Tourism Wayfinding Signage 2025/26 Application

RTO7’s offer of the Partnership Program for 2025/26 is contingent upon the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming's approval of RTO7’s 2025/26 Business Plan.


If you are unfamiliar with the Partnership Program and applications, I highly recommend calling (Alex 705-441-2931 (ahogan@rto7.ca) to first talk through your proposed project and/or completing the application, as the process is greatly simplified with some direct explanation prior to completion of the application. RTO7 reserves the right to limit the number of programs/funds that one stakeholder may receive per year.


Please download the Partnership Program Guidelines  for important background information before completing this application - once opened in Downloads, the links within the Guidelines should open in a new window in your browser when clicked on.


We highly recommend that you log into a Google account (directions in link) to access this form and know that your progress is automatically saved as a draft for 30 days so you can return to it. Please see our blog on why you should create a Google Account for your Business.

If you choose not to do this or to work offline, you will need to complete and submit the form all in one sitting and be sure to save a copy of your submitted application. If you choose not to log into a Google account, contact us to discuss how best to submit your application.


Note: We want to encourage stakeholders starting on a journey towards economic, social and environmental sustainability. Sustainability isn’t a requirement to get funding for 2025/26. However, projects that show they’re working to include or improve sustainable practices—using clear and measurable plans—may be prioritized in the application review process. The Partnership Program application process is competitive, and many people apply for the available funds. We welcome applications from all eligible businesses and organizations. No matter where you are in your sustainability efforts, we’re here to guide you through the process.


Tourism Wayfinding Signage Collaboration Details


● Tourism Wayfinding, Trails and Cycling Signage as per the RTO7 Wayfinding Signage Standards and Specifications Manual (June 2021 version)

● You will be required to adhere consistently to the RTO7 specifications document unless conducting Adjunct Signage (below)

● Note that signage projects are most often undertaken by Municipalities or Counties (or by Conservation Authorities or Recreational Organizations) and funding does not apply to any other types/formats of signage or electronic signage. Development of signage plans is only eligible for those implementing the RTO7 signage system.

● This stream includes Adjunct Signage systems, i.e. elements of tourism wayfinding and trails signage that the RTO7 Signage specifications do not address, and that are

  • Provincially recognized and executed in multiple Ontario Tourism Regions.

  • In support of RTO7’s targeted activities.

  • Long-lasting and durable in construction (RTO7 reserves the right - at applicant's cost - to have an expert review the fabrication specifications to ensure they meet a minimum standard).

  • An appropriate design for the use e.g. if on roadways, legible at driving speed, etc.

  • Installed as per governmental regulations relevant to the installation.  RTO7 does not assume any responsibility for the design, fabrication and installation of the signage.

Examples of this might include some Bruce Trail signage, Conservation Area signage, Great Lakes Waterfront Trail signage, etc. Contact us for consideration if you think your system may be eligible.  TODS Provincial highway wayfinding signage is not eligible. Purchase of posts (U Channel or wooden as outlined in the RTO7 specs) recommended for these adjunct signs are eligible.

● Note that the RTO7 Wayfinding Specifications are NOT camera-ready artwork and that the Partner will be responsible for costs associated with developing this. You may be required to share some of your camera-ready artwork with RTO7 (for the purposes of developing a database of editable signage templates to assist stakeholders in future).

● You will share sign proofs early in the process with RTO7 to confirm sign specifications are being met

● The Partner owns the signs and is responsible for future maintenance, content changes, replacement, etc.

● To ensure timely and constructive execution of the planning and actioning of the project please select one representative only to act as the decision maker and liaison with RTO7 and the signage supplier

● Future funding of partners will in part be determined by timely completion of signage projects

● $1 partner funds are matched by $1 partnership funds, e.g. if you contribute $10,000 you'll end up with a project of $20,000 (including tax)

● Partner minimum contribution is $5,000, to a maximum partner contribution of $75,000  (including tax)


The red asterisks below indicate required fields.

Senior Organization Rep

Note this is the individual with signing authority for the project and ultimate responsibility for the execution and completion of the project if approved. It is this individual that we would send the Agreement to for signature in DocuSign (with a copy to the day to day contact below).

Project Rep

Note this person will be the day-to-day decision maker for the project,  responsible for execution of the project and regular communications with RTO7 and agencies, and should have skills and experience in managing projects of a similar nature as well as available time to devote to the project


Allow at least 6 months (preferably 12 months) from project start (if approved) to signs installed.



Project Budget

This should be 1/2 of the total project cost (including tax)

You will need to send RTO7 this amount in the form of EFT, e-transfer or cheque

The minimum partner contribution for this program is $5,000; the maximum is $75,000 (including tax)


This is the total cost of the project you are applying for including tax (with 1/2 paid by you; 1/2 paid by RTO7)

Please provide the Partner Contribution breakdown ($ including HST) for the following elements of your project (as applicable):


Signage Plan (conducted by qualified third party) ($):

Sign Fabrication (by March 31, 2026) ($):

Installation (may occur no later than June 30, 2026; note that installation by the partner is an ineligible cost as prescribed by the Ministry) ($):

Total Partner Contribution ($) - this should match the Partner Funding Contribution field above

Please indicate how your organization will evaluate the success of the project.


Select at least 2 metrics that are appropriate for your project and that will help determine whether it met expectations.


Please confirm that the following are in place CURRENTLY in order to qualify for funding.


The following links outline some of the requirements you are agreeing to below:


Sign up for RTO7 E-blasts

Sign up for/complete your free Typsy Training


SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

How many times in the past 5 years has your organization received funding support from RTO7's Partnership or Implementation Programs?

Details can be found on the RTO7 Take the Pledge page


Demonstrating your pledge commitment may help strengthen your eligibility for participation in the 2026/27 programs


Details can be found on the RTO7 Employee Turnover Rate page


Collecting and reporting on your Employee Turnover Rate may help strengthen your eligibility for participation in the 2026/27 programs


Please complete the Region 7 Tourism Stakeholder Business Performance & Sustainability Survey


Completion of the above survey may help strengthen your eligibility for participation in the 2026/27 programs


RTO7 has created a toolkit to provide tourism stakeholders with resources and tools to share consistent “Visit Responsibly” messaging across the region. Our goal is to simplify the process of implementation for stakeholders, ultimately leading to a strong, consistent, and unified message in the region to the consumer.


Demonstrating your “Visit Responsibly” messaging may help strengthen your eligibility for participation in the 2026/27 programs


Please outline the ways in which the PROJECT you have proposed meets sustainability criteria - economic, social and/or environmental

Are you applying on behalf of your tourism members or tourism businesses within your catchment? (e.g. a DMO or BIA or municipality)

How many NEW partners are you collaborating with on this project? (i.e. your organization has not partnered with them in past)

What is the anticipated revenue generation potential of this project, and how does it create value for the local economy (e.g. through direct sales, partnerships with local businesses, or attracting high-yield visitors?)

Given your goals, what is the long-term growth potential of this project? Growth is an important part of sustainability, and can come from enhancing the value of your offerings, increasing visitor spend or optimizing operational efficiencies. See the Resource Guide for more suggestions regarding how to achieve long term growth.


Please let us know what areas of growth you're looking at in the next year:

High Medium Low No Growth Potential
Increasing revenues (from point-of-sale or ticketing systems tracking ticket sales, bookings, merchandise, services, etc.)
Increasing spend/visitor
Sustaining/growing the number of jobs
Increasing visitor numbers (in areas with capacity)
Increasing repeat visitation
Improving sentiment and consistency in online reviews/ratings and customer surveys
Balancing seasonality to achieve more consistent growth across seasons vs. limited to peak season
Increasing (positive) engagement on social media platforms (followers, likes, shares, etc.)
Increasing website traffic and online inquiries/bookings
Increase in volume and quality of media coverage (e.g. influencers, travel blogs, news outlets, etc.)
Monitoring recognition from industry organizations for best practices, etc.
Decreasing the impact of tourism on local ecosystems (resources, energy, waste, etc.)
Improving community engagement and benefits to the local community (including partnerships, cultural preservation or jobs)
Increasing visitor awareness of their role and responsibility in sustainability
Introduction (and performance) of new tourism products/experiences
Increasing collaborative offerings with local businesses

Is this project a new experience/offering or are there any new or revitalized elements to it, intended to attract new audiences or provide an enriched experience or otherwise enhanced to ensure continued vibrancy?

Check any of the boxes below that align with your ORGANIZATION'S strategic or aspirational goals (i.e. if you are pursuing or are interested in pursuing longer-term objectives such as those below, we want to recognize your efforts/intent)

Tech Compass is a limited-time offer of expert guidance to navigate and deploy tourism technology

The following links outline some of the requirements you are agreeing to below:


Eligible Sources of Funds

Partnership Program Guidelines


Please type your name below to confirm your acknowledgment and acceptance of the information provided