Bruce County has announced a new grant program for local tourism businesses.
The county said it is making $250,000 available through the county and government of Canada. On September 18, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announced the funding for Bruce County. The funding will now be administered through the two local Community Futures Development Corporations.
“Bruce County has an outstanding business community, eager to serve Southern Ontario and beyond. We are excited to see our resilient tourism industry be reinvigorated with this federal funding support and continue to offer exciting experiences to Explore the Bruce,” said Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan.
In recognizing the impact COVID-19 has had on the tourism industry, the grants will be non-repayable contributions of up to $10,000 to local tourism businesses in Bruce County. The money will go towards costs associated with recovery and reopening their operations. Recipients of the grants must provide a minimum of 20 percent toward the total cost of the project. Costs could include personal protective equipment (PPE), renovations to accommodate social distancing, and implementing new safety protocols.
For more information or to apply, visit Saugeen Economic Development Corporation or Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation online.
https://www.bruce.on.ca/index.php
"Our tourism industry and the 1.8 million Canadians it employs have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we’re here for them," said Joly. "This funding from FedDev Ontario will help communities across southern Ontario continue welcoming visitors, adapt to the new reality and prepare for the future. Our message to our tourism sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help Ontario tourism come back strong.”