The federal government is giving nearly two dozen community spaces and tourism attractions in London and four nearby counties a $4.5 million boost to draw visitors back.
London West MP Arielle Kayabaga announced the tourism recovery dollars from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) on Friday.
The money is intended to help the 22 recipients in London, Middlesex County, Oxford County, Elgin County, and Norfolk County rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic which kept people away for the past couple of years.
“Investments in tourism and community spaces are not only vital for economic growth, but they also strengthen the social fabric of a community and preserve its unique identity for future generations to enjoy,” said Kayabaga. “Today’s investment in community infrastructure and tourism in London and southwestern Ontario will have a lasting impact on our local communities.”
The funding announcement was held at the Greek Canadian Community Centre of London and Vicinity. The location is one of the community spots getting a cut of the money. The centre is slated to get $305,600 to improve outdoor recreational fields, greenspace and its roof.
Among the others receiving funding for upgrades is Kustermans Adventure Farms in Mt. Brydges. It will be getting $71,331 to create a new winter farm festival with campfires, Christmas trees education, bale adventure zones, and snowman bowling. The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority is getting $750,000 to expand the Longwoods Road Resource Centre and create a new Indigenous community education centre. Over $639,000 is going to Central Elgin to upgrade amenities and accessibility of Belmont Union Street Park with paths, washrooms, pickleball courts, outdoor fitness equipment and playground equipment. Catfish Creek Conservation Authority will receive $131,000 to modernize its maple syrup festival with a marketing campaign, new automated gates and electrical services, updated Sugar Shanty, and enhance children’s programming. Delaware Speedway will get $100,000 to add a new concert to its speedway concert series.
The full list of projects included in Friday’s funding announcement can be found by clicking here.
Read original story from London Ontario – BlackburnNews.com