Nestled amidst picturesque waterways, charming historic sites, and a thriving arts scene, Eastern Ontario attracts visitors with a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, charming towns and hidden gems, making it a cherished destination for travellers seeking memorable experiences.

“Eastern Ontario offers natural beauty and a rich heritage to the many tourists who visit each year. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian tourism experiences, like the Great Lakes Museum, as they expand their offerings and welcome visitors to their must-see attractions in the region.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Southern Ontario’s tourism sector 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 Great Lakes Museum. As we continue to invest in the sector, we will 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 

“The Kingston Dry Docks National Historic Site of Canada is a vital part of our maritime history, showcasing the ingenuity and perseverance that helped build our nation. By supporting the restoration and preservation of the pump house, as a government, we are ensuring that future generations can learn about this important heritage and understand its role in shaping our collective identity as Canadians.”
- The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“The Great Lakes Museum is an important historical institution within our community and the S.S. Keewatin serves as an iconic landmark on Kingston’s beautiful waterfront. With investments like those made today, Kingston and the rest of Eastern Ontario is positioned to welcome tourists from around the world to show off the unique, exciting and historic destinations throughout the region.”
- Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

“The Great Lakes Museum is extremely pleased to receive this funding as it will assist us in doing greatly needed infrastructure improvements on the S.S. Keewatin. These investments will give us the ability to expand our tours and host events on the ship. The net result will be increased visitors to the Great Lakes Museum and more tourism dollars coming to Kingston.”
- Chris West, Chair, Great Lakes Museum Board

• The Great Lakes Museum showcases the unique maritime heritage of Kingston and the Great Lakes, the world's largest inter-connected body of freshwater, through programs and exhibits. Their Kingston Dry Dock national historic site is significant for being the first federal dry dock constructed on the Great Lakes. From 1892 to 1968 the site repaired and built vessels for commercial and military service, including 12 Second World War Flower-Class Corvettes. 

• CP Rail steamships, such as the S.S. Keewatin, ferried tourists, settlers and cargo throughout the Great Lakes until their retirement in the 1960s. This ship is one of the last of its kind, with its sister ship having been lost to a fire in 1970. The ship has appeared on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, and was featured on a 2020 Royal Canadian Mint coin. 

• The Great Lakes Museum previously received a FedDev Ontario investment through the Tourism Relief Fund to renovate the historical building at the Kingston Dry Dock national historic site.

• Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the $108-million Tourism Growth Program, over three years, to support businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.

• A new application intake for the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario is now open and receiving applications until September 17, 2024. Tourism businesses and organizations can visit the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario page to see if they are eligible and submit an application. 

• 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

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
• Great Lakes Museum

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
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

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