The tourism sector in Barrie, Orillia, Simcoe and Gray counties will receive $ 1.2 million in funding that is expected to support 100 businesses and save 225 jobs.
The money is being provided by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to help the tourism industry rebound amid the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Tourism Barrie faces economic hardship amid coronavirus crisis
With the $ 1.2 million, the Regional Tourism Organization is providing 7 (RTO7) tourism-related businesses with non-refundable contributions of up to $ 20,000 to support costs related to the adjustment and eventual reopening, such as Renovations and retrofits as well as the purchase of equipment, furnishings and personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as support with digitization.
One store supported by RTO7 is Travel By Sound, a six-part series of virtual concerts filmed in concert halls in Counties Gray and Simcoe.
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“The tourism industry is no stranger to the struggles caused by COVID-19,” Marie-France Lalonde, parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Economic Development and Official Languages, said in a statement Tuesday.
With today’s funding announcement, FedDev Ontario is providing targeted assistance to approximately 100 companies as they prepare for a more resilient future. This investment ensures that the tourism sector here in Counties Gray and Simcoe, Barrie and Orillia will stay strong and vibrant for the months and years to come. “
Tourism Barrie is releasing an 18-month recovery plan amid the reopening of Phase 3 in Ontario
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard said tourism is vital to the vitality of the community and that local businesses and their employees need support.
“We need to support these local businesses and the people they employ not just to recover, but to thrive as they reopen their doors to visitors in a post-pandemic world,” Brassard said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The tourism sector continues to demonstrate its resilience by adapting to challenges and this funding will help maintain jobs and prepare Barrie Innisfil companies for a strong comeback.”
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