Over 300 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

“With the support of the Tourism Relief Fund, 364 GTA-based tourism businesses and organizations are prepared for future growth. This includes the Toronto Holocaust Museum in my riding of York Centre. Each of these sites will continue to draw visitors from around the country to experience and learn about the region, its communities, and all they have to offer for a vibrant and inclusive Canada."
– Ya’ara Saks, Member of Parliament for York Centre

“The Beaches International Jazz Festival received $100,000 to enhance the visitor experience for the organizations inaugural ROCKFEST. With this support, the Festival was able to produce a new festival, featuring amazing musical talent, which was enjoyed by thousands of attendees.”
– Lido Chilelli, Executive Producer, Beaches International Jazz Festival

“With this Tourism Relief Fund support, we were able to deliver a highly-successful Ramadan Expo 2023, attracting more than 15,000 visitors, showcasing products and services for more than 200 local businesses, and offering unique experiences to celebrate Ramadan.” 
– Ibtissam Sebbahi, President, Muslim Womenpreneurs Network

“The Township of Brock and our residents are grateful for this much-needed funding, which has been utilized to enhance Brock’s appeal as a tourism destination. Strategic investment in tourism is important for Brock Township, and this funding support continues to ensure these investments deliver positive results for our township.”
– His Worship Walter Schummer, Mayor for the Township of Brock

• The Beaches International Jazz Festival is one of Canada’s largest free Jazz Festivals with nearly 1,000,000 attendees throughout its month-long span. Celebrating 35 years, the mid-summer event promotes Canadian musicians on the world stage.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $925 million in more than 1,285 projects across the GTA, estimated to create over 29,500 jobs and maintain over 45,500 jobs.

• Muslim Womenpreneurs Network helps small business owners and Muslim women-led businesses share their unique products and services with their community and beyond. Ramadan Expo is the ultimate shopping destination for Ramadan and Eid needs, showcasing a variety of products and services from exhibitors from around the world.

• Located in the Municipality of Durham, the Township of Brock is home to scenic shorelines along Lake Simcoe and the Trent-Severn Waterway with recreational opportunities and year round hospitality, fishing and museums.

• 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.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
• Toronto Convention & Visitor Association (RTO 5)
• Central Counties Tourism (RTO 6)
• Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) Tourism Relief Fund Overview
• Beaches International Jazz Festival
• Muslim Womenpreneurs Network
• Township of Brock

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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