Ontario Investing in Ottawa’s Tourism Sector
OTTAWA — The Ontario government is investing $8 million in Ottawa Tourism and the Ottawa Convention Centre (Shaw Centre) to support tourism sector recovery in one of Ontario’s key gateway cities.
Details were provided today by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries during an announcement alongside Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, and Shaw Centre President and CEO, Nina Kressler.
“Large gateway cities like Ottawa have keenly felt the impact of COVID-19. That’s why our government is making these strategic investments – to foster industry sustainability and to support our convention centre in a key gateway city that attracts a high volume of visitors,” said Minister MacLeod. “This funding will enable the Shaw Centre and Ottawa Tourism to continue to adapt and respond to the new realities facing tourism businesses – ensuring that, when it is safe to do so, they are prepared for a renewed leisure and business travel interest in Canada’s capital.”
Ottawa Tourism will receive $6 million to help with workforce development, marketing a regional brand and creating new niche tourism products and activities – leading to a stronger industry and increased visitation that will benefit regions across the province. The funding will be used to help alleviate losses, aid in recovery, and ensure Ottawa’s tourism businesses are ready to attract more visitors to the national capital region. Many out-of-province visitors to Ontario’s other regions begin or end their time in Ontario in gateway cities such as Toronto and Ottawa.
The Shaw Centre will receive up to $2 million in stabilization funding this year to support its continued operation and maintenance. The funding will be used to cover core operating costs, such as rent, utilities, insurance, and health and safety costs, enabling the Shaw Centre to sustain operations, prevent insolvency and prepare for re-opening.
These investments will help sustain operations, protect jobs, and support short- and long-term recovery planning amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.