Tourism Infrastructure Fund

Purpose

Funding

• Eligible projects may receive up to $20,000 in total funding.
• Funding in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $20,000 may be available.
• Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum cash contribution of 10%.
• Projects must be completed within 18 months of  application submission date.

Projects for this fund aim to leverage North Bay’s unique natural and cultural assets while focusing on non-city owned property and/or initiatives to drive overnight stays in the city.

Funding is discretionary and subject to limited availability. Although some projects may meet all eligibility criteria, funding is not guaranteed. Funds are granted to projects that most effectively meet the criteria. Priority is given to applications that demonstrate how the project will increase overnight visitors to North Bay.

Applications for the Tourism Development Fund – Infrastructure Stream will be accepted annually (pending budget approval) from January 1st to March 31st.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a Canadian legal entity, either a not-for-profit or for-profit organization.
• Ad hoc groups and unincorporated organizations, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, must secure a qualified applicant to act as the project proponent.
• Applicant must demonstrate financial and management capacity to successfully execute the project.

Project Timing and Location

• Project must be located within the City of North Bay.
• Project must not be located on city owned assets or property.
• Funding is available only for future projects; no retroactive funding is provided.

Impact on Tourism and Economy

• The project should positively contribute to the growth and sustainability of the North Bay tourism economy by filling a gap in current visitor experiences or substantially enhance an existing offering.
  • Capital construction, new or used equipment may be considered eligible so long as the project applications outlines the benefits and impact to the local tourism economy.
  • Priority will be given to projects that directly increase overnight visitors staying in Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) participating accommodations.

Economic and Tourism Benefits

• Applicants must clearly explain how this project will provide a positive economic impact, including increased visitors and spending in the city.
• The applicant must highlight how the project will measure the positive impact on North Bay tourism.

Financial Responsibility and Planning

• Applicants must submit a budget and business plan and/or business case demonstrating all sources and status of funding for this project.
• The project must include a plan for reporting on outcomes and impacts.

Priority Considerations

• Priority will be given to projects that clearly demonstrate an increase and/or the potential to increase overnight stays and visitor spending within North Bay.

Ineligible Expenses

• Salaries and wages
• General operating expenses, such as but not limited to rent, utilities, inventory and office supplies
• Routine maintenance and repair costs for existing infrastructure

Debt Servicing and Financing Costs

• Interest payments or debt repayment
• Bank fees or charges related to loans
• Pre-existing deficit payments

Legal and Administrative Fees

• Legal fees unrelated to project implementation
• Costs for preparing or submitting the application
• General administrative fees not directly tied to the project

Marketing and Promotional Expenses

• Advertising and promotional materials are not eligible however website, social media and branding of the project can be considered

Travel, Hospitality and Entertainment

• Meals, travel and accommodations for project staff or consultants
• Event hosting, hospitality expenses, including receptions, food or alcoholic beverages

Capital Assets and Equipment not Related to Tourism

• Vehicles, office furniture, or other equipment not directly related to the project
• Purchase or lease of real estate or other property acquisition

Retroactive and Flow-Through Costs

• Expenses incurred before the application has been approved
• Retroactive payments for costs incurred prior to application approved
• Flow-through money to other organizations

Taxes and Fines

• GST, HST or other refundable taxes
• Fines, penalties or legal settlements

Fundraising and Personal Expenses

• Fundraising activities and expenses
• Personal items or services
• Any expenses benefiting individuals rather than the public or the tourism industry.

Non-Tourism Related Projects

• Infrastructure that does not contribute to tourism growth or enhancement
• Projects that lack a clear benefit to visitors or the tourism industry

Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the short eligibility form to: admin@tourismnorthbay.com prior to submitting the full project application.

Once the eligibility form has been reviewed, a representative from Tourism North Bay will contact the applicant to confirm eligibility and direction to submit the full project application.

Evaluation Criteria

Factors that will be considered during the application evaluation include but are not limited to:

• Project idea
• Ability to increase visitation and overnight stays in North Bay
• Tourism and Economic Impact
• Environmental & Accessible Sustainability
• History and management capabilities of applicant
• Budget
• Financial Sustainability of project

Approval Timeline

Reporting

• Was the project on time and on budget?
• Do you have any potential events secured or in the works as result of this new infrastructure project?
• Do you have data for increased visitation to North Bay as result of this new infrastructure project?
• Have you reached the sustainable practices/goals for the project mandate?
• Explain how the project helped to position North Bay as a premier tourism destination