Bruce County’s tourism industry is a major contributor to the economy. Every year millions of travellers visit Bruce County, translating to income and jobs. Recognizing the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on tourism, Bruce County and the Government of Canada continue to support the recovery and growth of this important sector.

On September 18, 2020, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of $250,000 to support the tourism industry in Bruce County.

The funding administered through the two local Community Futures Development Corporations, will provide non-repayable contributions of up to $10,000 to local tourism-oriented businesses to cover costs associated with recovery and reopening their operations. Recipients must provide a minimum of 20 percent toward the total cost of the project. Eligible costs include personal protective equipment, renovations to accommodate social distancing, and implementing new safety protocols.

"Our tourism industry and the 1.8 million Canadians it employs have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we’re here for them. This funding from FedDev Ontario will help communities across southern Ontario continue welcoming visitors, adapt to the new reality and prepare for the future. Our message to our tourism sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help Ontario tourism come back strong.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Bruce County has an outstanding business community, eager to serve Southern Ontario and beyond. We are excited to see our resilient tourism industry be reinvigorated with this federal funding support and continue to offer exciting experiences to Explore the Bruce,” says Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan.

For more information or to apply, visit Saugeen Economic Development Corporation or Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation.

source: media release, Bruce County