March 9, 2020 - Haliburton, Ontario
Located in the heart of the village of Haliburton, Head Lake Park is a popular destination for hiking, water sports, and many seasonal festivals and events. With the goal of increasing year-round use of the park by residents and visitors, the Municipality of Dysart et al is undertaking a construction project that will improve park facilities and draw more visitors to the region.
Enhanced infrastructure to attract tourists
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced that the Municipality of Dysart et al is receiving $375,000 to build an all-season visitor centre in the Village of Haliburton's Head Lake Park. The project includes construction, HVAC and plumbing connection and installations, as well as equipment purchases and other activities associated with building the new facility.
This investment is made through FedDev Ontario's Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports the creation, improvement or enhancement of tourism products, facilities and experiences.
In addition to the increased all-season use and accessibility of this rural park, the new accessible visitor centre, infrastructure as well as additional events and programs will strengthen the tourism industry and benefit the region.
Quotes
"Strong regional economies are essential for Canada's success and sustainability. We are working with you to help businesses and innovators grow, succeed and create good jobs for Canadians. For that, we need to work together to make the right investments that will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This investment will help the draw more visitors to the Village of Haliburton and boost year-round, tourism experiences at the park."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
"Head Lake Park is the centre of action in our little village of Haliburton year round for so many festivals, events and everyday activities. We identified a need for accessible public washrooms and a visitor centre years ago but without this support we have not been able to make this a reality. We look forward to the construction of this fabulous new addition to our park!"
- Her Worship Andrea Roberts, Mayor, Municipality of Dysart et al
Quick facts
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Tourism represents more than two percent of Canada's gross domestic product, and supports nearly 740,000 direct jobs in Canada.
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Canada's new tourism strategy: Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy highlights the importance of Canada's tourism sector as an economic driver for communities across the country.
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Regional development agencies are one of Canada's four flagship platforms supporting innovation, along with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
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Canada has six regional development agencies supporting economic development in every region of Canada.
