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Ontario Awards Reconnect Funding for Local Initiatives

February 19, 2021
By Bob Peters

The support for Cornwall is part of a $7 million investment in 87 local and virtual events and initiatives across Ontario through the Reconnect Festival and Event Program. This funding will support the festival and event sector during COVID-19 while helping municipalities and organizations deliver innovative and safe experiences that allow people to reconnect with their communities.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has had an unprecedented, devastating impact on arts, tourism and culture in the province – our sectors were hit first, hit hardest, and will take the longest to recover,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “It is critical that our government continues to support organizations that are finding new ways to engage with and reconnect Ontarians, while preserving jobs and supporting local economies. The Reconnect Festival and Event Program will help support the economic and social recovery of communities across Ontario.”

The local funding will help to support a series of winter experiences taking place this season, including the Holiday Sparkle drive-thru event at Gray’s Creek, winter activities in Lamoureux Park (new skating rink at the clock tower, tobogganing course, cleared trails, lights and more) and support for the new fat bike and snowshoe trails in Guindon Park.

“We are grateful to Minister MacLeod and the provincial government for supporting these local experiences which add to the vibrancy and social well-being of our community in a safe manner,” said Mayor Bernadette Clement. “These activities also help to raise Cornwall’s profile as a fun visitor destination once it is safe to travel again.”

About the Reconnect Festival and Event Program

The Reconnect Festival and Event Program was developed to help festival and event organizers adapt to new public health measures with virtual, drive-through and other safe offerings.

Examples of funded events include reverse holiday parades with drive-by static floats, drive-in music concerts and movies, walking trails and light shows.

The 2021 Reconnect Festival and Event Program will open on March 17, 2021.

For more information on the program, please click here.

Winter fun

There’s snow time like the present to embrace winter!

Cornwall is a winter lover’s paradise, with trails, skating rinks, tobogganing hills, ice fishing spots and so much more to keep you and your family entertained while embracing the great outdoors.

Click here to check out our list of 25 safe things to see and do this winter in Cornwall and SDG Counties. Remember to follow COVID-19 guidelines!

Play it safe!

We all have a part to play in combating the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to wear masks, practice frequent hand washing and physical distancing, and stay home if not feeling well.

For the latest guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19, please visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit website.

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