The federal government is investing over $11.3 million in Perth County.
Helena Jaczek, the Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario made the announcement Tuesday morning.
Funding includes $10 million for the Stratford Festival to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and allow it to return to the pre-pandemic scale this season operating four venues and ten productions.
“The Stratford Festival, tourism businesses, and community spaces are vital to the local economy and the quality of life for residents and visitors in Stratford. They generate significant revenue for local businesses and create jobs across the region. Today’s investments will help the Stratford Festival, the tourism sector, and the entire community continue their recovery and growth, and protect jobs.” Jaczek said.
St. Marys will receive over $255,000 for signage directing visitors to tourist attractions and the Stratford Tourism Alliance will receive $500,000 for an outdoor interactive light display during Lights On Stratford’s winter festival.
The Little Prince Theatre will receive just under $100,000 to expand its operations to include a new microcinema facility, including two screening rooms.
Leigh Cooney the Little Prince Cinema’s founder says the funding couldn’t have come at a better time, “Not only did we survive the pandemic, but we have flourished, in our own small way. This financial support through the Tourism Relief Fund means we can look forward to not just surviving, but expanding our little project! A prospect we had heretofore only dreamed of. There are no words to express our gratitude.”
In total seven local initiatives will receive funding.
| Recipient Name | Project | Funding contribution | Fund |
| Stratford Festival | $10,000,000 | MFESI | |
| The Corporation of the County of Perth | Enhance existing community events and programs through the purchase and installation of 35 lighted pole mounts and wraps, decorative signage and lighting in and around the trees at Stewart Park. | $40,000 | TRF |
| The Corporation of the Town of St. Marys | Purchase and installation of signage directing visitors and residents to town assets, including modern digital kiosk, QR codes and additional signs to assist in education and wayfinding. | $255,300 | TRF |
| Experience Camping Ltd | Purchase and installation of a splash pad and upgrades to an existing pool. | $100,000 | TRF |
| The Little Prince Cinema | Expand operations to include a new microcinema facility, including two screening rooms. | $99,773 | TRF |
| Stratford Tourism Alliance (o/a Destination Stratford) | Install an outdoor interactive lighting experience, Lights On Winter Festival, throughout the heritage downtown and parks. | $500,000 | TRF |
| Stratford Perth Museum | Improve “Outdoor Player’s Backstage” to include a sound system, seating, shade sail, hard surface pathway and parking with more turf stone that will allow stormwater runoff. | $55,500 | CCRF |
| Stratford Tourism Alliance (o/a Destination Stratford) | Improve outdoor community dining areas and upgrade and increase public washrooms. | $337,500 | CCRF |
