Every year, southern Ontario attracts millions of visitors to enjoy its natural beauty, vibrant events and festivals, unique rural and Indigenous experiences, and world-class destinations. Tourism businesses and organizations are unique in Canada at drawing visitors into local businesses and fostering our growing hospitality sector.

“The investments announced today will support small businesses, organizations and municipalities in southern Ontario’s tourism sector, to grow and meet their full potential. Our Government knows that tourism is an economic driver that creates jobs and grows communities across southern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Tourism helps Canada showcase its beauty and diverse cultural heritage on the world stage. By supporting municipalities like the City of Hamilton, we fuel local economies, help create jobs and empower communities. I’m proud to champion local tourism, as it also fosters a sense of belonging in communities all across our nation.”
- The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism 

“Each year the City of Hamilton welcomes visitors from across Ontario to take in the beauty of our waterfalls and natural spaces. Support through the Tourism Growth Program will ensure these attractions are more accessible for visitors to enjoy year-round.”
- Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain

“The world knows what southern Ontario has to offer, known by many for its beautiful waterfalls, Hamilton is just one of the many destinations that make this region so special. From coast to coast to coast, the Government of Canada is continuing to make smart investments into the region’s tourism economy.”
- Chad Collins, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East−Stoney Creek

“The City of Hamilton is home to over 100 breathtaking waterfalls located throughout our city, and we prioritize creating a safe, accessible, and welcoming experience for all residents and visitors to enjoy them. I welcome the Government of Canada’s $100,000 investment in the City of Hamilton’s Destination Waterfall Master Plan and thank them for their support. This investment will greatly benefit the tourism industry in our community, and help us to highlight these valuable natural attractions for years to come.”
- Her Worship Andrea Horwath, Mayor, City of Hamilton

• The City of Hamilton is the fifth largest municipality in Ontario. Known among tourists and nature enthusiasts as the home to many beautiful waterfalls, the city is a natural playground situated in rich urban spaces. 

• 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.

• 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
• City of Hamilton

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

Stay Connected:

FedDev-Ontario.Canada.ca

Follow us X, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook

Subscribe to FedDev Ontario's Southern Ontario Spotlight newsletter, featuring economic development news and updates from across the region.