Manitoba tourism gets $1.85M boost from Ottawa
The federal government is investing more than $1.85 million to boost tourism in Manitoba.
Rosé Beach House, nestled in Winnipeg Beach, is among nine organizations receiving money from the Tourism Growth Program from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PEDC). They will receive $350,000 to expand the boutique hotel to include a second building and spa, founder Liz Crawford told CBC News.
"For people who are looking to expand and grow their business … with our economy today, it's very difficult to check all the boxes with the bank," Crawford said, adding the financial boost is "going to help a lot of people be able to thrive and provide more opportunities and employment."
Crawford will use the funds to break ground on a second building this spring — doubling the number of rooms to 12 and building a spa retreat on recently purchased land nearby.
Growing tourism is vital for thousands of jobs and driving economic growth in Manitoba, according to Terry Duguid, federal minister of sport and Prairies economic development Canada. Travel Manitoba estimates around $1.8 billion is generated every year through tourism in the province.
"Today's announcement is about shining a light on all of the great things that are happening in our great province year-round," Duguid said. "This investment does more than boost tourism. It drives economic growth, it creates jobs and expands opportunities for Manitobans."
At present, the Rosé has one full-time employee handling marketing and other duties, along with about eight sub-contractors helping with maintenance and cleaning, Crawford said. She expects to double the number of jobs once the expansion is completed.
The Rosé currently uses Airbnb for check-ins — something that began during COVID-19 because it was simple to use and offered visitors contactless check-in, Crawford said. She expects they will shift away from Airbnb bookings when the second building opens.
Other sites receiving support include:
The National Indigenous Residential School Museum, $350,000.
The Churchill Chamber of Commerce to create an artificial intelligence-powered northern lights tracker, $250,000.
Assiniboine Park Conservancy to develop and implement a winter activation program, $250,000.
The Exchange District Business Improvement Zone to expand the public art festival, $150,000.
MASS Investments Inc. to create a glamping accommodation experience in Pinawa, $152,875.
Pinawa Unplugged Ltd. to develop multi-day active tourism offerings and improve accommodations in Pinawa, $118,685 .
The Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba to support export readiness activities for tourism operators, $125,000.
Falcon Trails Resort Inc. to enhance a recreational alpine and Nordic ski facility, $99,999.
To qualify for the program communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations applied to PEDC and were reviewed based on different criteria to determine their eligibility.
Lorraine Daniels, executive director of the National Indigenous Residential School Museum, says the funding will aid the museum's mission of ensuring residential school survivors' stories are preserved, shared and understood.
Major improvements are in the works, including hiring a collections curator and an exhibits curator who are transforming the museum into a premier cultural and educational destination, Daniels said.
The museum welcomes tourists from around the world, educating people about the dark legacy of residential schools in Canada and their continued impact on Indigenous communities, she said.
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