Enhancing tourism experiences in Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas
News release
Six organizations supporting tourism in the region expand experiences to attract more visitors with federal support
July 3, 2024 – Milton, Ontario
Home to scenic locations like Lake Ontario’s Waterfront, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant communities, Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas offer unique tourism experiences that draw tourists from near and far while growing Canada’s economy.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and Member of Parliament for Milton visited the Crawford Lake Conservation Area in Milton. Here, PS van Koeverden highlighted how an increase in tourists leads to spillover benefits into communities, creating jobs and stimulating local economies, while announcing over $1.1 million in federal support for six projects in Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas.
While at Crawford Lake, PS van Koeverden learned about how Conservation Halton plans to install a holographic immersive experience at the Crawford Lake Visitor Centre. With $180,000 in support from the federal government, this exhibit will highlight Crawford Lake as an important natural site. Opening in Fall 2025, this immersive experience is expected to attract over 10,000 tourists annually from students to nature enthusiasts to the region.
Conservation Halton is also receiving a $200,000 investment to install an inflatable waterpark at the Kelso Conservation Area Park. This attraction is expected to draw over 8,500 annual visitors and open the door for further investment opportunities into the park, ensuring its conservation efforts can be enjoyed by all for years to come.
Additional information on the six projects receiving federal support is included in the backgrounder.
The Government of Canada is strategically investing in tourism projects in the region to support new products and experiences that will support southern Ontario’s tourism economy for generations to come.
Quotes
“Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas are home to destinations that offer unique experiences for both visitors and locals, serving as vital economic drivers in the community and throughout southern Ontario. Organizations like the Conservation Halton Foundation and Conservation Halton are creating unique and impactful experiences for all to enjoy while doing important work to sustain the natural landscape for future generations to enjoy.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Southern Ontario’s tourism sector is a vital economic engine, creating jobs for Canadians across various sectors. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting local organizations like the Conservation Halton Foundation and Conservation Halton through the Tourism Growth Program. By investing in this industry, we aim to attract more domestic and international visitors to explore the region’s diverse offerings.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism
“Crawford Lake and Kelso Lake are cornerstones of our community here in Milton, with people traveling from all over to experience the region’s natural beauty for both sport and leisure. Supporting the Conservation Halton Foundation and Conservation Halton as they enhance the offerings at these must-see destinations will ensure that our natural landscape can be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike for years to come in ways that are sustainable to the lakes and the conservation areas around them.”
– Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and Member of Parliament for Milton
“Conservation Halton’s parks are destinations for outdoor recreation and learning that attract over one million visitors from our region and beyond. Today’s announcement of new funding for two of these popular park destinations, Crawford Lake and Kelso, is a step towards creating even more vibrant, prosperous and resilient communities. Thank you to FedDev Ontario for investing in new tourism experiences and park attractions that will bolster visitor engagement in our region.”
– Barb Veale, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Conservation Halton
Quick facts
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Incorporated in 1974, the Conservation Halton Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that acts as the fundraising arm of Conservation Halton by raising funds to sustain a healthy watershed with clean streams, vigorous forests, and abundant green spaces and creating areas for learning and recreation.
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Incorporated in 1963, Conservation Halton is a not-for-profit organization responsible for protecting, restoring, and managing natural resources in its jurisdiction while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, and welcoming visitors from near and far across their watershed.
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Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is investing $108 million, over three years, directly to businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.
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Support for additional projects will be announced through the coming months. In addition, the next application intake for TGP funding will open later in 2024. Follow FedDev Ontario's website for up-to-date information.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in nearly 1,450 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to have supported over 24,500 jobs.
Associated links
Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca
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