Whitby – The Durham Region is home to a vivid arts scene, rich historical sites, beautiful waterfronts, and vibrant festivals and events. The region, and neighboring communities in Eastern Ontario, are a stunning four-season destination, attracting visitors with opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Today, on behalf of Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Whitby, visited the Whitby waterfront and learned about the Town of Whitby’s revitalization plan.
PS Turnbull announced an investment of over $600,000 for four organizations across Durham Region, through the Tourism Growth Program, that are enhancing their offerings to attract new visitors to the region. This is part of a total investment of over $1.1 million for nine projects in Durham Region and Eastern Ontario.
As part of this investment, $200,000 will support the Town of Whitby’s revitalization project around Rowe House, which features new space for outdoor water sports, recreation and placemaking areas overlooking the harbour, a rest stop for cyclists, public art, and a new visitor information hub with a hop-on-hop-off food and lights tour. These key upgrades aim to attract out-of-region, year-round visitors, which will lead to important spillover benefits for the region’s hospitality sector and main street businesses.
Further information on these projects funded through the Tourism Growth Program can be found in the backgrounder.
The Government of Canada is investing in tourism projects in the region to support new products and experiences that will support southern Ontario’s tourism economy for generations to come.
“The Durham Region and Eastern Ontario are rich with charming towns, unique arts and culture experiences and stunning natural landscapes that are enjoyed by the many tourists who visit each year. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting tourism projects, including the nine highlighted today, which will expand their tourism offerings and cement the Durham Region and Eastern Ontario as a destination of choice.” – Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Southern Ontario’s tourism sector is an incredibly important economic driver and provides jobs for Canadians from all walks of life. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local municipalities like the Town of Whitby. As we continue to invest in the sector, we will help bring more domestic and international visitors to the region to discover all that it has to offer.” – Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism