We are posting this announcement by the Government of Canada as it was originally released as an information post for residents of Lincoln Ontario and surrounding areas. This is great news for all involved!
Eleven organizations expand their experiences to attract more visitors and grow local economies
Located by picturesque waterfronts, bustling urban centers, and charming rural landscapes, the Niagara Region attracts visitors with a blend of cultural landmarks, world-class wineries, vibrant arts scenes and historic sites, making it the ideal stop for travelers seeking memorable experiences.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre; and Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, visited the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum (NOTL Museum). While there, PS Badawey and PS Bittle announced an investment of over $1.3 million for 11 tourism organizations across the Niagara Region and surrounding areas that are diversifying their offerings and contributing to attracting visitors to the region. This includes four projects that support Indigenous tourism.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum was established in 1895 to foster an appreciation of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s rich heritage. With an investment of $100,000, the museum is designing and installing new exhibit displays with technology and accessibility elements. In collaboration with local historians, these new displays will include under-told stories of Niagara, such as Black and Indigenous history. Once complete, this enhanced museum experience is expected to draw more tourists to discover the area’s diverse history, boosting local tourism and supporting the regional economy.
Additional information on projects receiving support through the Tourism Growth Program is included in the backgrounder .
The Government of Canada is investing in tourism projects in the region to support new products and experiences that will support southern Ontario’s tourism economy for generations to come.
Quotes
“Tourism businesses and organizations grow communities, create jobs and stimulate a strong local economy. The Government of Canada supports the growth of tourism businesses and organizations so they can enhance their unique experiences and attractions that draw visitors from far and wide to the region, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity for years to come.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Southern Ontario’s tourism sector is an incredibly important economic driver and provides jobs for Canadians from all walks of life. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local organizations like the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum. As we continue to invest in the sector, we will help bring more domestic and international visitors to the region to discover all that it has to offer.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism
“The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is an iconic destination that captures the essence and history of our region. With investments like those made today, communities across Niagara are positioned to strengthen our region’s attractions, exposing all of what Niagara has to offer to the over 14 million visitors who come to our world-class destination annually.”
– Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre
“The Niagara Region is one of the most iconic tourism regions in Canada, drawing visitors from around the world. Today’s announced investments into our parks, arts sector, Indigenous culture, and more will have a lasting impact on the businesses and organizations that enrich our local community as a top destination.”
– Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
“As a community with history that includes major national and provincial milestones, this support is instrumental in bringing these stories to light for the many tourists who visit Niagara-on-the-Lake each year. Our revamped displays will help revitalize our Museum to become a stronger tourism destination and help to diversify the tourism economy of Niagara. We are so grateful for this funding from the Tourism Growth Program.”
– Sarah Kaufman, Managing Director/Curator, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Quick facts
- The Niagara Historical Society was established in 1895 to foster an appreciation of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s rich heritage. In 1907 they opened Memorial Hall, Ontario’s first purpose-built Museum. They own and operate the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum which has a mandate to collect, preserve, research, educate and promote the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and its communities.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is currently undergoing a $10 million expansion and renovation project to expand accessibility and create new spaces and opportunities to bring the community into the museum.
- Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the $108-million Tourism Growth Program, over three years, to support businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.
- A new application intake for the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario is now open and receiving applications until September 17, 2024. Tourism businesses and organizations can visit the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario page to see if they are eligible and submit an application.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in nearly 1,450 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to have supported over 24,500 jobs.
