In Eastern Ontario, tourism attractions and destinations like museums, vibrant downtown cores, culinary delights and historic sites play a vital role in the region’s economy and cultural identity, promoting the unique heritage and natural beauty of the region. The Government of Canada understands the importance of the tourism sector and is committed to supporting communities as they build towards a strong future from coast to coast to coast.

“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 National Capital Region and Ontario’s Highlands are growing as a top tourist destination thanks to museums and historical sites, year-round outdoor activities and diverse culinary options, offering innovative new experiences to residents and visitors alike. Through the support of the Tourism Relief Fund, more than 160 tourism businesses and organizations in Ottawa and eastern Ontario are going to provide visitors with memorable experiences in the capital region for years to come.”

- Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

“We are so grateful for the Tourism Relief Fund support through FedDev Ontario and the Government of Canada to help build two new cabins and open our new business, Moonlight on the Bay. We are excited to offer visitors unique cultural and nature experiences, as well as easy access to the neighbouring attractions in Prince Edward County.”

- Linda Maracle, Co-founder, Moonlight on the Bay

“South Algonquin Equestrian Trails is very grateful to have had the opportunity to obtain this support through the Tourism Relief Fund and the Government of Canada. The funding permitted South Algonquin Equestrian Trails to be able to expand the campsites in a timely manner, creating quality equine campsites for recreational riders as more people would love to ride and explore in Ontario.”

- Tammy Donaldson, Operations Manager, South Algonquin Trails

“This funding came at exactly the right time. Support through FedDev Ontario and OHTO has helped us create a unique experience, which will bring more people to our beautiful community.”

- Gwen Coish, Director of Operations, Bancroft Community Transit

• Opening in the summer of 2023, Moonlight on the Bay is an Indigenous-led tourism organization located on the shoreline of the beautiful Bay of Quinte, on Tyendinaga First Nation. Its two villas are designed to provide a relaxing getaway for visitors to unwind and enjoy local cultural and nature experiences. 

• Operating since 1999, South Algonquin Equestrian Trails offers campsites, trail rides and unique experiences in the Haliburton Highlands for guests and horses.

• Bancroft Community Transit is a non-profit organization providing a door-to-door transportation service by volunteer drivers.

• 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 $265 million in more than 370 projects across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, estimated to create over 8,000 jobs and maintaining over 9,300 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
• Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority Inc. (RTO 10)
• Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (RTO 11)
• Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) Tourism Relief Fund Overview
• South Algonquin Equestrian Trails
• Bancroft Community Transit (BCT)

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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