Nearly 120 projects supported to enhance recreational facilities, parks and trails to attract visitors to region

“With an investment of nearly $140 million for the Ontario tourism sector, our government has been making smart investments that put people first and grow local economies that work for everyone. A new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will keep this industry strong and support the vitality of communities small and large across the country.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“It’s time for Canada’s tourism sector to push past reviving all the way to thriving. Our government’s investments in tourism over the last three years focused on sustaining and rebuilding the tourism ecosystem, promoting what we have and designing for the future. A fully recovered and robust tourism sector is key to our government’s ongoing work to build an economy that works for everyone. Together, we can make sure that Canada’s tourism sector is something that visitors and Canadians alike will celebrate and enjoy for generations to come.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

“Orillia is a vibrant, growing city full of arts and cultural opportunities. Public art adds to these opportunities, providing new destinations across the City for the public to explore. I would like to thank the Government of Canada for funding this exciting initiative through the Tourism Relief Fund and the Art in Public Places Committee for all their efforts bringing this project to fruition.”
– His Worship, Don McIsaac, Mayor of Orillia 

“We are very thankful for the opportunity to enhance our facilities through the assistance of the Tourism Relief Fund and the Government of Canada. We know this summer will be our best one yet, with the exciting addition of our second pool, where more guests can enjoy the fun and cool off! 
– Jason Queenen, President, Kenorus Campground & RV Resort

“The investment through TRF in Wasaga Adventure Park has advanced the Adventure Park to become the paintball enthusiast’s destination of choice across Ontario. The new Woodsball Field has created interest within the paintball community not only in Ontario but Quebec as well. The addition of the new speedball field is the finest in all of Ontario if not Canada and put us as the most desirable place for tournaments.”
– Donna Langman Owner/Operator Wasaga Adventure Park

• The mission of the Orillia Museum of Art and History is to provide inclusive space to engage community, inspire creativity and celebrate culture, by exploring art and history.

•  Featuring a pool, splash pad, basketball court, horseshoe pits and more, the Kenorous Campground and RV Resort offers fully serviced campsites for guests to enjoy.

• Located just an hour north of Toronto, Wasaga Adventure Park attracts more than 18,000 visitors each year to participate in recreational activities such as paintball, laser tag, archery tag and more.
  

• FedDev Ontario delivered nearly $140 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario, including $76.5 million in support for southern Ontario’s 11 Regional Tourism Organizations and Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO). As part of this investment, ITO received $3.5 million and has delivered $2 million to support 23 Indigenous-led tourism projects across southern Ontario and fostered connections between Indigenous tourism operators and Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) in the region.

• In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada proposed a $108-million investment over three years as part of a Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to support growth, investment and stability in Canada’s tourism sector. Subject to parliamentary approval, this support, to be delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies including FedDev Ontario, will help ensure that our tourism industry can continue to be a driver of good jobs and vibrant communities across Canada.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $90 million in more than 170 projects across Bruce, Simcoe, and Grey, estimated to create over 900 jobs and maintain over 3,300 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
• Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO 7)
• Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) Tourism Relief Fund Overview •
• Orillia Museum of Art and History
• Kenorous Campground and RV Resort
• Wasaga Adventure Park

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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