RELEASE: Fund set up to help local tourism businesses battle COVID-19

A new fund will help offset the costs that tourism businesses and organizations have faced to ensure the health and safety of guests and staff during COVID-19.

The new $450,000 adaptation fund, supported entirely by upper-level-of-government funding, will assist businesses and organizations during their recovery from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The municipality and the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce have partnered to administer the fund.

The funding program will provide non-repayable contributions of up to $20,000 to tourism-oriented businesses and organizations to support one-time adaptation and reopening costs, retroactive to June 1, 2020 and completed by December 31, 2020. The recipients must contribute a minimum of 20% of total project costs.

Eligible costs include:

Implementation of health and safety protocols
Alterations to accommodate social distancing (e.g. expansion of patio space for restaurants and or acquisition of outdoor heaters)
Purchase of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies for workers
Implementation of digital tools and transformations for tourism operators (e.g. virtual queue and time entry ticketing)

Businesses in the County that support the tourism industry – including but not limited to retailers, accommodators, hospitality services, and industry support – are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2020.

Visit the Chamber website (www.pecchamber.com/adaptation-fund) to view the complete details and to apply online. Email manager@pecchamber.com or call 613.476.2421 if you have questions.

(Prince Edward County Press Release)