Applications for the Operations Implementation Program will be open until February 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
RTO7’s Partnership Program for 2026/27 depends on approval of our annual Business Plan by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming.
Operations Implementation Program (OIP)
The Operations Implementation Program (OIP) is designed to support tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe by matching their operational and/or capital expenses with a $1,000, agency-supported social media advertising campaign. Eligible expenses such as property taxes, mortgage payments, capital renovations, and inventory costs, are leveraged to enhance marketing efforts through targeted social media ads designed to increase visibility and attract visitors.
*NEW*
To be eligible for OIP funding, tourism stakeholders must be seeking marketing support for a new or revitalized initiative, or for the enhancement of an existing product or experience. If you can not meet this criteria, please consider investing in a campaign through the Partnership Program - Digital & Social Media Advertising.
Key Benefits of the Program
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Social Media Advertising Support: Eligible participants receive a professional $1,000 advertising campaign on Facebook and Instagram, managed by RTO7’s Agency of Record (The Aber Group).
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Financial Leverage: Operational and/or capital expenses such as property taxes, mortgage payments, or inventory costs are matched with marketing dollars.
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Full-Coverage Campaign: RTO7 handles all agency fees, HST, and media spend—there’s no direct cost to you.
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Expert Guidance: Access to RTO7 staff support, Basecamp project tracking, and final campaign reporting.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to tourism operators, event organizers, and other eligible organizations that meet the following criteria:
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Your operations must be in Bruce, Grey, or Simcoe counties.
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You must be legally registered in Ontario, hold valid permits, and have no unresolved legal issues.
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Your social media platforms must be active, and your website must be mobile-friendly and up-to-date.
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You have current collateral including high-resolution images and/or videos (60 seconds or less) that can be used in a social media campaign. Reels in the 9:16 format are highly encouraged for this program. See Resource Guide for ‘Best Practices’.
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Liability insurance coverage of at least $2,000,000 is required
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You have a new or revitalized initiative, or an enhancement of an existing product or experience that is market ready and meets the above requirements.
Additional program requirements include (but are not limited to) having a landing page consistent with what is portrayed in the campaign, an active Google Business Profile, and completion of a Typsy online training course by March 31, 2027. Full requirements and program details are provided in the application.
Application Process
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Please schedule a call with either Kim Clarke or Robyn Hewitt before submitting to ensure the eligibility of your proposed idea. This is a requirement for all applicants.
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Applications will be open from February 2, 2026, until February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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Before applying, read the application, FAQs, and review RTO7's sustainable tourism goals.
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Complete and submit your application (before February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST).
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Approval notifications will be sent by email in early April, 2026.
Why Take Your Time?
The application process is competitive, and funds are limited. Thoughtfully planning your project ensures it aligns with RTO7’s strategic priorities and enhances your chances of approval. We will not be going back to applicants to request revisions and/or clarifications in the application stage.
Additional Information
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All projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
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Applicants promoting events should allow at least 7–8 weeks’ lead time for campaign preparation and execution.
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All other campaigns (non-events) will take approximately 3-4 weeks to plan and launch.
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RTO7 also offers Partnership Programs for marketing and asset development. If you have cash to contribute, the Digital & Social Media Advertising Partnership Program may be a better fit—learn more at RTO7.ca.
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If applying for multiple programs, i.e., OIP and Social Media Advertising, please list your preferred priorities in an open comments field.
Ready to start your Application?
Once you have completed the above steps, including reviewing the OIP application, you are ready to complete your application.
Application Link: Operations Implementation Program Application
Questions?
For further assistance, contact Kim Clarke at kclarke@rto7.ca or Robyn Hewitt at rhewitt@rto7.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
2025/26 Operations Implementation Program Campaigns
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Red Hen Artisanale
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Creemore Farmer's Market
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Mill Pond Gallery / Bruce County Bookstore
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Christmas on the Bay
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Evergreen Forest Resort
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Downtown Port Elgin BIA
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Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
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Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce
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Morrison Pumpkin Farm
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Birch & Bannock (STA)
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Southampton Arts Centre
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First Light
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Theatre Collingwood Porchside Festival
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Sunday's Ice Cream Parlor
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Turbo Sports & Performance Centre
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Lemonade Collective
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Chappell Farms
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Wasaga Adventure Park
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Georgian Bay Hotel
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Green Innovation Weekend Orillia
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Spooky Saturdays at Discovery Harbour
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Pumpkinferno
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Tamarac Island Inn & Motel
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Matilda Swan Art Gallery
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Georgian Bay Symphony
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The Vandermark Hotel
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Mid-Winter Social
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Southampton Inn
2024/25 Operations Implementation Program Campaigns
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Studio Seed Inc.
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Upwards Art Studio
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Owen Sound Community Artists Studio Tour
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Southampton Inn
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Four Winds Music Festival
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Port Elgin Farmer's Market
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Creemore Farmer's & Craft Market
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Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce
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Goldsmiths Farm Market & Bakery
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South Grey Chamber of Commerce - Hopeville Kite Festival
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Studio 79 Presents MonkeyJunk
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Georgian Bay Symphony Movie Madness
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Georgian Bay Symphony Spring into April
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Victoria Yeh at Meaford Hall
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Wasaga Adventure Park
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Christmas on the Bay
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Relive Retreat
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Eco Adventures
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Simcoe & District Maple Syrup Producers
2023/24 Operations Implementation Program Campaigns
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Essentially Lavender - Picnic in the Fields
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Big Canoe Project
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Red Hen Artisanale
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Travelling Chicken
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South Bay Fields
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Bruce County Bookstore
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Mill Pond Gallery
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Mill Pond Cafe
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Collingwood Music Festival
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Shipyard Kitchen Party
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Folmer Landscaping & Garden Centre
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Gussapolooza
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Cobble Beach
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Lighthouse Blues Fest
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Southampton Inn
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Midland Food Tours
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Tyrolean Village Resorts
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Cafe KittyHawk
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Morrison Pumpkin Farm
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Christmas on the Bay Meaford
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Craigleith Manor Boutique Bed & Breakfast
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Maggie + Dix Home and Garden
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NVCA - Festival at Fort Willow
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Four Winds Music Festival
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Boho Beaver
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Tamarac Island Inn & Motel
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Sweetwater Festival
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OSRD - Holiday Magic
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Ty The Poetess - Hororing the Crown, 1 Year Down
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Orillia Fairgrounds Farmer's Market - Winter Markets
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NVCA - Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival
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Horseshoe Resort - Horseshoe Pride Week
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Fern Resort