Ottawa, Ontario
With its historic landmarks, natural beauty and cultural festivals, Ottawa is a prime tourism destination in Canada. By attracting domestic and international visitors, the local tourism sector is contributing to good jobs and economic growth in the community and across Ontario.
Today, Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), attended the opening of the 2024 Canadian Tulip Festival to announce a combined FedDev Ontario investment of $530,000 through the Tourism Growth Program for the Canadian Tulip Festival, the Ottawa Children's Festival del la Jeunesse and South Nation Conservation. MP Lalonde was joined by the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, and Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre.
With an investment of $130,000, the Canadian Tulip Festival has added an expansion to the UV-lit tulip garden, located in the ByWard Market, a highlight of this year's festival. The expansion includes giant artificial flower gardens and displays, all of which are illuminated by UV light at night. This expansion will attract visitors from all over, providing attendees with a large-scale immersive garden and unique pollinator-focused educational experience. It will also draw people to see and shop all the ByWard Market has to offer.
The Ottawa Children's Festival de la Jeunesse will receive a $200,000 investment to expand the festival from a four-day event to five days, which will include the addition of evening events and weekend interactive experiences and performances. This will help to attract new and diverse audiences and communities.
Through an investment of $200,000, South Nation Conservation will revitalize the original Findlay Creek Boardwalk to enable safe and accessible access to the Leitrim Wetland, a significant wetland and biodiversity hotspot for active outdoor experiences. This project also includes the installation of a new trailhead and signage.
The Government of Canada is supporting tourism businesses and organizations that attract visitors to the region while contributing to the local economy and positioning Canada as an all-season destination of choice.
