Two Highlands tourism operators have been given a combined $265,000 in federal funding.
It was announced Aug. 28 that Fort Treehouse Company Inc. had received $200,000, while $65,000 is going to the Haliburton Sculpture Forest.
The money is through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It is to increase visitation and support tourism growth.
Lauren Green of Treehouse Company Inc., said they were grateful for the financial support.
“The funds have contributed to the construction of three sustainable treehouse accommodations and the solar energy infrastructure for our latest project, Hartwood, in the Haliburton Highlands.”
Jim Blake of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest said they were “delighted” to have received funding from the FedDev Ontario tourism growth fund.
“Throughout the pandemic, the visitation to the Sculpture Forest quadrupled. This funding from FedDev Ontario, allows us to accelerate the enhancements to the site to welcome and accommodate so many visitors. It also contributes to some creative programming,” Blake said.
Blake added the funding will help them to continue to upgrade the main entrance to the park, providing a new roof for the Glebe Park information kiosk. He noted this coincides with the construction of new residences for the college and a new entrance pathway.
“The funding (matched by other contributions) is also going to support some multi-arts presentations in the Sculpture Forest and the broader community, the creation of a new installation created by Indigenous artist, Jared Tait, in collaboration with the community, and enhancement of the downtown Haliburton sculpture exhibition.”
Blake said since the announcements for funding comes a few months after it has been awarded, some of the projects are already completed while others will be happening over the course of the next year.
Tait’s installation ‘Bawaajigan’ was inducted into the Sculpture Forest Aug. 17, consisting of nine life size figures painted in the Woodland style. Bawaajigan is an Anishinaabemowin word meaning “to dream.” Blake said, “the installation is an incredible painting telling a story that you can walk through.”
