The federal government has announced plans to invest nearly $4-million to support several tourism and infrastructure projects around London.
Speaking at the London Children's Museum on Tuesday, Helena Jaczek, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said over $3.7-million is being invested in 10 projects within the city, including enhancements to parts of downtown London and other municipal facilities, venues and annual events.
"Our government is investing in community infrastructure and tourist attractions to bring neighbourhoods together and attract tourists from around the world," Jaczek said in a release. "Today’s investment, including support for the new London Children’s Museum, will help the London community strengthen public infrastructure and enhance tourist attractions to drive resilient economic growth and job creation for the region."
The London Children's Museum, currently located at 21 Wharncliffe Road South, is receiving $500,000 to adapt the top floor of the former Kellogg’s cereal factory into its new children's museum. The federal government also included an investment of $190,000 to restore and preserve the Holy Roller, a World War II Canadian Army Sherman Tank.
Other projects receiving funds include a $500,000 investment to extend the season at Boler Mountain. Over $1.5-million will be doled out toward City of London projects in Hyde Park and downtown, including a revitalization of the King Street Parkette and the implementation of a "Welcome to the Heart of London" project.
The funding is made through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, which supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, and the Tourism Relief Fund, which helps tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth.