Government of Canada invests in tourism recovery and community infrastructure support

News release

FedDev Ontario supports over 20 projects to enhance public spaces and attract visitors in London, Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford and Norfolk counties

March 3, 2023 – London, Ontario

Tourism businesses attract new visitors and grow southern Ontario’s economy. Accessible community spaces enhance southern Ontario’s neighbourhoods. The Government of Canada knows how important the tourism sector and vibrant community spaces are, and is committed to supporting communities as they rebound from the pandemic and position themselves for a strong future.

Today, Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a total investment of over $4.5 million for 22 projects in London and across southwestern Ontario that will support community infrastructure enhancements, tourism recovery and economic development in the region. These investments, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), will create and revitalize community spaces and enhance tourism attractions to welcome more visitors and build stronger, more vibrant communities that will lead to job creation and a growing economy that works for everyone.

The announcement was hosted by the Greek Canadian Community Centre of London and Vicinity, which received an investment of over $300,000 to improve the outdoor recreational fields and greenspace, as well as repair the roof of the facility.

As part of this announcement, Kustermans Adventure Farms received an investment of more than $70,000 to create a new winter farm festival for visitors, including activities such as campfires, Christmas tree education, adventure zones, snowman bowling and more.

An additional 20 community infrastructure and tourism projects are receiving support to recover from the pandemic, safely welcome back visitors and strengthen communities. For more information about the projects, please see the backgrounder.

Quotes

“Enhancing public spaces like the Greek Canadian Community Centre and developing local attractions like Kustermans Adventure Farms brings more visitors to our communities. Offering new and unique experiences showcases all that our towns and cities have to offer, encourages people to shop locally and contributes to a strong economy. Our government supports growing communities across Ontario.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Investments in tourism and community spaces are not only vital for economic growth, but they also strengthen the social fabric of a community and preserve its unique identity for future generations to enjoy. Today’s investment in community infrastructure and tourism in London and southwestern Ontario will have a lasting impact on our local communities.”
- Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West

“The immense support we received from FedDev Ontario through the Tourism Relief Fund helped us repair our community centre - something we could not have done on our own. This support is allowing us to continue to strengthen our community and further our charitable activities.”
- Peter Diavolitsis, Acting President, Greek Canadian Community Centre of London and Vicinity

“Kustermans is greatly appreciative of the Tourism Relief Fund support the Government of Canada has given our farm to help broaden our offerings. We are a seasonal business, typically operating from April to November. Thanks to this generous funding, we will be able to extend our operation with the launch of a new festival in December called “‘Tis the Season”. The addition of this event will allow our guests to experience even more fun with their families, spending time together to create new traditions and lasting memories.”
- Steve Kustermans, CEO, Kustermans Adventure Farms

Quick facts

Established in 1983, the Greek Canadian Community Centre of London and Vicinity is a community charity that promotes Greek culture and traditions, and provides programing to support seniors and community members experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Located in Mount Brydges, Kustermans Adventure Farms is a four-season attraction that provides acres of outdoor fun and incredible memories for all ages, hosting events, birthdays, school tour groups and corporate events.
The Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth, with a minimum of $50 million of the Fund allocated to supporting Indigenous-led projects or Indigenous-focused projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.
With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $140 million in more than 180 projects across London, Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Norfolk counties, estimated to create over 2,300 jobs and maintain over 2,800 jobs.

Associated links

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca