Canada’s tourism sector is an essential contributor to the Canadian economy. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector was generating $102 billion in annual economic activity, 1.8 million jobs and accounted for over two percent of GDP. However, the sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. During these challenging times, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to ensure that tourism businesses and organizations, as well as municipalities and Indigenous communities dependent on the sector, are resourced and ready to ramp up quickly to welcome back visitors.
In recognition of the United Nations’ World Tourism Day, held each year on September 27, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced FedNor investments totalling $9,654,641 to protect, strengthen and grow Northern Ontario’s tourism sector. Provided through the FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) (identified below) and the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), the investments will support 74 tourism projects in municipalities and Indigenous communities across the region.
Below is a list of area recipients:
Parry Sound-Muskoka
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
$500,000
The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is receiving $500,000 to expand its facilities and create new exhibits.
Regional Tourism Organization 12 Parry Sound / Muskoka (RTO12)
$175,000
RTO12 is receiving FedNor funding of $175,000 through the NODP to develop and implement a series of strategies to help tourism businesses bounce back and thrive post pandemic.
Clear Lake Village Resort
$100,000
Clear Lake Village Resort will receive $100,000 to create an outdoor rink with artificial ice surface.
Terrawoods on Muskoka Shores
$100,000
Terrawoods on Muskoka Shores is receiving $100,000 to establish six new glamping units, a spa with hot tubs and a massive floating water park at the beach.
In Inn Holding Inc.
$100,000
In Inn Holding Inc. is receiving $100,000 to develop a tourism experience that uses augmented reality, storytelling and geocaching to guide visitors through historic Bracebridge and the 150 year-old Inn at the Falls.
Lake of Bays Marine Museum and Navigation Society
$90,754
Lake of Bays Marine Museum and Navigation Society is receiving $90,754 through the NODP to refurbish and upgrade the SS Bigwin tour ship.
Algonquin Outfitters
$24,883
Algonquin Outfitters is receiving $24,883 to enhance cultural tourism by creating a space for Algonquin people to reconnect with ancestral practices through a hands-on birch bark canoe build.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Click here to support local news