Government of Canada supports Grand River Raceway through the Tourism Relief Fund
News Release
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2023 (Elora, ON) – Grand River Raceway (GRR) receives $50,000 from RTO4, through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, to build 14 new EV Charger Stations for patrons to use on-site for their electric vehicles.
The tourism sector is vital to the economy and jobs in Wellington County and the surrounding area. With the addition of EV charging stations, GRR is proud to provide an option for its patrons and employees to lower our overall carbon footprint. Contributing less fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emissions can help support a healthier environment.
Grand River Raceway received a non-repayable contribution of $50,000 from RTO4 to install 14 Level 2 charging stations. This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). RTO4 received $5 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.
This investment will help GRR adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in Wellington County.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of economies across southern Ontario. Our Government is helping tourism businesses meet their potential with an investment of $78 million which will be delivered through southern Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations and Indigenous Tourism Ontario. Supporting tourism businesses will grow our communities and attract more and more visitors for years to come.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“As we see a shift to more people driving electric vehicles, we felt it was important to build 14 Level 2 EV chargers. This important initiative was another opportunity for us to better our carbon footprint and provide environmentally conscious options to benefit our overall community. This is just one of several initiatives we’ve begun over the years to help lower our environmental impact.”
– Isaac Scott, VP, Finance, Grand River Raceway
“We are immensely grateful to the Government of Canada and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for the ability to support local businesses and organizations in Waterloo, Wellington, Huron and Perth Counties, like Grand River Raceway. Projects like this will make an impact on the road to recovery and reimagination by allowing stakeholders to make strategic investments in product and destination development.”
– Andrea Gardi, Executive Director, RTO4
Quick facts
- RTO4s mission is to develop, enhance and strengthen a results-oriented and sustainable tourism economy through strategic industry partnerships.
- The Government of Canada’s$500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.
Associated Links
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Contacts
Isaac Scott
VP, Finance
Grand River Raceway
Andrea Gardi
Executive Director
RTO4
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
About Grand River Raceway (GRR):
GRR is owned and operated by Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS). Sitting on 53 acres of land with a ½ mile track, its hosts standardbred horse racing from June to September. GRR is also home to Elements Casino and next door to the brand new elegant GrandWay Events Centre. Follow GRR on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
About RTO4
Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. was incorporated in October 2010 as part of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism’s request to build and support a competitive tourism industry in the region. RTO4 supports Wellington County, Waterloo Region, Perth and Huron County in developing and implementing the best destination management tactics to encompass the diverse interests of the area and grow the tourism economy.
About FedDev Ontario
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
