FedDev Ontario supports two projects with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to drive community revitalization, tourism and local economic growth
August 24, 2022 – Stouffville, Ontario
Whitchurch-Stouffville, one of Canada’s fastest growing communities, has maintained its rural, small town feel, while attracting new residents and increased visitors. The Government of Canada understands the importance of public spaces and tourist attractions for communities, like Whitchurch-Stouffville, and is committed to supporting them as they recover from the pandemic to position them for a strong future.
Today, the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and Member of Parliament for Markham–Stouffville, announced over $900,000 for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to support two investments in tourism and community infrastructure.
The announcement was made in Civic Square in downtown Whitchurch-Stouffville, at the location of the annual Holiday Market, and a new café district being developed by the Town. A non-repayable contribution of over $340,000 under the Tourism Relief Fund, will support the enhancement of the Downtown Patio Program, revitalization of the community stage and bandshell, restoration of the Sculpture Walk and contributions for the annual Holiday Market to be more inclusive and allow for better incorporation of local businesses. The project will also allow the winter Holiday Market, which was first introduced in 2021, to become a permanent annual event with a larger scope. This project will support 120 downtown businesses through increased traffic.
The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is also receiving a non-repayable investment of more than $560,000, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, to construct a fully accessible playground at Stouffville Memorial Park, replacing two play structures.
With today’s investments, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville will be able to build and enhance community infrastructure, safely welcome back visitors and strengthen the local economy.
“Today, I am happy to be on Main Street to announce important investments for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to help enhance the downtown and draw tourists to this extraordinary region. Our government is making important investments across the country to support strong, vibrant and connected local communities, help drive tourism and create jobs.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville
“We are tremendously thankful to Minister Jaczek and FedDev Ontario for this generous funding. The building of Stouffville’s first fully accessible playground will ensure children of all abilities can play and have fun in a safe environment. With the funding of our Dynamic Downtown Project, local businesses and the arts community will benefit from enhanced events and event spaces.”
– Mayor Iain Lovatt, Corporation of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is a rural community in close proximity to Toronto and is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. The community has maintained rural and communal roots, while transforming into a knowledge-based economy. Whitchurch-Stouffville is home to a highly talented workforce, which includes agricultural, construction, retail trade and manufacturing sectors.
Earlier today, Minister Jaczek announced a FedDev Ontario investment of over $3.1 million for seven community infrastructure and tourism projects in Markham.
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, with a minimum of $50 million of the Fund allocated to supporting Indigenous-led projects or Indigenous-focused projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.
With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $1.6 million in five projects in Stouffville, creating over five jobs and maintaining over 10 jobs.
