Development Resources
The following opportunities, toolkits, and resources were consolidated for you by Team OSW! We have numerous ways we can work together to develop the tourism industry in Ontario’s Southwest.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA)
The primary goal of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA) is to ensure an accessible Ontario by eliminating all barriers for those with disabilities. It applies to all businesses and organizations that provide goods or services to the public or other businesses or organizations in Ontario.
AccessNow Verified
Showcase your businesses accessibility by joining AccessNow, a platform that helps people with disabilities find accessible destinations.
Why does it matter?
Showcase your businesses accessibility features like ramps, washrooms, seating, and more!
Get a trusted verification badge and appear on AccessNow’s map
Reach new customers and build loyalty with the accessible travel market
Accessibility Progress in Ontario’s Southwest
Oxford County AccessNow Collaboration
Lambton Shores Municipal Accessibility Plan
Elgin County Accessibility Plan
Ontario By Bike Cycling - Cycling Toolkit
Ontario’s cycle tourism sector has grown significantly. Tourism businesses have been recognizing how this impacts their business, and many in the region are becoming ‘Bicycle Friendly’ through Ontario By Bike. To learn more about this program, see the Ontario By Bike Cycling Tool Kit.
Blue Flag Beaches & Marinas Certification
Blue Flag is a highly respected and recognized international eco-label. Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services. Learn more about getting your beach or marina certified.
Starting a Craft Brewery in Ontario Guide
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has released a guidebook to starting a craft brewery in Ontario. Find helpful info including writing business plans, financing, marketing, support, regulations, and more.
Package Development Materials
Looking to create tourism packages for your business? Learn more about packaging, how to find the right partners, and how to develop the operations plan and programming behind the package using the information below.
Agri-Tourism Toolkit
There are many different things that need to be considered when entering into the agri-tourism industry.
Elevating Canadian Experiences has developed a series of resources and tools to help agri-tourism operators in the region evolve and grow their business.
