How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $25000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF)?

Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) is funded by City of Ottawa

What are Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF)'s eligibility criterias?

For-profit business that is a visitor-facing member of Ottawa Tourism in good standing Must demonstrate financial stability with a debt ratio of less than 1 Business must be located within the municipality of Ottawa

Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF)

Last Update: May 9, 2025

Ottawa, ON

Funding to improve accessibility in Ottawa’s tourism sector

Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) 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

Grant Providers

City of Ottawa

Status

Closed

Overview of the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) program

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 to the Ottawa — Tourism Accessibility Fund (TAF) program

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

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

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

Sign the Funding Agreement

If approved, sign a formal Funding Agreement with Ottawa Tourism
Agreement outlines payment terms and obligations for both parties

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

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.