FedDev Ontario enhances three Ottawa region tourism organizations with $530,000 investment

“Our government is pleased to support tourism businesses and organizations such as the Canadian Tulip Festival, the Ottawa Children’s Festival de la Jeunesse and South Nation Conservation, which showcase the unique experiences and attractions of Ontario. These organizations provide distinctive tourism experiences that draw visitors from far and wide to enjoy. Congratulations to all recipients announced today!”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Ontario’s tourism industry is an incredibly important economic driver and provides jobs for Canadians from all walks of life. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local organizations like the Canadian Tulip Festival, South Nation Conservation, and the Ottawa Children’s Festival del la Jeunesse. As we continue to invest in the industry, we’ll help bring more domestic and international visitors to the region to discover all that it has to offer.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism

“Investments in tourism are not only vital for economic growth, but they also strengthen the social fabric of a community and preserve its unique identity for future generations to enjoy. The investments announced today will draw more visitors to the Ottawa area, fostering a deeper appreciation for Canada's natural beauty and cultural heritage, while supporting the local economy."
– Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Orléans

“Tourism in Ottawa is a gateway to understanding Canada's rich history, vibrant culture, and natural wonders, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation's past and present. The investments announced today are going to have a lasting impact on our city and our local community."
– Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

“This funding allows the Canadian Tulip Festival to not only continue our free tulip tradition this May, but also to expand our celebrations of spring into another one of the City of Ottawa's iconic tourist draws, the ByWard Market.”
– Jo Riding, Executive Director, the Canadian Tulip Festival

“Thanks to this investment from FedDev Ontario, the Ottawa Children’s Festival de la Jeunesse can at last achieve its broad-ranging plans to add programming and reach new audiences beyond our community.”
– Catherine O’Grady, Artistic Producer, Ottawa Children’s Festival de la Jeunesse

“We would like to thank FedDev Ontario and our partners for supporting this important community project in the City of Ottawa. Along with the extension completed last year, this boardwalk revitalization will provide the community with safe, accessible access to the Conservation Area and offer excellent learning opportunities about the unique wetland habitat and the plants and animals that thrive within it.”
– Michelle Cavanagh, Team Lead, South Nation Conservation

• The Canadian Tulip Festival was established in 1953 to celebrate the historic royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War, as a symbol of international friendship. The Festival preserves the memorable role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe, as well as commemorates the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa during World War II—the only royal personage ever born in Canada. In 2023, the Canadian Tulip Festival welcomed 416,000 visitors across 11 days.

• Incorporated in 1985, the Ottawa Children's Festival de la Jeunesse delivers live performing arts experiences for young audiences to foster creativity while promoting individual expression. Each year, the festival welcomes approximately 15,000 visitors from all over to experience the finest quality theatre, dance and music for young audiences.

• Established in 1947, South Nation Conservation welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors each year to its 4,400 km² of land in Eastern Ontario. The organization has led hundreds of stewardship projects to protect or improve natural resources.

• Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Tourism Growth Program is providing $108 million, over three years, directly to businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies by investing in tourism products and experiences that will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in more than 1,440 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to create over 4,700 jobs and maintain over 20,000 jobs. 

Associated links

• The Canadian Tulip Festival
• The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la Jeunesse
• South Nation Conservation
• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario

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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