FedDev Ontario Invests $8.2M Funding for Niagara Region Tourism

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) delivers a wide range of diverse funding programs that support innovation and economic growth in southern Ontario.

In a series of growing success stories, FedDev Ontario has announced an investment of over $8.2 million in support of 34 projects in the Niagara region to drive community revitalization, tourism, and local growth.

FedDev Ontario programs include the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), the FedDev Ontario Community Economic Development & Diversification Program (CEDD)and FedDev Ontario Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Programwhich offer grant and/or loan funding for a range of projects such as investing millions for agri-food businesses, supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, and revitalizing communities.

“Modern, vibrant community spaces and tourist sites attract millions of visitors to the Niagara region annually, creating jobs and generating important economic growth.”
– Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Niagara Region Receiving FedDev Ontario Funding Support

Niagara region is one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, attracting more than 13 million visitors each year to enjoy the region’s renowned tourist attractions, wineries, museums, shops, restaurants, local parks, and Niagara Falls. Local economies are significantly impacted by tourism spending in the region, which exceeds $2 billion annually.

Thanks in part to nearly $100 million in investments made by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, over 1,200 jobs have been created and over 3,500 jobs have been maintained in the Niagara region since 2015.

“Niagara region, a world class destination, has so much to offer. These investments made through the Government of Canada are helping our communities and businesses welcome back tourists and prepare for a strong, resilient future.”
– Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

From this $8.2 million announcement, here is an overview, as per the Official Recipient List, of the top 10 Niagara projects receiving government funding support from FedDev Ontario for tourism improvements:

1. Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority: $750,000 to improve greenspace infrastructure and increase safe access to six sites throughout the Niagara Watershed.
2. Niagara Falls Public Library: $750,000 to expand and improve the Stamford Library, making it more accessible.
3. Corporation of the Town of Pelham: $750,000 to improve the infrastructure of a community event space at the Town Hall/Peace Park complex.
4. Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie: $750,000 to revitalize downtown Jarvis Street to embrace the historical riverfront area.
5. Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls: $750,000 to improve tennis and basketball courts throughout the City of Niagara Falls.
6. The Niagara Parks Commission: $522,285 to improve landscape and access of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls at the new Niagara Parks Power Station.
7. Bench Brewing: $500,000 to renovate historic church to be used as a venue for large events and expand outdoor patio area.
8. City of Niagara Falls: $500,000 to undertake review of Niagara Falls’ music economy with focus on its impact to grow tourism and extend visitation.
9. Corporation of the Town of Lincoln: $425,000 to construct a community butterfly garden in the Town of Lincoln (Beamsville).
10. Plenty Canada: $180,000 to enhance Jordan Hollow Park by installing contemporary Indigenous public art to create the Jordan Hollow Indigenous Cultural Park.

“The first Indigenous people to encounter Europeans in the Niagara Region were those of the Neutral Nation, an Iroquoian language speaking group. Through this contribution, we will commission public artworks to add to a newly designed Jordan Hollow Park, helping to make it an Indigenous arts and tourism destination.”
– Tim Johnson, Supervisor, Plenty Canada

Ontario Grants and Loans for Business Innovation and Economic Growth

Ontario government funding programs in the form of grants and/or loans can support a wide range of strategic projects, including business expansion, research and development, hiring and training, and capital investment.

Many of these programs are offered via FedDev Ontario, but there are others offered through alternative agencies such as the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor). Browse our Ontario Grants and Funding Directoryto learn more.

If you’re looking to learn more about how to discover, qualify, and understand the Canadian government funding landscape and application process, download our free Mentor Works Canadian Business Funding Guide.