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Three Niagara Region tourism businesses and organizations enhance and improve their offerings

The Niagara Region is one of the most prominent tourism destinations in Canada. Millions visit the Falls, vineyards, parks, attractions and historical sites each year. By attracting domestic and international travelers, destinations like the Niagara Region contribute to local jobs and economic growth in the community.

Today, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited the Byland Estate Winery and announced a FedDev Ontario investment of $540,000 for three projects in the Niagara region: Byland Estate Winery, Flat Rock Cellars Ltd., and the Corporation of the City of Port Colborne. Minister Ferrada was joined by Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, and Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines.

The announcement took place at Byland Estate Winery in Niagara-on-The-Lake, which is receiving a repayable investment of $90,000 to enhance the visitor experience. This includes improvements, such as widening the driveway to accommodate tour buses and increased vehicle traffic, as well as to its landscape to help drive visitation to the rural location.

Located in Jordan Station, Flat Rock Cellars is receiving a repayable investment of $200,000 to enhance its hospitality program with the addition of an outdoor covered area. This new amenity will allow the winery to welcome guests into the spring and fall shoulder seasons, increasing the number of visitors to the area and elevating the overall wine country experience.

The City of Port Colborne is receiving an investment of $250,000 for improvements to the Wharf Terminal at the Port Colborne Marine Terminals to increase the number of cruise ships that can dock at the port helping to drive visitors to the community and surrounding areas. These improvements will continue to meet federal regulatory and safety standards required for the disembarkation of passengers of cruise ships.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting tourism businesses and organizations so they can continue to grow and attract visitors to the region while contributing to the local economy and positioning Canada as an all-season destination of choice.

Quotes

“The Niagara region is one of the most iconic tourism regions in Canada. The tourism businesses and organizations in the region help their communities thrive, create jobs and stimulate a strong economy. Our government supports the growth of these businesses and organizations so they can enhance their unique experiences and attractions that draw visitors from far and wide to Niagara, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity for years to come.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Canada’s tourism industry is an incredibly important economic driver and provides jobs for Canadians from all walks of life. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local businesses and organizations like the Byland Estate Winery, Flat Rock Cellars Ltd., and the City of Port Colborne. As we continue to invest in the industry, we’ll help bring more domestic and international visitors to the region to discover all that it has to offer.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism 

“The investment announced today is going to have a lasting impact on these three businesses and organizations and our local community, enriching Niagara's visitor experience and drawing more guests to our region."
– Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre and Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines

“Thanks to the support from FedDev Ontario through the Tourism Growth Program, we will be able to enhance our visitor experience at the winery and will be able to welcome more guests for years to come.”
– Jackson Bai, Owner, Byland Estate Winery

“This funding allows us to enhance the guest experience at Flat Rock Cellars which not only benefits the winery and its visitors, but also the hundreds of locally owned businesses in the Niagara Benchlands. We’re just one part of fulfilling the regions burgeoning potential and making it a must-visit destination for domestic and international tourism.”
– Ed Madronich, Owner, Flat Rock Cellars 

“Thanks to FedDev Ontario’s invaluable investment, the City of Port Colborne will be even better equipped to welcome cruise tourists. Our partnership with Port Colborne Marine Terminals to improve accessibility at wharf 16 demonstrates our shared support for safe and inclusive travel. We are proud to be Niagara’s port of call for Great Lakes cruising, and we’re excited to continue playing a part in inspiring the world to visit Canada.”
– William C. Steele, Mayor, City of Port Colborne