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The Kenora Hospitality Alliance (Grant Program)

The Kenora Hospitality Alliance (KHA) is an alliance of accommodations working together with tourism partners to make Kenora a year-round destination
The KHA runs formally as an incorporated not-for-profit and has been in existence for over 20 years, historically being the only organization solely representing Kenora’s accommodation sector.

In the past, the KHA has focused on supporting the community through funding for events and other local activities as well as marketing for tourism and places to stay in Kenora. Historically, the KHA has collected its own funds from its members who had voluntarily paid into the KHA in return for marketing and promotional support. The KHA works in collaboration with the City of Kenora, particularly the Tourism and Recreation Department to develop and promote the region as a top destination.

Our main way of giving back to the tourism sector is by providing an opportunity for events to request funding from the KHA. Please click on the funding application link below to see if your event/project are eligible and then to apply. If you have any questions, please email ed@stayinkenora.com.

The KHA has two deadlines for funding approvals.

For events between April 1st – September 30th, you MUST apply by March 31st.

For events between October 1st – March 31st, you MUST apply by September 30th.
2026 KHA Funding Application

How KHA Supports Your Community!

Here are just a few examples of some of the ways we have contributed to Kenora!

LAKE OF THE WOODS MARINA

$10,000
Lake of the Woods Marina is a very dynamic organization led by Scott Green. They took over the concession stand on Coney Island and the KHA was able to fund an event tent for their use.

Kenora Bass International (KBI)

$25,000 (over 5 years)
The KHA was happy to grant $5,000 a year for 5 years to Kenora Bass International. In the first year, the KBI purchased a new fish tank. It is one of the key event weekends in Kenora with international recognition. We have contributed in other years as well.

Kenora Rowing Club Regatta

$5,000
Kenora’s Rowing Club has its base at Rabbit Lake, it’s flat and perfect for rowing. It’s one of the reasons why it now holds one of the annual North West International Association (NWIRA) rowing regattas and why it has sent rowers to the Olympics! KHA was happy to grant money to purchase new communications radios for the regatta.

Lakeside Live

$10,000
Lakeside Live’s mission is to curate an extraordinary event that is becoming an annual tradition, filling the picturesque shores of Lake of the Woods with incredible music, energy, and excitement. KHA has been a big financial supporter of Lakeside Live since its inception. A great event for the younger generation.

The Rotary Club of Kenora

$5,000
KHA is proud to be a supporter of the new fully-accessible playground on Coney Island. What another great addition! Every child in the city will be able to enjoy this new inclusive and accessible playground.

Mt. Evergreen

$25,000 (over 5 years)
KHA is happy to make this long-term commitment to Mt. Evergreen to support the development, maintenance, equipment, and features needed to upgrade and market the Terrain Park and FUNdamentals Freestyle Program.

Kenora Nordic & Biathlon Club

$17,500
The KNBC wanted to illuminate the cross country trails. It was a big project and KHA “Bought” 14 of them, each represented by one of our hotels. It is known as “Hotel Alley”. Happy we can shed some light on those trails!

Opera on the Lake of the Woods

$6,990
This video series produced by TrypTych Concert and Opera features local Northwestern vocal talent singing opera and classical music matched with landmarks and waterscapes on the Lake of the Woods and surrounding area. A very unique and original idea.

TrypTych Concert and Opera

$6,000
TrypTych Concert and Opera presented at 7 Generations institute the uproaringly entertaining operetta HMS Parliament, an 1880 Canadian political satire adapted from Gilbert and Sullivan’s highly popular HMS Pinafore. Performers from across Canada and Kenora fully staged with a professional orchestra.

Harbourfest

$20,000 (annually)
Harbourfest was a mainstay in Kenora and was a tradition like no other, lasting over 35 years! The KHA contributed every year to ensure it was always a success. As time moves on, it has now been rebranded to Shake The Lake. We look forward to what this new energy provides!

Harbourfront Fireworks

$10,000
The KHA has contributed to the spectacular fireworks display on the Harbourfront. It is the pinnacle of summer fun and provides enjoyment for all!

Mudskipper SwimRun Challenge

$5,200
At the same Rabbit Lake location, the SwimRun Challenge takes place. It brings in athletes far and wide to take part in the competition of running and swimming in various distances with the start/finish line at the beautiful Garrow Park.

ArtsFEST

$6,000
The event features artists from all disciplines, including visual, performing and literary arts, outdoor exhibits, performances and presentations for people of all ages. It makes for a wonderful experience including Kiefer, who was a finalist on Canada’s Great Canadian Pottery Show! Our funds helped the new event get off the ground and has been a mainstay ever since!

StayInKenora 100

$2,000
Annually in February, the KHA sponsors their winter snowmachine race! It provides 100 laps of action! It is the ultimate blend of endurance, speed, and focus to see who can reach the finish line first!

Lake of the Woods Speedway

$55,000
Since 2018, when the MAT was implemented, the Lake of the Woods Speedway was one of the first to come forward for funding requests. Since then, the KHA has contributed over $55,000. This has helped them get to where they are today, becoming a year-round venue!

Sunset Trail Riders

$1,500
Providing funds for their map which ultimately gives them funds to ensure the winter trails are perfectly groomed for the snow machines to take full advantage of!

Coney Island Shuttle Service

$5,000
Coney Island is a boat access only location with an incredible beach. Providing funds for a shuttle service to make it accessible and cost friendly for locals and tourists alike is fundamental in ensuring enjoyment for all! If you are interested in visiting the island, check out https://www.lakeofthewoodsmarina.ca/

Vernon Nature Trails

$2,500 + $125,000 (via NOHFC)
Initially, we gave funds to redevelop their aging signage infrastructure but then the opportunity came up to support them through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) grant. This project is still ongoing but includes replacing their old boat dock, expanding their parking lot due to the increased demand, resurfacing the boardwalk, rebuilding the “Lookout 1” approach and staircase, and much more!

Want to get involved?

Fill the Form to be a Donor

Thank You to Our Volunteers!

Thank you to our amazing volunteers at our events and everyone who come out to enjoy the fun!

A job well done, and we already look forward to the next one!

Want to get involved?

If you or your company is interested in getting involved, fill out the Volunteer form.
Fill the Form to be a Volunteer

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