FedDev Ontario / RTO8 Tourism Relief Fund

News Release
For Immediate Release

Government of Canada supports Kawarthas Norhumberland through the Tourism Relief Fund

Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) to deliver $3 million in federal funding to support tourism businesses in Kawarthas Northumberland

May 02, 2022 Hastings, Ontario

Tourism is essential to the vitality of small businesses and communities in Kawarthas Northumblerland, with millions of visitors drawn to the area’s attractions each year. The Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) ensures that Canadian tourism destinations can receive the support they need to continue to attract visitors as Canada recovers from the pandemic and we continue to grow our economy.

On April 6, the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced a non-repayable investment of $68.5 million for 11 Regional Tourism Organizations across southern Ontario and the Indigenous Tourism Ontario.

As part of this investment, RTO8 is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $3 million through the Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by FedDev Ontario. With this funding, RTO8 is providing eligible tourism businesses in Kawarthas Northumberland (Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough City and County and Northumberland County) with non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 to help local tourism businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic and invest in new products and services to attract visitors and drive growth in the region. This support will ensure the tourism sector in Kawarthas Northumberland has the tools to innovate and find new business opportunities as we safely welcome back tourists from within Canada and around the world.

Tourism businesses in Kawarthas Northumberland can visit rto8.com to learn more about available funding and how to apply.

Quotes

“The tourism sector is vital to the health of local economies in southern Ontario and creates jobs in communities across the region. Through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, RTO8 will be able to deliver financial support to local tourism businesses in Kawarthas Northumberland to help them recover from the impacts of the pandemic, attract new visitors and drive economic growth in our communities.”– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

“An area rich with lakes, forests, attractions and outdoor activities, the region around Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Port Hope and Cobourg attracts more than 4.7 million tourists each year. Our government’s investment of $3 million is helping local tourism companies to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic and welcome back visitors through enhanced experiences and products.” – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Tourism is a multi-million-dollar, year-round industry in Kawarthas Northumberland and provides employment for tens of thousands of residents seasonally and year-round. The tourism industry is starting to recover but needs assistance to meet the changing travelling patterns of today’s tourist. Sustainable and inclusive tourism options that meet the needs of the tourist will also meet the needs of the residents within the region. Maintaining a healthy tourism industry is part of a healthy community.”  – Brenda Wood, Executive Director, Regional Tourism Organization 8

Quick fact

• The Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly$120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.

• Regional Tourism Organization 8
• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)