December 18, 2020
Funding will ensure the provincial agency can continue to operate safely
OTTAWA – The Ontario government is providing the Shaw Centre with up to $3.8 million to help the provincial agency navigate the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the National Capital Region remains one of the top tourism destinations in Ontario. This one-time investment will help protect jobs, keep the facility open, ensure compliance with public health protocols and fund necessary repairs and upgrades.
Details were provided today by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, and Nina Kressler, President and CEO, Shaw Centre.
“Ontario’s heritage, tourism and culture agencies are all significant components of the province’s economic and social recovery,” said Minister MacLeod. “This has been an incredibly challenging time for our agencies, who have all taken immediate action to reduce costs where possible and help keep visitors safe. Our government is proud to support the Shaw Centre, one of the most recognized and successful convention centres that Ontario has to offer. This funding will ensure the Shaw Centre can continue to contribute to the province’s spectacular double bottom line: strong economic growth, and a resilient cultural fabric that reflects the diversity and strength of Ontario’s communities”
As local facility capacities and international travel remain uncertain, it is critical that the Shaw Centre continues operating and supporting recovery of the tourism sector in Ontario, as a major economic hub in the National Capital Region.
For more information on their COVID-19 measures and the operations of their public facility, please visit the Shaw Centre’s website.
QUICK FACTS
The Ottawa Convention Centre (Shaw Centre) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and is one of the most successful convention centres of its type in the country.
Since its opening in 2011, Shaw Centre has hosted more than 3,450 events.
Shaw Centre attracted more than 63,000 out-of-town visitors during the 2019-20 fiscal operating year, beginning April 1, which boosted Ottawa’s economy by $150 million.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit in the province. This investment in the Shaw Centre will surely help address the impacts that Covid-19 has had on this important economic landmark.”
— Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton
“The Shaw Centre is an important Ottawa landmark and a centre for tourism, culture, and civic engagement. Today’s announcement will help ensure that this critical piece of the Ottawa skyline has the resources it needs to weather this storm and be there for when we can all get together and celebrate our city once again.”
— Jeremy Roberts, MPP for Ottawa West—Nepean
“Our City is a top tourism destination in the country. It is important that we maintain convention services that can host conferences and attractions and also serve as a focal point for local shows and events. The Province’s one-time investment in this extraordinary facility will ensure the Shaw Centre’s continued success as one of our region’s great meeting places.”
— Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, MPP for Kanata-Carleton and Ontario Minister for Long-Term Care
“We are extremely appreciative for this funding from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport Tourism and Culture Industries and Minister MacLeod, who has been a tremendous advocate throughout this pandemic. This investment is essential for us to maintain our core operations while we plan for a brighter future and ensure that the Shaw Centre remains a safe and welcoming space for our guests.”
— Nina Kressler, President and CEO, Shaw Centre
“We would like to thank the Ministry of Heritage, Sport Tourism and Culture Industries and Minister MacLeod for their steadfast support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This one-time funding will allow the Shaw Centre to navigate the tremendous impact the pandemic has had on our business and will assist us in returning to our financially self-sustaining model.”
— Jo-Anne Poirier, Chair, Board of Directors, Shaw Centre
