Boost for Southern Ontario Tourism: Your Family Fun and Local Economy Thrive!
Families, small businesses, and communities across Southern Ontario have a big reason to celebrate. The Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a $2.3 million investment through the Tourism Growth Program to support over 20 tourism destinations, including the beloved London Children’s Museum. This funding means more exciting places for you to explore, stronger local economies, and vibrant community spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“Places like the London Children’s Museum bring visitors from near and far for family-friendly fun,” said Minister Sahota during her visit to the museum’s new state-of-the-art facility at 100 Kellogg Lane. Joined by Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Arielle Kayabaga, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Sahota highlighted how the museum’s $200,000 allocation is transforming the visitor experience. With eight new permanent exhibits, fully accessible washrooms, quiet areas, and spaces for travelling exhibits, your family can now enjoy a doubled museum space that inspires learning and play in fresh ways since its January 2025 opening.
Here’s how this benefits you: the $2.3 million investment across 23 organizations enhances Southern Ontario’s tourism offerings, creating new attractions and community spaces that draw visitors year-round. For families, it means more destinations like the London Children’s Museum to make lasting memories. For local businesses, increased tourism—supported by FedDev Ontario’s focus on extending the tourism season—brings more customers to your shops, restaurants, and services, boosting your economic growth. And for communities, these projects strengthen cultural and recreational hubs, fostering pride and connection.
“Southern Ontario is a year-round destination, from vibrant cityscapes to charming small towns,” Sahota added. “This funding ensures you have more reasons to explore, support local, and see your region shine.” Building on FedDev Ontario’s history of tourism support—like the $140 million Tourism Relief Fund delivered between 2022 and 2023—these investments align with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, promising a thriving future for your tourism sector.
