Government of Canada supports tourism operators in Renfrew County
News release
FedDev Ontario invests over $480,000 for three tourism organizations to expand and attract visitors
June 7, 2022 – Killaloe, Ontario
Renfrew County is renowned for its lakes, rivers, forests and four-season tourist attractions that draw domestic and international visitors each year. The Government of Canada is committed to helping local tourism businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic, position themselves to safely welcome visitors and prepare for future growth.
Today, the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a Government of Canada investment of over $480,000 through the Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by FedDev Ontario, for three Renfrew County tourism organizations to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and position for future growth.
Through this investment, Friends of Bonnechere Parks, a not-for-profit organization that supports tourism to Bonnechere and Bonnechere River Parks, is receiving a non-repayable contribution of nearly $340,000 to create and enhance tourism experiences, including a barrier-free 1 km trail, improved accessibility features at the cultural centre and an online portal to feature accessible and multilingual content.
Lakepoint Cottage Resort, a family-owned resort located on a peninsula of Golden Lake, is receiving a non-repayable investment of $100,000 to expand its facilities to support year-round tourism. With this investment, Lakepoint Cottage Resort is winterizing existing cottages, and constructing five winterized bunkhouses and a shared washroom facility.
Additionally, Snow Country Snowmobile Region, a not-for-profit organization that promotes safe and environmentally responsible snowmobile tourism, is receiving a non-repayable investment of almost $46,000 to create enhanced maps and signage for snowmobile trails located in Eastern Ontario.
The economic recovery of the tourism industry is a key priority for the Government of Canada. FedDev Ontario will continue to work with businesses and organizations in southern Ontario’s tourism sector to ensure they are able to thrive into the future.
Quotes
“We are supporting tourism-oriented businesses and organizations because the tourism sector supports economic growth and jobs in the regions. Through Tourism Relief Fund investments, like those made for three Renfrew tourism businesses today, local tourism operators are expanding their ability to offer better services and experiences, which will attract more visitors and drive economic growth in the region.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“With support through the Tourism Relief Fund, we are able to partner with Bonnechere Provincial Park to deliver on meaningful and needed investments into inclusive, accessible environments. Our new FIT Trails will greatly enhance our ability to serve clients and the local community through enriched, immersive experiences that connect us to the land through the oral histories of traditional Algonquin teachings.”
– Anne Burchat, President, Friends of Bonnechere Parks
“This FedDev Ontario funding will allow us to invest in infrastructure needed to transition our property from seasonal to year-round with the addition of heated water supply lines, increased insulation and additional rental cottages. The ability to expand our season will provide critical revenue to offset the negative effect the global pandemic has had on our property.”
– Chad Wilton, President, Lakepoint Cottage Resort on Golden Lake
“The FedDev Ontario Tourism Relief Fund contribution will provide increased navigational aid to both local and visiting snowmobilers in our region and, in turn, will support our local clubs and volunteers. With this support, we hope to improve the trail experience for riders and at the same time support our local business partners.”
– Terry Vaudry, Administrator, Snow Country Snowmobile Region
Quick facts
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In 2019, tourism in southern Ontario accounted for $27.7 billion of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supported more than 200,000 jobs.
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The Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth, with a minimum of $50 million of the Fund allocated to supporting Indigenous-led projects or Indigenous focussed projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.
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Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $21 million across 45 projects in the Renfrew Census Division, creating and maintaining more than 700 jobs.
Associated links
Contacts
Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca
Stay connected
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
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