The Ontario government is investing $ 105 million to help recover from COVID-19 and improve the quality of life

The Ontario government has some welcome news for one of the hardest hit sectors of our economy, and on Tuesday announced news of a $ 105 million investment in our tourism, cultural, sports and recreation nonprofits through the new Community Building Fund. Funding will be managed through two separate funding streams and is designed to help those looking to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Minister for Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod describes the investment as a “critical part” the province’s plan to support the economic and social recovery of communities across Ontario.

Explore Waterloo Region’s CEO, Minto Schneider, offers her perspective on the benefits this investment could bring. Regarding the experience of dealing with the ongoing pandemic, Schneider said that since the COVID-19 success a little over a year ago, our local tourism, cultural, sports and recreation organizations have had problems -offs and lower customer volumes than usual . While Schneider admitted it was a “roller coaster ride” for these industries, she believes this funding will make a critical difference in helping beneficiaries.

“Both the federal and state governments have tried hard to support small and large companies throughout this period. The challenge for tourism companies (…) is that we are not returning anywhere near as quickly,” said Schneider. “This makes it necessary for the government to take the lead to support our companies through the processes longer than other companies that are already starting to recover.”

Provincial funding is provided through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, a Department of Sports, Tourism and Culture agency committed to building healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario through grants to nonprofits. These funds will be provided through two separate funding streams. The $ 55 million operational funding stream is expected to open for applications in late March. This is used to fund non-profit organizations to keep operations going and enable new experiences and events. The second capital funding stream of $ 50 million will be available to local governments and nonprofits and will open later in 2021.

While Schneider said she is still waiting for more details on what will be available on the operational flow of funding, she expects funding for our local museums, theaters, and heritage organizations that have had problems accessing dollars from the provincial and federal governments , could be effective in preparing their operations to safely reopen. In addition, Schneider expects to provide funds to improve the experiences that are already available and known to visitors and residents of the region.

“That could be putting together itineraries for the large number of bike lanes in the area – making it easier for people to find their way around and plan a 25- or 40-mile trip for the day – and possibly stop them Encourage them to grab a bite to eat on their way to a craft brewery or restaurant. “

Schneider said our local tourism industry had been working to motivate local residents “to leave their garden behind – since June last year, as support for local restaurants and cultural organizations continues – although she said companies do something above all else need to be able to reopen to welcome residents and visitors alike.

“It is good news that the provincial government is paying attention to what the industry is asking,” said Schneider. “I am glad to see that there is more support and I can only hope that the federal government will continue this too.”