Tourism operators in Grey and Simcoe Counties have some pandemic relief funding available to them.
Small and medium enterprises (1-99 employees) may be eligible for up to $20,000 to help them through the pandemic.
A release says Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RT07), Grey and Simcoe Counties and the cities of Barrie and Orillia will be administering non-repayable financial support ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to successful applicants.
RT07 says, the funding is intended to help offset the high cost of keeping tourists and staff safe while adapting to health and safety requirements during the pandemic.
That could include the addition or expansion of patios at restaurants, the plexiglass barriers at counters or between tables, touchless payment systems, reservation systems, sanitization stations and other measures.
They say the funding is not for marketing or marketing related projects.
The response fund has a total of $500,000, to be distributed by RT07. Applicants need to have a matching cash contribution of 20 per cent.
RT07 CEO Bill Sullivan says in a statement, “Tourism is a billion dollar plus, year-round industry in this area and provides employment for tens of thousands of residents seasonally and year-round. The tourism industry is the custodian of many of the natural and manmade assets that make this region one of the most desirable places in Ontario to live, work and play. Tourism affects all of us either directly or indirectly and helps to provide a quality of life that is desired throughout the province and around the world. Maintaining a healthy tourism industry is needed for a healthy community and that industry needs help to survive the COVID Pandemic.”
Tourism businesses include Accommodation, zoos, museums, theatres, sports facilities, amusement parks, government parks, heritage sites, hunting, fishing or outdoor adventure outfitters, and casinos, restaurants from fast service to fine dining, as well as pubs, nightclubs, cruise ships, and convention centres, travel agencies, wholesale tour companies, or corporate offices with their own booking divisions, and transport by air, land or water.
RT07 says it encourages all businesses that are owned, managed, led, or serviced by under-represented groups; Indigenous, Women, Francophone, Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers to Canada, Visible Minorities, and LGBTQ2+ communities to apply. They’re also encouraging Not-For-Profit organizations that support tourists to complete the application.
To apply, visit RTO7.ca