GUELPH – Community infrastructure and tourism is at the heart of local communities, bringing together residents and visitors alike, while supporting local businesses, jobs and economies.
On Aug. 8, on behalf of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield announced an investment of $21,250 to enhance the City of Guelph under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.
“Thank you to the Guelph Black Heritage Society for continuing to develop a vision to advance and animate the Heritage Hall, providing Guelph’s Black community opportunities to educate and provide learning experiences for the broader community,” Longfield said.
“I am very pleased to have the Government of Canada recognize and support the great work the GBHS is doing on the ground in Guelph.”
With this investment, the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) will enhance the historic Heritage Hall community building with the purchase and installation of solar panels.
This new infrastructure will lower their carbon footprint and work towards their overall sustainability goals.
“The funding received from these programs has enabled the Guelph Black Heritage Society to launch new projects as we continue to emerge from pandemic restrictions,” said GBHS president Denise Francis.
“The solar panels have allowed us to increase the sustainability of the Heritage Hall and to lower our carbon footprint,” Francis added.
“We strive to set a good example for our community and promote the value in environmentally conscious decisions.”
Longfield also announced $45,000 in funding through the Tourism Relief Fund for the GBHS to produce educational products such as videos, interactive guides and programming.
This will expand on their roll as a significant local tourism destination, as part of their mission to raise awareness of the importance of Canada’s Black heritage.
This support from the Federal Government will allow the GBHS to create green infrastructure while attracting visitors to their historic building in community.
Their continued contributions to Guelph’s vibrant and diverse community will ensure the expansion and education of new visitors to their historically significant tourism destination.
“The funding from the Tourism Relief Fund has empowered us to continue to create resources that have made Heritage Hall a destination for cultural tourism and has enabled the residents of Guelph, Wellington County and beyond to continue to connect and learn more about the Black individuals who helped to build our community,” Francis added.
