The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) delivers programs and services to support innovation and economic growth in Southern Ontario under the direction of the Federal Ministry of Economic Development and Official Languages.
FedDev recognizes the significant decline in tourism activity for many tourism dependent communities as a result of the COVID – 19 pandemic and wishes to help offset the high costs incurred by tourism-oriented businesses and organizations.
The COVID – 19 Tourism Adaptation Fund—generously provided by FedDev— provided $500,000, to Regional Tourism Organization 9 for tourism-related businesses in the form of a one-time, non-repayable grant of $1,500 – $20,000. Excluding HST.
Eligible communities are outlined on attached map.
*Grant can total up to 80% of net amount of approved project expenses. Applicant is responsible for 20% of net amount of project expenses and HST.
i.e. Expense total: $5,650 including HST
$4,000 – grant amount (80% of net amount of $5,000)
$1,650 – applicant responsibility (20% of net amount plus total HST)
Tourism Operators as defined by and according to Tourism HR Canada include: Accommodation (hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds, and recreational vehicle facilities), Recreation and Entertainment (zoos, museums, theatres, sports facilities, amusement parks, government parks, heritage sites, hunting, fishing or outdoor adventure outfitters, and casinos), Food and beverage services (restaurants from fast service to fine dining, as well as pubs, nightclubs, cruise ships, and convention centres); Travel services (retail travel agencies, wholesale tour companies, or corporate offices with their own booking divisions) and Transportation (companies that provide transport by air, land or water, and include airlines, bus companies, taxi companies, ferry services, and cruise ships). Retail stores heavily dependent on tourism may also be considered.
EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE COSTS INCLUDE:
- Health and safety protocol could be signage, virtual queue, plexi glass partitions etc. Anything that would help the business apply local/provincial health guidelines
- Alterations to accommodate social distancing including expansion of patio space for restaurants (including tables, chairs, umbrellas) and/or acquisition of equipment like outdoor heaters to extend seasons
- The purchase of large-scale PPE or sanitizing equipment (fog machines etc.)
- Cleaning supplies for workers/customers
- The acquisition and implementation of digital tools and operating transformations like virtual queue, timed entry ticketing or contactless check-ins, contactless payment upgrades
All applications will be reviewed by a committee, where final approval will be decided.One-time adaptation and re-opening costs incurred between June 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, by registered businesses.
