Nearly 190 projects supported to enhance recreational facilities, parks and trails to attract visitors to region
In the Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford and surrounding regions, tourism attractions and destinations like arts and culture, quaint main streets and outdoor recreation play a vital role in the region's economy and cultural identity, promoting the unique heritage and natural beauty of the region. The Government of Canada understands the importance of the tourism sector and is committed to supporting communities as they build towards a strong future from coast to coast to coast.
During Economic Development Week, we are highlighting the important investments that have been made across Ontario to support the tourism industry. Between 2022 and 2023, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) delivered nearly $140 million through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to help tourism-oriented businesses and organizations across southern Ontario recover from the impacts of the pandemic and safely welcome back visitors.
As part of this investment, more than $13 million was delivered to nearly 190 tourism businesses and organizations in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford and surrounding regions, providing memorable experiences for visitors and positioning the region for success.
For example, the Guelph Black Heritage Society received $45,000 to develop and produce accessible educational resources and promote its Heritage Hall as a culturally and historically significant, inclusive and dynamic tourist destination. As part of this project, the Guelph Black Heritage Society developed educational videos, interactive guides and programming and events that share and celebrate untold stories of Guelph-Wellington's Black community.
TRF support also made a difference in St Jacobs, where the Town of Woolwich and St. Jacobs Business Improvement Area received more than $100,000 to add seasonal outdoor recreational facilities in St. Jacobs Village, to enhance the experience for visitors during the winter months.
Also with this Government of Canada support, Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. (RTO 4) provided non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 to tourism businesses and organizations in the region.
This included support for Eat Local Huron, which received $70,000 through RTO 4 to develop new experiences highlighting agritourism in Huron County. With this support, Eat Local Huron successfully hosted five Farm Crawls at 15 locations around Huron County, where guests had the opportunity to meet with local food producers, learn about agricultural practices and enjoy locally-produced foods.
These investments have been crucial in helping local businesses and organizations welcome more visitors and build stronger, more vibrant communities.
