Government of Canada Invests More Than $66,000 to Enhance Community Infrastructure and Tourism in Guelph

August 8, 2022

GBHS

President of the GBHS Denise Francis and MP Longfield

 

News Release

Government of Canada invests more than $66,000 to enhance community infrastructure and tourism in Guelph
FedDev Ontario supports Guelph Black Heritage Society to fuel community revitalization and create for local economies to rebound
August 8, 2022 Ontario

Community infrastructure and tourism is at the heart of local communities, bringing together residents and visitors alike, while supporting local businesses, jobs and economies. Today, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, announced an investment of $21,250 to enhance the city of Guelph under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). With this investment, the Guelph Black Heritage Society will enhance the historic Heritage Hall community building with the purchase and installation of solar panels. This new infrastructure will lower their carbon footprint and work towards their overall sustainability goals.

MP Longfield also announced $45,000 in funding through the Tourism Relief Fund (https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/h_02650.html?OpenDocument)
for the Guelph Black Heritage Society to produce educational products such as videos, interactive guides and programming. This will expand on their roll as a significant local tourism destination, as part of their mission to raise awareness of the importance of Canada’s Black heritage. This support from the Federal Government will allow the Guelph Black Heritage Society to create green infrastructure while attracting visitors to their historic building in community. Their continued contributions
to Guelph’s vibrant and diverse community will ensure the expansion and education of new visitors to
their historically significant tourism destination.

Quotes
“Our government is investing in community infrastructure to support the mental and physical health of
Canadians by promoting social interaction and physical activity, while creating jobs and driving resilient local economic growth. Investments through the Canada Community Revitaltization Fund will bring people together while improving the quality of life for Canadians.”
- The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Thank you to the Guelph Black Heritage Society for continuing to develop a vision to advance and animate the Heritage Hall, providing Guelph’s Black community opportunities to educate and provide learning experiences for the broader community. I am very pleased to have the Government of Canada recognize and support the great work the GBHS is doing on the ground in Guelph. “
- Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph

“The funding received from these programs has enabled the Guelph Black Heritage Society to launch new projects as we continue to emerge from pandemic restrictions. The solar panels have allowed us to increase the sustainability of the Heritage Hall and to lower our carbon footprint. We strive to set a good example for our community and promote the value in environmentally conscious decisions. The funding from the Tourism Relief Fund has empowered us to continue to create resources that have made Heritage Hall a destination for cultural tourism and has enabled the residents of Guelph, Wellington County and beyond to continue to connect and learn more about the Black individuals who helped to build our community.”
-Denise L. Francis, President, Guelph Black Heritage Society

Quick Facts
• The Guelph Black Heritage Society has stood as the former Guelph British Methodist Episcopal Church since 1880, and was build by formerly enlaved Black individuals who arrived via the Underground Railroad
• 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, create jobs and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario.

About Fed Dev ON
For more than 12 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, job creation and growth 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 their productivity, growing their revenues, 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.

Associated Links:

Contacts
Lianne Cassidy
Executive Assistant to Lloyd Longfield
Member of Parliament for Guelph
Lianne.cassidy.432@parl.gc.ca 

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca