PORT COLBORNE, Ont. — Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, Vance Badawey, announced a non-repayable Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) investment of $2 million for the Regional Municipality of Niagara to support the recovery of Ontario’s major tourist hub.
The funding will provide tourism businesses with up to $20,000 in non-re-payable contributions to support costs associated with implementing enhanced safety protocols for re-opening, such as space renovations and retrofits, purchase of equipment, fixtures and personal protective equipment and technology. The funding is being delivered in partnership with the following municipalities: Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Pelham, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet, Welland and West Lincoln. In total, the funding is expected to support more than 150 businesses and maintain approximately 325 jobs.
“In the Niagara region, tourism is a way of life. So many individuals work in this sector that need a helping hand right now. Our government is here for you. With today’s investment, we’re providing targeted support to the local businesses that depend on tourism, and helping this sector stay resilient while preparing for a strong future,” says Badawey.
“Canada’s tourism industry is a valuable part of our economy, and also how we export our identity to the world. In the Niagara Region, tourism is an important part of life and we know this has been disrupted by the global health crisis,” says Melanie Joly, Minster of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the FedDev. “This funding from FedDev Ontario will help businesses and communities in the Niagara Region cover costs associated with improving safety and adapting to changing protocols. To those in the tourism sector: we’re here for you and will continue to support you as Canada’s tourism works toward future recovery and revitalization.”
“Our tourism operators are critical contributors to Niagara’s economy, and while they have been hit especially hard by this pandemic, they have also shown remarkable resiliency and innovation,” says Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair. “On behalf of Regional Council, I would like to thank FedDev Ontario for this direct financial support, which will go a long way in helping the many small, medium and large tourism operators across Niagara continue to weather this storm and keep Niagara on the path to economic prosperity.”
