Government of Canada Invests $2 Million in Southern Ontario Tourism Industry

Strategic Insights -

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of tourism to Southern Ontario's economy and has announced a $2 million investment to support the recovery and growth of this vital industry. Minister Melanie Joly, responsible for FedDev Ontario, has allocated the funds to help local tourism-oriented businesses cover costs associated with COVID-19 recovery and reopening. The funding will be distributed among three recipients: Kingston Economic Development Corporation, Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo), and Bruce County, with the goal of maintaining jobs and supporting over 325 businesses across the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of Canada has invested $2 million in the Southern Ontario tourism industry through FedDev Ontario.
  • The funding will support over 325 tourism-oriented businesses across the region.
  • Kingston Economic Development Corporation will receive $1 million and deliver the fund in partnership with the Town of Gananoque, supporting 100 businesses and maintaining at least 200 jobs.
  • Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo) will receive $750,000, in partnership with local organizations, to support more than 75 businesses and maintain at least 150 jobs.
  • Bruce County will receive $250,000, in partnership with the Bruce County Community Futures Development Corporation, to support more than 50 businesses and maintain at least 50 jobs.
  • The funding will cover costs associated with personal protective equipment, renovations, and implementing new safety protocols.
  • Each fund will provide non-repayable contributions to local businesses, with contribution amounts ranging from $2,400 to $20,000.

Statistics:

  • Total non-repayable FedDev Ontario investment: $2 million
  • Number of businesses expected to be supported: 325
  • Number of jobs expected to be maintained: over 400
  • Kingston Economic Development Corporation:

+ Number of businesses expected to be supported: 100

+ Number of jobs expected to be maintained: 200

  • Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo):

+ Number of businesses expected to be supported: 75

+ Number of jobs expected to be maintained: 150

  • Bruce County:

+ Number of businesses expected to be supported: 50

+ Number of jobs expected to be maintained: 50

Sources:

  • Government of Canada
  • FedDev Ontario
  • Kingston Economic Development Corporation
  • Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo)
  • Bruce County Community Futures Development Corporation