2024 Economic Development Fund recipients announced
Recipients of the newly established Economic Development Fund program were announced at the June 25 regular Council meeting.
The Economic Development Fund was established in 2024 to support not-for-profit organizations operating within Kawartha Lakes for the benefit of the residents and visitors of the municipality in the focus areas of local economic development and culture.
The Economic Development Fund is designed to strengthen partnerships between the municipality and local organizations for the betterment of the economic vibrancy of Kawartha Lakes.
The 2024 Economic Development Fund was funded through the 2024 operating budget. The total funding available was $360,000, with specific amounts allocated to each program.
Cultural Facilities Operational Support Grant
The Cultural Facilities Operational Support Grant, will provide operational funding to cultural not-for-profit organizations within the municipality, who offer community cultural initiatives to residents and visitors. In 2024, Council approved a total budget of $200,000 for the Cultural Facilities Operational Support Grant, $100,631.75 was allocated through this program.
The following recipients will be awarded 2024 Cultural Facilities Operational Support funding:
- Flato Academy Theatre, Lindsay – $20,000
- Gamiing Nature Centre, Bobcaygeon – $20,000
- Globus Theatre, Bobcaygeon – $20,000
- Kirkfield & District Historic Society, Kirkfield – $5,075
- Manvers Historical Society, Bethany – $1,116.75
- Settlers Village, Bobcaygeon – $14,440
- The Grove Theatre, Fenelon Falls – $20,000
Local Economic Development Support Grant
The Local Economic Development Support Grant provides operational funding to not-for-profit organizations within Kawartha Lakes, emphasizing the significance of hyper-local, place-based initiatives. Eligible organizations are not-for-profit organizations that are delivering local economic development initiatives. In 2024, Council approved a total budget of $100,000 for the Local Economic Development Support Grant, $64,667.90 has been allocated.
The following recipients will be awarded 2024 Local Economic Development Support funding:
- Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce – $20,000
- Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce – $20,000
- Environmental Action Bobcaygeon Inc. – $2,667.90
- Kawartha Works Community Co-operative – $2,000
- Pinnguaq Association – $20,000
Summer Tourism Experience Grant
This Summer Tourism Experience Grant was established during the pandemic to support the tourism economy by enhancing the services provided by local Chambers of Commerce in their summer visitor ambassador programs.
Chambers of Commerce are eligible to receive up to $15,000 for Summer Tourism Ambassador Staff and associated programming. The annual funding for this program is included in the Economic Development Operating Budget. In 2024, Council approved a total budget of $60,000 for the Summer Tourism Experience Grant, $59,910 has been allocated.
The following recipients will be awarded 2024 Summer Tourism Experience funding:
- Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce – $14,910
- Coboconk Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce – $15,000
- Fenelon Falls and Area Chamber of Commerce – $15,000
- Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce – $15,000
A total of $225,209.65 was approved across all three funding programs. As per the Economic Development Fund Policy, the remaining unallocated funds of $134,790.35 will be transferred to the General Contingency Reserve at year end and available for funding the program in a subsequent year(s).
Visit the Local Economic Development Support Grant page to learn about the Economic Development Fund.
