Tourism establishment accessibility program
QC, Canada
Accessibility funding for Quebec tourism businesses
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 1, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2026
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Kéroul
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The 2024-2026 Tourism Establishment Accessibility Program offers up to $300,000 in funding to support Quebec tourism businesses in enhancing the accessibility of their infrastructures and services for people with disabilities. The program focuses on encouraging responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism through innovative projects such as infrastructure improvements and novel equipment acquisition.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Tourism Establishment Accessibility Program provides financial assistance to enhance accessibility in Quebec's tourism sector, focusing on infrastructure and service improvements. The financing modalities are structured to support diverse project types with specified limits and conditions.
- Projects may receive subsidies up to $100,000 for improving infrastructure and exterior arrangements.
- Innovative projects aimed at expanding accessible tourism offerings or improving them through specialised equipment can receive up to $50,000.
- Collective projects may be funded up to $300,000, with the requirement that each participant contributes financially.
- Applicants may submit simultaneous projects under different categories to achieve a cumulative subsidy of up to $150,000, combining infrastructure and innovative project funding.
- The financial support depends on a detailed submission of cost estimates and project plans, with at least two detailed and comparable quotes required.
- Reimbursement will be contingent on project completion as per approved scopes and costs, and adherence to a structured reporting and validation procedure at the project’s conclusion.
grant_single_labels|projects
The program supports projects aimed at enhancing the accessibility of tourism establishments and services. Eligible projects include those that improve infrastructure to meet accessibility standards and incorporate innovative solutions for inclusivity.
- Infrastructure projects ensuring obstacle-free external routes, accessible entrances, and interior paths.
- Construction or adaptation of accessible restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
- Installation of adapted furniture and platform lifts or elevators for people with disabilities.
- Adaptation of accommodation facilities to make common areas, rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens accessible.
- Innovative projects incorporating adapted materials or equipment, such as zip lines, adaptive bicycle rentals, and accessible climbing walls.
- Provision of equipment to enhance the experiences for individuals with visual or auditory impairments, such as audioguides and tactile models.
- Implementation of visual, auditory, or tactile signage and displays.
- Projects at large tourist attractions like zoos or amusement parks, making specific sections accessible and improving the overall visitor experience with accessible routes and restrooms.
- Collective projects where multiple organizations collaborate on accessibility enhancements, such as purchasing a shared accessible platform or lift system.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 80,000
A hotel adapts its rooms and bathrooms to make them accessible for people with reduced mobility.
$ 95,000
An amusement park installs access ramps and adapted restrooms to improve accessibility.
$ 40,000
A restaurant creates a barrier-free entrance with an automatic door and a ramp.
$ 70,000
A marina acquires an adapted dock and a lift to facilitate access for wheelchair users.
$ 50,000
A museum installs tactile models and an audio guide to enhance the experience for visitors with visual impairments.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status, affiliation, and sector involvement.
- The applicant must be legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada and conduct business in Quebec.
- The applicant must be recognized by a tourism association or grouping (such as a regional or sectoral tourism association), be published on BonjourQuebec.com, or be in the process of obtaining tourism recognition. The financial aid is conditional on this recognition.
- If required, the applicant must hold or be in the process of obtaining the Qualité-Sécurité Adventure Ecotourism Quebec certification or attestation.
- The applicant must belong to one of the eligible tourism sectors under the program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The PAET program accepts applications from various legal entities aiming to enhance the accessibility of tourist facilities in Quebec. Eligible applicants encompass a broad range of legally constituted organizations that operate within the tourist sector.
- Legally constituted for-profit organizations (OBL) operating in Quebec.
- Legally constituted non-profit organizations (OBNL) conducting business in Quebec.
- Legally constituted cooperatives involved in tourism activities.
- Indigenous organizations, communities, and nations recognized by the National Assembly.
- Consortiums or groups formed by any combination of the above entities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The PAET grant program has specific exclusions based on the type and status of organizations involved in the application. These exclusions ensure the grant is targeted at non-governmental and strategic tourism sectors.
- State-owned enterprises, ministries, and government agencies in Quebec or Canada.
- Municipalities, except for non-governmental organizations operating tourist services on municipal properties.
- Projects eligible for other specific accessibility programs like the Société d’habitation du Québec's Petits établissements accessibles (PEA).
- Companies listed on the register of companies not eligible for public contracts.
- Companies that have failed to meet their obligations for previous financial aid from the Quebec Ministry of Tourism within the last two years.
- Projects from sectors like alcohol or cannabis consumption, gambling, and general retail, except for specified exceptions like restaurants or designated tourist shops.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses related to improving the accessibility of infrastructures and services in the tourism sector.
- Professional fees for designing plans and specifications related to accessibility work.
- Fees for recognized professionals for project management, supervision, and required reporting.
- Costs for preparing and following up on public tender documents for construction work over $100,000.
- Certification report costs by an authorized contractor.
- Improvement or transformation works on infrastructure to obtain Kéroul's "accessible" rating.
- Costs for accessibility-related components of a global project.
- Minor repair, maintenance, or renovation work under $20,000.
- Expenses for purchasing and installing specialized equipment or furniture.
- Costs of acquiring adapted materials to enhance customer experience.
- Municipal permit costs.
- Net taxes on direct costs.
- Contingency fees, up to 15% of the costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically intended for tourism businesses operating in the province of Quebec, Canada. Eligibility for funding is clearly designated to encourage the development and enhancement of accessible tourism infrastructure within this region.
- Businesses legally constituted and operating within Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on the alignment with the program’s strategic goals and the potential for enhancing tourism accessibility.
- Alignment with the program’s objectives to advance accessible tourism facilities and services.
- Innovation in solutions addressing accessibility challenges for people with disabilities.
- Contribution to responsible and sustainable tourism development.
- Feasibility of the proposed project, including technical and financial plans.
- Potential impact on enhancing accessibility within the Quebec tourism sector.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Open a Case
- Fill out the initial form to validate the eligibility of your establishment and project.
- Step 2: Eligibility Check
- A representative from Kéroul will contact you to arrange a visit to your establishment.
- Discuss the project, program objectives, and improvements needed to achieve Kéroul's accessibility rating.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Complete the financial aid application form following the recommendations received.
- Prepare and include all necessary documents for the evaluation, such as plans, estimates, and financial statements.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Ensure all documentation is complete and complies with the application requirements.
- Submit the comprehensive application package to Kéroul by the specified date.
- Step 5: Application Review
- The evaluation committee will convene roughly four times a year to review applications.
- The assessment will focus on the project's tourism relevance, commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, and feasibility.
- Step 6: Approval and Funding Confirmation
- If approved, you will receive confirmation and details regarding the funding agreement with Kéroul.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The total budget for the program is $2,000,000.
- The program will end on March 31, 2026, or upon depletion of the funds, whichever comes first.
- In the event that the number of projects and/or their total costs exceed the available program funds, priority will be given to projects with the highest score in order of the date the complete project submission was received.
- The financial assistance awarded requires a public tender process for construction contracts of $100,000 or more.
- If an organization's project results in receiving a total public financing of $100,000 or more, and it employs more than 100 staff, it needs to comply with the Equal Access Employment Program.
- The projects must comply with the "Policy on the integration of arts into the architecture and environment of public buildings" for construction-related initiatives.
- Financial aid is payable in two installments: 60% after signing the financial agreement and 40% upon project completion and compliance verification.
- Projects are expected to be completed within 12 months of signing the agreement.
grant_single_labels|contact
paet@keroul.qc.ca
