
Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Ottawa, ON
Funding to improve accessibility in Ottawa’s tourism sector
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $25,000
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 2, 2024
- Closing date : April 30, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Ottawa Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) provides up to $25,000 in non-repayable funding to support tourism businesses in improving accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Eligible activities include upgrades to accessibility amenities, renovations, or retrofits that enhance visitor experiences and remove barriers in tourism-related environments.
Financing terms and conditions
- One-time, non-repayable funding of $10,000 for small-scale accessibility projects, or $25,000 for larger-scale accessibility improvements or retrofits.
- Priority for $25,000 grants given to applicants able to demonstrate additional funding sources.
- Funds are disbursed in three installments: 70% upon signing the Funding Agreement, 20% upon completion and successful audit of itemized claims, and 10% upon completion of the final report.
- The total funding is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis; actual awarded amounts may be less than requested.
Activities funded
- Upgrades to enhance accessibility amenities for tourism-focused businesses.
- Small-scale construction, renovation, or retrofit projects to remove accessibility barriers in visitor-facing environments.
- Implementation of accessible equipment or technology for visitor use by individuals with disabilities.
- Improvements to the built environment or in-destination experiences to provide better access for visitors with disabilities.
- Projects designed to address specific gaps in accessibility within Ottawa’s tourism sector.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Upgrading washroom facilities with universal accessible stalls and fixtures
$ 24,200
Installing wheelchair-accessible ramps at main and side entrances
$ 13,900
Acquiring accessible picnic tables and outdoor furniture for all guests
$ 24,000
Developing accessible wayfinding kiosks and digital visitor guides
$ 25,000
Retrofitting guest rooms for universal accessibility in boutique hotel
$ 18,700
Implementing assistive listening devices in a historic theatre
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a good standing member of Ottawa Tourism and have activities in direct contact with visitors.
- The applicant can be a for-profit business, a non-profit organization, a business improvement area (e.g. festivals), or a sole proprietorship registered federally or provincially.
- The applicant must demonstrate financial and administrative stability, provide financial statements, and prove the project's viability.
- The business must be located within the municipality of Ottawa and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- The project must aim to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities and be completed by September 30, 2024.
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses that are members of Tourism Ottawa in contact with visitors
- Non-profit businesses that are members of Tourism Ottawa in contact with visitors
- Business improvement areas (including initiatives open to the public, such as festivals), members of Tourism Ottawa
- Sole proprietorships registered at the federal or provincial level and members of Tourism Ottawa
Who is not eligible
- Political parties.
- One-off events.
- Charities and educational institutions.
- Organizations whose activities fall under the jurisdiction of government divisions, departments, or agencies (e.g., school boards, social services, hospitals).
- Applicants based outside of the municipality of Ottawa.
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees for technical expertise and certified construction contractors.
- Costs of construction or renovation of a building, including materials, supplies, and labour.
- Purchase or rental of tools, equipment, or machinery necessary to complete the project.
- Purchase of universally accessible or ergonomic accessories and furniture for visitor use.
- Costs related to information technology solutions specific to the needs of persons with disabilities, such as adapted and accessible computer software and hardware for visitor use.
Eligible geographic areas
- Applicants based within the municipality of Ottawa.
Selection criteria
- Clear demonstration that the applicant is an eligible business or organization and is in good standing with Ottawa Tourism.
- Submission of required documentation, including commercial liability insurance ($2 million coverage), HST registration, incorporation documents, and previous year’s financial statements.
- The requested funding amount is aligned with funding limits and project completion can be achieved before September 30, 2024.
- Detailed description of the project, including current business status and intended accessibility improvements.
- Demonstration of the project’s impact on the organization and Ottawa’s tourism sector, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
How to apply
1
Prepare eligibility documents
- Review eligibility requirements to ensure your business or organization qualifies for the fund
- Confirm you are a visitor-facing member of Ottawa Tourism in good standing
- Gather documentation such as proof of liability insurance, HST registration, and financial statements
2
Complete and submit application
- Access the application portal starting April 2, 2024
- Complete all required fields of the online application form
- Attach all supporting documents including project details, budget, and digital photos if applicable
3
Application evaluation
- Your application will be reviewed by an Internal Evaluation Committee
- Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, project impact, and alignment with program objectives
- Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered
4
Sign the Funding Agreement
- If approved, sign a formal Funding Agreement with Ottawa Tourism
- Agreement outlines payment terms and obligations for both parties
5
Implement the project
- Receive initial payment upon signing the agreement
- Complete the approved project by September 30, 2024
- Maintain proper documentation and receipts for eligible expenses
6
Submit final reports and evidence
- Submit an itemized claim summary and evidence of expenditures
- Provide a Final Activity Report detailing fund usage and project impact
- Receive final grant payments upon approval of reports
Additional information
- Only one application per business or organization is permitted under this program.
- Proof of commercial general liability insurance of at least $2,000,000 is required.
- Successful applicants must submit a Final Activity Report; failure to do so may affect future funding eligibility.
- Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding availability.
Contacts
funding@ottawatourism.ca
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF)?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF)?
Who is eligible for the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF)?
Where is the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) available?
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