The budget announcement, the government showed support for the Tourism Industry that was hit hard by the COVID-19 Pandemic that caused stay-at-home orders and economic closures to help stop the spread.
A package was presented that included an additional $400 million program that is aimed at tourism and hospitality businesses - in addition to the $225 million that was already announced.
With this funding:
Recipients of the Ontario Small Business Grant will automatically receive a second payment equal to the first (either $10,000 or $20,000) If you did not qualify originally in 2020, there is a special Tourism Grant for $10,000 or $20,000 - to receive this you must show a 20% loss in business.
Applications can be made at //Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport.
Smaller items that included waiving certain costs; whatever was waived in 2020 will be waived in 2021 Tax Credits — Re-stating an announcement first made in the 2020 budget, the government is pledging to introduce legislation for a $150-million tax credit on money spent by Ontario residents on or at Ontario attractions — when it is safe to do so.
Supporting RTOs — The province’s Regional Tourism Organizations will get an additional $15 million through 2022 to help stabilize and support the tourism sector’s efforts to attract domestic and international visitors.
Provincial Parks — An estimated $3.9 million over three years will be used to enhance the visitor experience in provincial parks by using technology to better connect people to the outdoor services and recreation available to them. Day-use of Provincial Parks will also be free in 2021, Monday through Thursday from May 1st to September 2nd.
Ontario Arts Council — Funding to the Council will increase by $10 million in 2021-22.
