The Province is investing nearly $2 million in tourism and culture funding to support Parry Sound-Muskoka as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19 and attracts more domestic and international visitors when safely possible.
Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries was joined by MPP Norman Miller and Michael Martyn, Executive Director of the Festival of the Sound, at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts for the announcement today.
This funding will support four museums via the Community Museum Operating Grants such as the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre and the West Parry Sound District Museum. Over 25 libraries will receive funding through the Public Library Operating Grants totalling over $400,00 in support.
“(It’s) $2 million to boost the tourism economy here in Muskoka at a time when we really need to really support our tourism, cultural and heritage operators as well as our sports groups,” MacLeod told Country 102 in an interview.
14 local festivals and events, such as the Festival of the Sound, will receive over $1.2 million through the Reconnect programs and seven recipients will receive funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation-Resilient Communities Fund.
“It is critical that we continue to support communities, such as Parry Sound, Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and plan for the future,” says MacLeod. “Our government’s investments in local tourism and culture across the province will help boost economies and strengthen communities so that, when it is safe to do so, they are ready to welcome back visitors and once again highlight how Ontario offers the world in one province.”
“I am very pleased to see so much support being provided to the tourism and heritage sectors in Parry Sound – Muskoka,” adds MPP Miller. “Our communities depend on these sectors and their successes are felt by the rest of the region’s economy. I am happy to have the Minister join us today and have enjoyed showing her a glimpse of what the region has to offer.”
Speaking on behalf of one of the region’s recipients, Michael Martyn said “The Reconnect Ontario fund empowers The Festival of the Sound to continue to act as an economic driver for the region. Over the last 42 years, we have brought many of the brightest stars of the music world to perform in Parry Sound, in turn attracting visitors who fill our hotels, restaurants, and even attracts new permanent residents. We aren’t out of the woods yet, but the Government of Ontario is demonstrating tremendous leadership and vision by providing meaningful support at this time.”
Pleased to join Minister @MacLeodLisa and Michael Martyn w @FestoftheSound this morning at the @stockeycentre in #ParrySound to highlight the Ministry's investment of nearly $2million in tourism and culture funding to support Parry Sound – Muskoka!
More @ https://t.co/PUhfGUB9sa pic.twitter.com/GY83na4vNM— Norm Miller (@normanamiller1) August 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/MacLeodLisa/status/1425162887534886915
Photo via Norm Miller’s Twitter Account