FeNor has announced it is boosting the tourism industry with a total of $7.6 million in funding to support Northern communities to help job creation and assist with funding to promote the tourism industry which has been crippled due to COVID-19.
In Nipissing, Discovery Routes Trails Organization is receiving $82,800 in funding. The money will be used to implement a marketing strategy for the Voyageur Cycling Route in Northeastern Ontario.
"Discovery Routes is thrilled that the Federal government is supporting the Voyageur Cycling Route as an experience that will help the tourism sector recover," stated Jennifer McCourt, Executive Director of Discovery Routes.
"Cycling has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade with a rapidly growing demand for cycling destinations that connect visitors to the local community. In the context of COVID-19, bicycle tourism presents an opportunity for businesses to welcome back tourists that are attracted to Northern Ontario’s wide-open spaces and natural landscapes while sharing our stories of local heritage and culture."
Other area organizations receiving funding:
Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve gets $250,000 to Expand the Georgian Bay Biosphere EcoAdventures Tourism experience.
Muskoka Chautauqua gets $31,500 to hire a youth intern to revitalize and position the historic village of Windemere as an international cultural hub in Muskoka.
Township of Armour gets $25,000 to establish the Almaguin Harvest Spin Project, a cycling event designed to enhance tourism in the region.
Tourism Northern Ontario gets $50,000 to launch the Experience Fishing Program, a three-year pilot project designed to train lodge-based tourism operators to attract and service new market segments.
Muskoka Tourism gets $36,000 to support Multicultural Tourism Growth throughout the Muskoka region.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, which is why the Government of Canada has implemented a series of concrete and tangible measures to help them retain their employees, pay rent and get capital to cover costs," the FedNor release stated.
"Furthermore, it continues to help more businesses in key sectors like tourism through FedNor and the five other Regional Development Agencies. In partnership with local organizations, FedNor is working to support regional economies and create good, well-paying jobs in communities across Northern Ontario."
In total, the FedNor funding will support 36 tourism initiatives led by communities, businesses and organizations in the region.
"Our message to the sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it is clear: we’re here for you now with immediate measures, we’ll be here for you as our economy reopens and we’ll get through this together, and come back stronger than before. We’re working with you," stated Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor.
