Today, Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries joined Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, to announce over $400,000 in funding to help propel the local arts and tourism sectors.

“Our sectors were hit first, the hardest and will take the longest to recover,” said Minister MacLeod. “As our government moves forward with reopening the province, we are proud to support numerous organizations that build up our unique communities and put our tourism industry on a path to recovery.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, the government has continued to invest in Ontario’s tourism and creative sectors. Through Community Museum Operating Grants, the Celebrate Ontario program and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the government has made investments to enrich local and visitor experiences, including:

· $64,000 for the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce

· $42,700 for the Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding and Family Camp Inc.

· $75,980 for the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library

· $63,534 for the Grey Roots Museum & Archives

· $7,830 for the Symphony in the Barn Events for Every Season

“Heritage, sport, tourism and culture play key roles in our lives. Our local museums, art galleries, tourism operators and all of the great associations and businesses that operate in this field are a vital part of our communities,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker. “I want to thank Minister MacLeod for her commitment to help and provide support to our local associations. This investment is certainly a welcome and timely boost to our local communities as we continue to recover from COVID-19.”

Our government is committed to continuing its work with our province’s tourism and arts sectors to ensure that as the economy gradually reopens, Ontario will be in the best position to welcome the world back to our province.

source: media release, MPP Bill Walker