultural and educational opportunities for residents of Ontario and visitors to the province through the presentation and interpretation of historical attractions and the development and operation of parks, campgrounds, scenic parkways and recreational areas. It operates facilities in 16 municipalities, employing over 500 staff and attracting 1 million visitors annually.

For more information contact:
Peter Watson, Chairman
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Telephone: (613) 543-3704