Government of Canada invests over $3.7 million in community infrastructure and tourism projects in London region
News release
FedDev Ontario supports 10 projects to drive community revitalization, support regional tourism and grow local economy.
July 5, 2022 – London, Ontario
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the growth of local communities to position them for a strong and resilient economic present and future.
Today, the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced over $3.7 million in support for 10 community infrastructure and tourism projects across the London region under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF). These investments will create and revitalize community spaces and enhance tourism attractions to welcome more visitors and build stronger, more vibrant communities.
The announcement was made at the London Children's Museum, which received a non-repayable contribution of $500,000, through the Tourism Relief Fund, to adapt the top floor of the historic Kellogg’s cereal factory in London into its new children’s museum. The new London Children’s Museum at 100 Kellogg Lane will allow children to explore science, art, technology, nature, history and culture in a state-of-the-art educational space. The museum will feature eight immersive, interactive exhibits in over 35,000 square feet of open-concept space designed for interactive play, innovative exhibits, and shared spaces where children and families can learn and grow.
An investment of $190,000 was also announced for the 1st Hussars Cavalry Fund through the Tourism Relief Fund to restore and preserve the HOLY ROLLER, a WWII Canadian Army Sherman Tank of the 6th Armoured Regiment (1st Hussars) and war memorial that is on display in Victoria Park.
Additional details on all 10 projects supported can be found in the backgrounder.
Quotes
“Our government is investing in community infrastructure and tourist attractions to bring neighbourhoods together and attract tourists from around the world. Today’s investment, including support for the new London Children’s Museum, will help the London community strengthen public infrastructure and enhance tourist attractions to drive resilient economic growth and job creation for the region."
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Community spaces and tourist attractions, such as the London’s Children Museum, are important to London’s regional economy and vibrancy as they draw visitors to the region and provide positive ripple economic benefits to local businesses. Today’s investment in these 10 community infrastructure and tourism projects will help to enhance existing community infrastructure and events that will draw visitors from near and far, boosting jobs and revenue in the region.”
– Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre
“An area full of tourist attractions and places for our community to gather, London has so much to offer. The Government of Canada is proud to support these 10 community infrastructure and tourism projects, including the support for the new London Children’s Museum, as we continue to work to ensure our community remains resilient and vibrant into the future.”
– Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West
"The Government of Canada’s contributions to infrastructure and tourism for London Children’s Museum is an investment in the well-being of children and families in our community. With an anticipated 145,000 visitors annually and a projected economic impact of $6.4 million each year, the new London Children’s Museum will be a welcoming community hub for the region."
–Amanda Conlon, Executive Director, London Children’s Museum
“With support through FedDev Ontario’s Tourism Relief Fund, we were able to restore and preserve the HOLY ROLLER, an important war memorial in our community. The HOLY ROLLER is one of only two Canadian tanks that survived the period between D-Day and V-day and was in need of restoration. This funding allowed us to preserve and restore this important piece of history. We appreciate the support!”
– Colonel Chris Judd, President, 1st Hussars Cavalry Fund
Quick facts
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The Children’s Museum, a not-for-profit organization, welcomes 88,000 visitors annually, offering three floors of inventive and interactive exhibits, cultural and educational programs and intriguing collections.
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With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario.
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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 focused projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $65 million in more than 100 projects in the Middlesex area, including London, estimated to create and maintain over 2,000 jobs.
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Today’s $3.7-million Government of Canada investment is pending the successful completion of signed contribution agreements.
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
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca
Stay Connected
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
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