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Winter Experience Development Fund

Encouraging vibrant, seasonal tourism across Centre Wellington during the winter months

Overview

The Winter Experience Development Fund strives to increase tourism opportunities beyond peak season, in line with the goal of creating an “Always ON”, thriving destination.

  • Support highly shareable recurring experiences

  • Increase visitation to key tourism destinations and businesses

  • uplift the natural, heritage, and arts and culture of the destinations

Eligibility & Funding

  • Tourism businesses and associations (individual organization or groups)

  • Festivals and Events

  • Not-for-profit community organizations

  • For-profit organization may apply through 2025 Elora Fergus Winter Experience Program: For-Profit Stream application, under RTO4
  • Projects may be brand new or enhancements

  • They can be small or large in scale

  • They must take place within Centre Wellington’s municipal boundaries

    • Projects may include parts that extend beyond municipal boundaries, but their main focus must remain in Centre Wellington.

    • Projects can be designed for virtual presentation but must have a clear connection to Centre Wellington.

    • Funding for the same project is limited to two one-year applications.

    • If an organization plans to apply for the Community Investment Fund and also receives funding through the Winter Experience Development Program, they are required to self-disclose their Township support. Receiving Winter funding may make them ineligible for Community Investment Fund financial support

  • Maximum funding available per project is $3,000

  • Projects must take place between November 1st and April 30th of the following year

Note: If you’re also applying to the Community Investment Fund, receiving Winter Experience funding may disqualify you. Be sure to disclose all Township funding support.

What the Program Does Not Fund include:

  • Land, building, or vehicle purchases

  • Goodwill or intangible assets

  • Depreciation or refinancing costs

  • Interest on capital, bonds, mortgages

  • Investment losses, bad debts, fines

  • Litigation-related costs

  • Non-incremental wages

  • Board member or administrator payments

  • Hospitality or entertainment costs

  • Professional body membership fees

  • Lobbyist fees

2025 Elora Fergus Winter Experience Program: Not-For-Profit Stream Application 2025 Elora Fergus Winter Experience Program: For-Profit Stream Application 2025 Elora Fergus Winter Experience Program: Final Report EF Winter Exp Dvlpmnt Prgm Budget Sheet

Application & Funding Process

  • You are encouraged to contact the program team in advance to confirm eligibility or ask questions

  • Applications must be fully completed

  • Incomplete applications may affect your chances

  • You must apply online only

  • Deadline: August 25th, 2025

  • Applications are first screened for eligibility

  • Then assessed by a Selection Committee

  • You may be asked to revise or clarify your submission

  • Final results will be communicated by September 30th, 2025

Before funding is confirmed, the lead organization will be reviewed by Elora Fergus Tourism and RTO4 to ensure they meet minimum criteria for:

  • Governance, risk management, and internal controls

  • Financial and procurement systems (operational readiness)
  • Ability to carry out the project effectively

  • All successful applicants must submit a Final Project Evaluation within 60 days after the project ends

  • The evaluation form will be provided once the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed

  • After a project is approved, the lead organization signs a partnership funding agreement with either Elora & Fergus Tourism or RTO4

  • This agreement will include the approved proposal and budget

  • It will outline reporting requirements and funding conditions

Note: Funding is provided in two installments:

  • First 50% is provided after signing the MOU

  • Remaining 50% is provided after the project is completed and the final report is submitted

At a Glance

  • Program window: November 1 – April 30

  • Max funding per project: $3,000

  • Application deadline: August 25, 2025

  • Notification of results: September 30, 2025

  • Final report due: 60 days after project completion

  • Apply: Online only

  • Contact support available

Get in Touch

Karen Rennie

Role: Elora & Fergus Tourism – Destination Development Coordinator

Phone: 519-846-9691 x380

Email Us

Karen Mitchell

Role: RTO4 Destination Project Manager

Phone: 519-271-7000 x102

Email: karen@rto4.ca

Elora & Fergus Tourism Information Centre
10 East Mill St, Elora
Ontario, Canada, N0B 1S0
Phone: 519.846.9691 x382
Email Us

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