FedDev Ontario supports regional tourism across southern Ontario 

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

Minister Joly announces $2 million to support the recovery of southern Ontario’s tourism sector and maintain jobs

September 18, 2020 – Kingston, Ontario

Southern Ontario’s tourism industry is essential to the region’s vitality and a major contributor to the economy. Every year, millions of travellers visit the area to enjoy its natural beauty, culture, festivals, theatre, world-class wineries and waterfront attractions. This translates to income and jobs for many communities. Recognizing the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on tourism, the Government of Canada continues to support the recovery and growth of this important industry as the economy reopens.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, announced a total non-repayable FedDev Ontario investment of $2 million to support the tourism industry across the region.

With this support, Kingston, the City of Stratford and Bruce County will establish funds to provide non-repayable contributions to local tourism-oriented businesses. These contributions will cover costs associated with recovery and reopening for business such as personal protective equipment, renovations to accommodate social distancing and implementing new safety protocols. For more information, please see the backgrounder.

The funding breakdown is as follows:

  • Kingston Economic Development Corporation will receive a contribution of $1 million and will deliver the fund in partnership with the Town of Gananoque. This fund will offer contributions of up to $2,400 to local tourism-oriented businesses with up to five full-time employees, and up to $4,800 for businesses with more than five full-time employees. The project is expected to support 100 businesses and maintain at least 200 jobs. For more information visit Kingston.
  • The Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo) will receive a contribution of $750,000 and will deliver the fund in partnership with the City of Stratford, the Stratford Tourism Alliance, the Stratford City Centre Committee BIA and the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce. This fund will offer contributions of up to $20,000 to local tourism-oriented businesses. The project is expected to support more than 75 businesses and maintain at least 150 jobs. For more information visit Stratford.
  • Bruce County will receive a contribution of $250,000 and will deliver the fund in partnership with the Bruce County Community Futures Development Corporation. This fund will offer contributions of up to $10,000 to local tourism-oriented businesses. The project is expected to support more than 50 businesses and maintain at least 50 jobs. For more information visit Bruce County.

In the face of the pandemic, the tourism sector has shown its resilience by adapting to challenges and seeking opportunities for recovery and growth. The Government of Canada is working to support these businesses and communities by helping to maintain jobs and prepare the tourism sector for a strong comeback. 

Quotes

"Our tourism industry and the 1.8 million Canadians it employs have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we’re here for them. This funding from FedDev Ontario will help communities across southern Ontario continue welcoming visitors, adapt to the new reality and prepare for the future. Our message to our tourism sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help Ontario tourism come back strong.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Quick facts

  • In Ontario, tourism accounts for $39.4 billion of GDP and directly and indirectly supports more than 820,000 jobs.

  • FedDev Ontario has invested over $78 million in 260 tourism projects since November 2015.

  • Recipients of Kingston’s, Bruce County’s and the City of Stratford’s funds must provide a minimum 20 percent contribution toward total project costs. 

  • These investments are made through FedDev Ontario’s core funding and are non-repayable contributions.

  • On August 25, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced a non-repayable FedDev Ontario investment of $500,000 to support the tourism industry in Niagara-on-the-Lake to deliver a similar fund, and the intention to provide a contribution of up to $400,000 to the Shaw Festival to support outdoor theatre performances and support visitor activity in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

  • On May 31, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced $30 million in FedDev Ontario RRRF funding for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) to provide financial relief to destination marketing organizations (DMOs) across southern Ontario.

Associated links

Contacts

Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
alexander.cohen@canada.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca
Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505

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