East Gwillimbury, Ontario
York Region is a must-visit destination offering a wide variety of cultural, recreational and culinary experiences for all to enjoy. Tourism in York Region is a key driver of the region's economy, as increased visitors create good jobs, support local businesses and boost key sectors like hospitality.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited the Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum for the unveiling of the new Hope and Truth Reflection Garden. While there, Minister Tassi announced a combined FedDev Ontario investment of $470,000 through the Tourism Growth Program for three organizations, including the Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum, Treetop Trekking Bruce's Mill and Destination Markham. Minister Tassi was joined by Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora.
With an investment of $45,000, the Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum designed and installed the Hope and Truth Reflection Garden, which surrounds the Hope and Truth Reflection Sculpture. This new garden will help increase the Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum's capacity for tourism and attract new visitors into a space for reflection and onto a path forward on the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.
Treetop Trekking Bruce's Mill received a $225,000-investment to create a new nighttime light experience in its uplå activity area in Bruce's Mill Conservation Park, which is the largest outdoor net park in North America. With this support, the organization will be able to upgrade their facilities so they can stay open more months out of the year.
Destination Markham received a $200,000-investment to develop a Culinary Trail Experience in Markham. Building on the success of their flagship event, "Jazzlicious Winterfest," this initiative will introduce new culinary trails and experiences. These new experiences are designed to attract more visitors, offering unique and memorable opportunities to explore Markham's diverse food culture, while boosting revenue for culinary tourism businesses in Markham and across the region.
The Government of Canada is investing in historic sites and tourism projects in the region so they can create new products and experiences that will help Ontario's tourism economy flourish for generations to come.
