180 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

“The tourism industry in southwestern Ontario is vital to the region’s economy and cultural identity supporting sectors such as the arts, culture and entertainment. The Tourism Relief Fund has supported local tourism businesses and organizations as they attract bringing visitors from both sides of the border. Investments through the Tourism Relief Fund have been instrumental in helping 180 businesses and organizations in the region to rebound from the pandemic and prepare for a strong future.”
– Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh

“Caldwell First Nation is appreciative of the Tourism Relief Fund support provided by FedDev Ontario and the Government of Canada. With this investment, we were able to make key upgrades to our marina, which is a hub for water-oriented tourism activities and excursions in our region.”
– Alex Kajtar, Economic Development Officer, Caldwell First Nation

“We were so fortunate to have the support of FedDev Ontario and the Tourism Relief Fund. It enabled us to be open through the winter shoulder season and provide critical upgrades that will enhance the guest experience for years to come. Obtaining this funding is making it possible for us to grow, host more guests and maintain being a responsible and sustainable tourism operator in southwestern Ontario.” 
– Cheryl Haskett, CEO, Udderly Ridiculous

“The Essex County Black Historical Research Society is thrilled to have received this funding through the Tourism Relief Fund to support the development of new murals, which will help to tell stories of Windsor’s Black community. This mural project, in conjunction with other work that is currently underway to develop a walking tour, a mobile app, display materials, and a website about the historic McDougall Street Corridor, will be very helpful in revitalizing interest and awareness regarding this important history that has been overlooked for too long.”
– Irene Moore Davis, President, Essex County Black Historical Research Society

• Based in Leamington, Caldwell First Nation is an Anishinaabe community and is part of the Three Fires Confederacy, comprising the bands Potawatomi, Odawa, and Ojibwa.

• Udderly Ridiculous is a family-owned and operated goat and alpaca farm that offers visitors a variety products and experiences, including alpaca walks, goat cuddles and a taste of farm life. 

• Essex County Black Historical Research Society works towards research, preservation, promotion and advancement of the Black (African-Canadian) history of the Windsor-Essex County area, including celebrating the historical importance of the Underground Railroad and McDougall Street Corridor in Windsor. 

• 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 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. 

• To build on this momentum, 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 $330 million in more than 400 projects across the Essex, Lambton, Middlesex, Oxford, Haldimand-Norfolk, Chatham-Kent, and Elgin census divisions, estimated to create over 5,100 jobs and maintain over 9,700 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
• Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (RTO1)
• Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) Tourism Relief Fund Overview •
• Caldwell First Nation
• Udderly Ridiculous
• Essex County Black Historical Research Society

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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