Latest news with #TourismGrowthProgram
CBC
13-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
3 Hamilton festivals get loans from Ottawa to help in a year with tourism uncertainty
Three prominent Hamilton festivals — FrancoFEST, Because Beer, and Festitalia — are receiving loans worth $320,000 from the federal government to support their growth, attract more visitors and boost the local economy. The funding for these festivals is being provided by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of its Tourism Growth Program. The funding was announced on March 7. While the financial support will help expand the events, some of the festival organizers are worried about the impact of ongoing tariff war, including a possible decline in U.S. attendance this year. Lanciné Koulibaly is director general of Centre Francophone Hamilton which runs FrancoFEST, an event serving the local Francophone community that has been running for more than 35 years. It takes place over three days in June. Koulibaly said despite the new funding, he feels worried about the year ahead. "We are expecting some decline in U.S. attendance, especially with the current economic climate and the tariff situation," he told CBC Hamilton this week. But the funds will help, he added, and allow FrancoFEST and other local festivals to make a bigger impact, particularly in attracting new audiences locally and creating economic opportunities for Hamilton's local businesses. FrancoFEST is expecting about 6,000 people this year, he said. Because Beer expanding to Guelph Meanwhile, Tim Potocic, founder of Sonic Unyon Records which runs the Because Beer Craft Beer Festival, is hoping a favourable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar could encourage U.S. visitors. The funding will allow his team to expand the festival into Guelph, in addition to Hamilton, and to "enhance the overall experience," said Potocic, whose team also runs Supercrawl and event space Bridgeworks. Because Beer, which first launched in 2014, is expecting about 10,000 people to attend in Hamilton this year — it runs at Pier 4 Park in July — and another 3,000-5,000 in Guelph. However, Potocic emphasized, funding awarded to the festivals is not a grant but a repayable loan. The $185,000 Because Beer received has a two-year repayment plan starting in January 2027, he said. Both Potocic and Koulibaly said that their team had applied for a higher amount but are happy with what they received. FrancoFest is receiving $38,500 and Festitalia $100,000. "It's allowing us to finance an expansion at a higher level than I would have been able to on my own," Potocic said. CBC Hamilton reached out to the organizers of Festitalia, which celebrates 50 years this year during a two-expo in June, but did not receive a response before publication.
CBC
22-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
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.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal investments boost Saskatchewan tourism experiences
Tourism offerings and infrastructure across Saskatchewan will benefit from federal investments totalling over $2 million SASKATOON, SK , Feb. 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Tourism is an important and growing part of the Saskatchewan economy. Statistics Canada reports a strong increase in travel spending in Saskatchewan, generating $2.85 billion in 2023. Tourism operators and communities across Saskatchewan are eager to offer a variety of recreational opportunities to new and returning visitors to experience distinct natural landscapes and cultural attractions. The Government of Canada is investing in tourism projects across Saskatchewan in recognition of the widespread benefits of the industry's continued growth. Today, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced $2,083,074 in federal support for nine Saskatchewan tourism operators and organizations that add value to their communities and the provincial economy. Projects include new year-round and cold weather tourism experiences that showcase the best that Saskatchewan has to offer, from astronomical sights in the dark skies of Cypress Hills, to cultural and traditional experiences linked to Indigenous, Fransaskois and Ukrainian communities. Quotes "Canada offers beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences to all who visit. I am proud that our government is investing in projects that highlight Saskatchewan and the prairies as a world-class tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors. Today's investments will help tourism operators boost their offerings, which supports local economies and communities in Saskatchewan." –The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan "The Prairies offer unique attractions and experiences that put a spotlight on the region's diverse culture and landscapes. Across the country, the Government of Canada is supporting local tourism businesses and organizations through the Tourism Growth Program. In continuing to invest in the tourism industry, we're helping bring more domestic and international visitors to our country's vibrant communities large and small." –The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec "We are very grateful for the funding provided by PrairiesCan, which will enable us to develop new Economuseums® in Saskatchewan, as well as highlighting passionate artisans with exceptional skills, offering visitors an authentic experience." –Kouamé N'Goandi, General Manager, Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS) "We are very pleased that Canada is providing this funding support for our Meadow Lake Tribal Council Regional Tourism Growth Project. This will help us to further develop and market our Meadow Lake Tribal Tourism Company, and all of our affiliated tourism operators. Like we say on our web site, "Let us be your guide!" –Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman, Meadow Lake Tribal Council Quick facts Funding for these projects is provided through PrairiesCan under the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), which provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada's tourism industry. Backgrounder PrairiesCan is investing over $2 million in nine Saskatchewan tourism projects through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP). These investments support unique tourism experiences throughout the province that will provide local, national and global visitors with opportunities to enjoy Saskatchewan's distinct landscape and rich culture. TGP provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The program complements other federal, provincial and territorial supports for tourism and contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada's tourism industry. The Ridge on Amisk Resort Inc., Denare Beach, SK - $221,564This tourist spot is undergoing renovations including heating and electrical improvements, purchase of snow removal equipment, and upgrades to the sewer and water system to expand a seasonal operation for year-round service. This expansion allows the Resort to add new winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing and aurora viewing, as well as adding seasonal Indigenous activities to their tourist offerings. Blackstrap Glamping Resort Ltd. / JTS Tasty Treats Ltd. operating as Little Kahunas, Dundurn, SK - $250,000The recipient is creating a four-season, luxury glamping experience in Blackstrap Provincial Park, including six fully equipped luxury geodomes, site preparation, utility services, interior finishing, decor, furnishings, and hiring four full-time equivalent staff. Visitors to Blackstrap enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities including biking, fishing, water sports, hiking, bird watching, sailing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures Ltd., Maple Creek, SK - $250,000Funding is helping this organization, operating as Treeosix Adventure Parks, build new rental accommodations within the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. The new "dark sky suites" with custom astronomical viewing areas showcase the site's unobstructed view as a Dark Sky Preserve, a designation given to Cypress Hills by Parks Canada, and Alberta and Saskatchewan parks' authorities, in 2004. Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Saskatoon, SK - $250,000This museum is developing tourism experiences and implementing a digital strategy to raise their profile and increase visitor numbers. Established in 1936, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada is North America's oldest Ukrainian museum and houses the largest Ukrainian textile collections in North America, along with thousands of other artefacts and artworks. Waterhen Eco Lodge Ltd., Waterhen Lake, SK - $250,000The recipient, operating as Waters Edge Eco Lodge, is upgrading water treatment capacity and expanding their commercial kitchen. They are also implementing a marketing plan, including a digital marketing strategy for this Indigenous-owned tourism facility. Waters Edge Eco Lodge is an all-season tourism destination on the shores of Greig Lake, within the Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Mounted Police Heritage Centre, Regina, SK - $205,000The Centre, operating as the RCMP Heritage Centre, is developing two new tourism experiences that will expand the centre's product offering to the shoulder seasons. The RCMP Heritage Centre is a place of discovery, exploration, reflection, and reconciliation. Guests of the RCMP Heritage Centre can experience both the historical and modern-day stories of the RCMP through a variety of traditional and multi-media exhibits, and rich educational programming. Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Whitecap, SK - $156,510Whitecap Dakota First Nation is establishing a cutting-edge Geodesic Dome Planetarium at Dakota Dunes Resort, enhancing their renowned stargazing experience with an immersive, year-round attraction. This facility will promote astronomy education and eco-friendly tourism, while minimizing environmental impact. Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS), Regina, SK - $250,000The CÉCS, a Francophone Economic Development Organization (FEDO) and leader in the development of Francophone tourism in Saskatchewan, is receiving support to enable them to develop two new Economuseums®, integrate augmented reality technology into at least three Economuseums® and promote these unique sites across the province. Economuseums® are part of an international model that transforms viable craft enterprises into genuine tourist attractions. They offer visitors an immersion in traditional know-how, allowing them to meet the craftsman directly at his place of work and witness his creative process. MLTC Program Services Inc., Meadow Lake, SK - $250,000To help grow the Indigenous tourism industry in northwest Saskatchewan, MLTC Program Services Inc. is implementing a regional marketing plan and supports, including product development, marketing tools, on-line sales development and a booking system. MLTC represents nine First Nations with over 19,000 members. Associated links Prairies Economic Development Canada Tourism Growth Program Federal Tourism Growth Strategy Stay connected Follow PrairiesCan on Twitter and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada View original content to download multimedia:
