Government of Canada invests nearly $7.5 million in community infrastructure and tourism to grow the economy across the Golden Horseshoe

Press Release

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

FedDev Ontario supports over 30 projects in Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand-Norfolk and Brant to enhance public spaces and attract visitors

January 9, 2023

The Golden Horseshoe is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in North America. With destinations like the Niagara Escarpment and lakeshore, this area is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The many exceptional museums and cultural attractions, and local culinary offerings are popular with visitors and residents alike. Supporting the tourism sector and vibrant local spaces is important to sustaining our communities. With investments from the Government of Canada, communities are able to rebound from the pandemic and position themselves for a strong future.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain, announced a total investment of nearly $7.5 million for 31 projects across the Golden Horseshoe, including Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand-Norfolk and Brant. These investments, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), will create and rejuvenate 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 Dundas Valley School of Art, which received a non-repayable contribution of over $50,000 to upgrade its outdoor space with a butterfly and native species garden, seating and covering for shade.

The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre received a non-repayable contribution of $75,000 to renovate the heritage-listed “Custom House” to be more accessible and energy efficient.

An additional 29 community infrastructure and tourism projects are receiving support to aide in recovery from the pandemic, safely welcome back visitors and strengthen communities. For more information about the projects, please see the backgrounder.

Quotes

“The investment announced today for the tourism sector and community infrastructure in the Golden Horseshoe will help to bring back visitors, modernize public spaces, and prepare for a strong future. With investments like the 31 community infrastructure and tourism projects announced today, our government is making smart investments that put people first and grow local economies that work for everyone.”

– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas

“Across the Golden Horseshoe, we are fortunate to have vibrant and diverse community spaces and tourist attractions that are integral to the unique character of the region. These spaces are not only a source of pride for locals, but also an attraction for visitors who want to experience the culture and spirit of this region. This investment is helping to ensure these attractions and spaces remain and grow.”
– Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain

“The investments made through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund and Canada Community Revitalization Fund, like those made today for our region, are helping communities and businesses across Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe welcome back tourists and prepare for a strong, resilient future.”
– Chad Collins, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek

“Dundas Valley School of Art is grateful to FedDev Ontario for its support in the creation of a native pollinator garden. The rehabilitation brings a beautiful welcoming space to our community neighbours, while providing a source of inspiration for art students of all ages.”
– Kathron Hann, Acting Executive Director and Director of Business Operations, Dundas Valley School of Art

Quick facts

• Founded in 1964, the Dundas Valley School of Art is a hub for artists and art instruction, offering courses, lectures and workshops that bring together artists of all ages and backgrounds.
• The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre is a community museum and multidisciplinary arts centre that was established more than 25 years ago, offering a range of exhibitions, workshops, educational programs, digital projects, and community events that explore perspectives in labour history, social justice and contemporary labour issues.
• 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 $170 million in more than 270 projects in Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand-Norfolk and Brant estimated to create over 2,000 jobs and maintain over 4,300 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
• Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF)
• Dundas Valley School of Art
• Workers Arts and Heritage Centre

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
[email protected]

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
[email protected]

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