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.
The lighting improvements will replace aging infrastructure, including new poles and LED light fixtures, to provide more light with lower electricity usage and dimming controls. These changes provide a safer, improved experience for nighttime skiing and snowboarding. The improvement was completed in time for the 2022-2023 ski season.
This investment will help the Chicopee Ski Club adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Quotes
“Tourism is a cornerstone in economies across southern Ontario. That is why our Government has invested $78 million through southern Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations and Indigenous Tourism Ontario to help tourism businesses meet their potential and contribute to growing local economies. Supporting these organizations will ensure that we have strong communities that welcome more and more visitors, now and into the future.”
- The Honorable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Our government knows that tourism is a key pillar of the vibrancy and economic health of our communities. For generations, Chicopee has been one of our region’s leading outdoor activity attractions for locals and tourists alike. The funds invested through the Tourism Relief Fund will ensure that Chicopee has the support it needs to secure the safer, greener and more reliable infrastructure required, and position the popular ski club to welcome back visitors today and for years to come.”
- Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South–Hespeler
"The impact of this support provided by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario and RT04 will help Chicopee improve its efficiency and help us provide a great recreational experience. This funding is a building block for the beginning of our plan to improve and expand Chicopee to be the best destination for family skiing and snowboarding in southwestern Ontario.”
- Bill Creighton, CEO, Chicopee Ski Club
“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 the Chicopee Ski Club. 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
Associated Links
· RTO4
Contacts
Bill Creighton, CEO
The Chicopee Ski Club
519-894-1166
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
Andrea Gardi
Executive Director
RTO4
About Chicopee Ski Club
Since 1934, Chicopee has been creating unique, fun-filled experiences for skiers and snowboarders in the community. Chicopee has since expanded to provide summer activities for all ages. The Chicopee Ski Club is committed to providing year-round activities for the community. Come join us for our winter and summer recreational activities or one of our special events.
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.