FROM THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT NEWSROOM
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Expands Critical Relief For Tourism SectorRelief will support amusement device and ski lift operators and protect local jobs February 16, 2022 |
| TORONTO — The Ontario government is further expanding over $340,000 in critical financial support for owners and operators of amusement devices and ski lifts and protecting jobs in the travel and tourism sectors. Through the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the government is reducing permit and licence fees by 75 percent for 163 businesses operating almost 1,000 devices across Ontario until the end of 2022, while ensuring strong public safety standards are maintained.
“The past two years have been particularly challenging for our travel and tourism sectors which is why we’re doing everything we can to protect Ontarians’ jobs and ensure people can get back to safely enjoying rollercoasters, ski hills, and water parks,” said Minister of Government and Consumer Services Ross Romano. “This support will provide tangible relief to businesses as they get back on their feet and strengthen our economy as we build Ontario.” This support builds on the financial relief previously provided by reducing TSSA fees in 2020 to help businesses cope with the financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial funding has allowed the TSSA to waive approximately $2 million in fees for businesses in 2021 and 2022. Ontario’s tourism sector was similarly supported by additional financial relief provided by the government through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). “The COVID-19 pandemic has called attention to just how critical Ontario’s tourism businesses are to the success of our economy,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Our government’s commitment to the tourism industry as a whole, including amusement and recreation businesses, is an essential step in making sure the sector can re-build and assume its role as a global destination of choice for tourists and an engine for the province’s economy and regional employment.” “The pandemic has been challenging for many sectors, and the amusement and ski industries are no exception,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. “The Ministry’s fee relief package provides financial support for businesses, while making sure public safety remains paramount. TSSA will continue to oversee the safe operation of amusement rides and ski lifts and ensure that the devices conform to the applicable regulations, codes and standards.” |
Quick Facts
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Additional ResourcesLearn about the Technical Standards Safety Authority. |
Media ContactsCristian Buzo Tingarov Barbara Hanson |
