FedDev Ontario supports regional tourism across southern Ontario

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

With this support, Kingston 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 City of Stratford will establish funds to provide non-repayable contributions of up to $20,000 to local tourism-oriented businesses. Bruce County will establish a similar fund to to provide non-repayable contributions of up to $10,000 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.

Quotes:

“From our waterfront attractions to our incredible hospitality industry, we are supporting the businesses in the local tourism sector so they can keep showcasing all they have to offer. The investment in Kingston and Gananoque will deliver support directly to local businesses seated in this sector, help them adapt to a new normal, and maintain valuable jobs."
— Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

“We have a vibrant tourism industry that has been hit especially hard by the pandemic and continues to face significant challenges. This investment will go a long way to help businesses not only meet these challenges but adapt in a way that will make them even stronger in the long term.”
 — Bryan Paterson, Mayor of Kingston

"We are excited about FedDev Ontario’s investment in Kingston’s hardest hit economic sector. Tourism businesses and attractions have shown resilience and adaptability and we want to support these small businesses with a program that is fast, flexible and gives them help in ways they need it most."
— Donna Gillespie, CEO, Kingston Economic Development Corporation

“Bruce County has an outstanding business community, eager to serve Southern Ontario and beyond. We are excited to see our resilient tourism industry be reinvigorated with this federal funding support and continue to offer exciting experiences to explore the Bruce.”
— Mitch Twolan, Bruce County Warden

“I’m tremendously grateful to the Government of Canada and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for this crucial support during these difficult economic times. Stratford’s businesses have been hit hard by the decline of tourism and this contribution will provide much-needed support for those struggling to re-open and/or remain open. Our community is working hard to adapt so that we can come out of this stronger than ever before.”
— Dan Mathieson, Mayor, City of Stratford

“Stratford’s business community is comprised of some of the most creative and resilient individuals you can imagine. This financial boost will provide them an essential leg-up in these difficult times. I’m very pleased FedDev has recognized our need and know that our businesses will benefit greatly from the funds both short and long-term.”
— Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford

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News Release: FedDev Ontario supports regional tourism across southern Ontario