Ontario cottage country to host 2010 G8 summit; PM promises boon to local economy

The international political event will be held at the luxury Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, a sprawling golf and spa getaway in the heart of Muskoka.

Calling it a "jewel in the Canadian Shield," Harper said the event will be a boon for the local economy.

"Judging from the results of the 2002 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., we would anticipate that the total provincial and regional economic benefit will likely exceed the nearly $300 million that was generated for the summit in Alberta," he said.

"It will be an exceptional opportunity for Canada to advance its values and interests on the world stage."

In choosing the location for the event, Harper said the government carefully considered such factors as security, cost and transportation.

The sheer scale of the event means there will likely be considerable investment in local infrastructure as well, he added.

"I don't think most people probably understand how big a G8 summit really is in terms of how long the preparations are, how many people actually come," he said.

"This is a major, major initiative and it will l have, we believe, long-term tourism benefits."

"It's probably inevitable as well that there will be probably some specific infrastructure investments made in anticipation of needs for the G8 summit."

News of the announcement came as a welcome surprise to local leadership.

"Events tourism is something that we've been really putting our community forces behind in a big way," said Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty.

"We've excelled on a national stage doing lots of national events and this gives us an opportunity to go international in a very significant way and we're absolutely delighted with the opportunity."

Besides the overwhelming beauty of the region, which sits alongside Georgian Bay, District of Muskoka chairman Gord Adams said the resort is also an ideal spot from a security standpoint given its isolation and limited access.

"There are actually very few roads that actually lead to Deerhurst," he said. "It can be secured fairly easily."

While the 20,000 person strong region is secured by a provincial police force consisting of about 42 constables, Adams anticipates the federal government will be looking after the bulk of the event's security needs.

The region has a year-round population of about 20,000, but swells to about 120,000 during peak summer season, said Doughty. People are used to a population "ebb and flow" and won't be fazed by the prospect of a massive influx of visitors, he added.

Deerhurst itself has an airstrip that can accommodate large passenger aircraft, while the Muskoka airport, complete with a new runway extension, is a mere half-hour away.

Doughty said he plans to contact officials in Alberta in the coming months for advice.

The annual G8 summit is an opportunity for some of the world's most powerful countries including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States to discuss everything from trade and climate change to human rights and democracy.

The event also tends to draw protesters from around the world.