The federal government is highlighting investments made to help tourism operators recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including two local projects.
About 180 tourism operators across Southwestern Ontario shared $18.4-million from the Tourism Relief Fund, including the Caldwell First Nation and the Essex County Black Historical Research Society.
The society is working on a series of interactive murals in downtown Windsor that show the history of African Canadians in the region. It received $100,000.
"This mural project, in conjunction with other work that is currently underway to develop a walking tour, a mobile app, display materials, and a website about the historic McDougall Street Corridor, will be very helpful in revitalizing interest and awareness regarding this important history that has been overlooked for too long," said Irene Moore Davis of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society.
The Caldwell First Nation used the $500,000 it received to revitalize the Indigenous-owed marina near Point Pelee National Park in Leamington. The marina hosts community events, sport fishing, canoe excursions and adventures along the adjacent boardwalk. The funding will help expand the marina, creating a tourism destination for those who want to connect to nature.
"Caldwell First Nation is appreciative of the Tourism Relief Fund support provided by FedDev Ontario and the Government of Canada," said Caldwell First Nation Economic Development Officer Alex Kajtar. "With this investment, we were able to make key upgrades to our marina."
The grants were awarded in 2022 and 2023.