GTA tourism and culture to get operations and maintenance investment

The Ontario government is providing an investment of up to $27 million for the operation, maintenance and capital needs of six major tourism and cultural institutions in the Greater Toronto Area.

“Like so many of the province’s heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries, provincial attractions have been among the first and hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will take the longest to recover,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “That’s why I am proud that our government is providing significant support so these cultural institutions can continue to meet their financial obligations, protect jobs and make the repairs and renovations needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Once it is safe to do so, these agencies and attractions will be ready to welcome the return of guests from around the globe, and highlight why Ontario offers the world in one province.”

The government will provide financial support to Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which will receive up to $9.6 million in stabilization funding for operating costs. The Royal Ontario Museum will receive up to $9.5 million, the Ontario Science Centre will receive up to $4.35 million, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection will receive up to $1.2 million, the Art Gallery of Ontario will receive $705,000 and the Royal Botanical Gardens will receive $430,000.

“We would like to thank Minister MacLeod, and the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries for their continuous support throughout the pandemic,” Jan Dymond, Chair, Board of Directors, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. “This financial support will ensure that the MTCC maintains critical operations, including public service for the City of Toronto as a COVID-19 vaccination site for the remainder of this year. We look forward to the day we can gather, invite the world back to Toronto and to our safe facility.”